Tawan Sea Adventures, which already runs a couple of very high end speed boats, has added a new dimension. Yes, you get to visit islands and take in the sights, swim or snorkel. But the boat trip itself is also high-octane entertainment. Instead of “getting on the bus”, passengers get the ride of their lives.

Who said the days of the tall ships were over? Aboard the yacht Montigne you can taste sailing life in real style.

The eighth Phuket International Boat Show, still known by its origional initials, PIMEX, opened this morning at the Royal Phuket Marina with 86 exhibitors on the water and in the exhibition hall, a record number for the eight-year-old show. The total value of the boats on display exceeded 3 billion baht, said organisers Informa Yacht Group.

Ray Roberts’ Evolution captured the silverware in the 24th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, but the event will most likely be remembered for the violent weather that dumped a dozen or more boats on the beach at Kata.

The Phuket International Boat Show (known as Pimex) keeps growing. And the boats on show keep getting bigger and more gorgeous. Topping this year’s list is the new Sunseeker 40-metre, which wowed the crowds when it was first seen at the Southampton International Boat Show in the UK in September.

The Topper Sail Phuket sailing school and Phuket Sunshine Village (PSV) are looking for a sponsor or sponsors to make a dream come true for a group of orphans from the village.

Nineteen boats are so far signed up for the “fun” regatta – the annual Phang Nga Bay Regatta, which goes under the gun on February 4.

The 2010 Phuket International Marine Expo (PIMEX) is expected to attract over 75 local and international exhibitors and over 4,000 visitors.

Eight of the internationally popular, fast, Tasar dinghies will appear for the first time at this year’s Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

EXCLUSIVE: Phuket is to get three hydrofoils to whisk passengers out to Phi Phi, Krabi, Lanta or the Similans.