Route overview
An indicative Andaman passage
This passage-focused Mile Builder links Phuket Yacht Haven Marina with Langkawi and targets approximately 400 nautical miles. Rather than stopping at every island, the programme deliberately includes several passages of 60 nautical miles or more, sustained watchkeeping and meaningful responsibility for navigation and life aboard. The southbound plan reaches Langkawi on Day 6 via Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and the Butang–Adang–Rawi area. Two days are allocated to Langkawi for arrival and departure formalities, yacht checks, provisioning, rest and local exploration. The return passage begins on Day 8 and aims to reach Yacht Haven on Day 13 night or Day 14 morning, leaving the final day as a genuine weather, clearance and operational buffer. The route remains indicative: forecasts, sea state, park access, crew development and current Thai and Malaysian clearance requirements determine the final passage plan and mileage logged.
Day by day
Indicative passage plan
Each day is a planning framework, not a promise of a particular anchorage or activity. At five knots, a 50-mile leg requires roughly ten hours underway before pilotage and manoeuvring.
Approx. 40 nmBegin with a substantial coastal passage
Meet the instructor and crew, complete the yacht and safety briefing, review the two-week passage plan and prepare the boat for sustained life aboard.
- Depart Phuket Yacht Haven after the passage and weather briefing
- Establish the watch system, navigation log and rotating onboard duties
- Refresh helming, sail handling, lookout and crew communication
- Complete arrival pilotage into the selected Phi Phi anchorage
The opening passage immediately establishes the expedition as an active Mile Builder rather than a sightseeing cruise.
Approx. 25 nmContinue south toward Koh Lanta while developing confidence in passage preparation, sail selection and progress monitoring.
- Produce a crew-led weather and route briefing
- Rotate helming, navigation and skipper-of-the-watch roles
- Practise position fixing and estimated-time-of-arrival updates
- Use the evening anchorage to prepare the longer southern passage
Time ashore is secondary to the sailing and preparation programme.
Approx. 10 nmUse a shorter sailing day to prepare the crew and yacht for the first 60+ nautical-mile passage.
- Review the forecast, alternatives, hazards and fuel margin
- Check safety equipment, navigation lights and watch arrangements
- Practise anchoring, manoeuvring and pilotage around Koh Lanta
- Rest, provision and prepare meals for the following full day underway
If conditions favour an earlier departure, the instructor may redistribute mileage between Days 3 and 4.
Approx. 65 nmThe first principal mileage day carries the yacht deep into the southern Andaman.
- Maintain a sustained watch and complete navigation log
- Rotate helm, lookout, navigation and domestic responsibilities
- Monitor weather and revise the arrival plan as conditions develop
- Approach the Butang–Adang–Rawi island group and select a safe anchorage
At an average of five knots, this leg represents approximately thirteen hours underway and may include sailing in darkness when the instructor considers it appropriate and safe.
Approx. 10 nmExplore a limited part of the island group before positioning at Koh Lipe for the international passage.
- Practise close island pilotage and anchorage assessment
- Complete any planned swimming or snorkelling stop
- Prepare passports, manifests and yacht documents
- Confirm Thai departure and Malaysian arrival arrangements
Clearance locations and timings are reconfirmed through the school's appointed agent before every international departure.
Approx. 35 nmComplete the southbound international passage and reach Langkawi on Day 6.
- Finalise the international passage and arrival pilotage plan
- Cross from Thailand into Malaysian waters
- Secure the yacht at the confirmed marina or authorised anchorage
- Complete Malaysian arrival formalities with the skipper
The crew then begins the planned two-day Langkawi midpoint for rest, yacht checks, provisioning and formalities.
Approx. 0 nmKeep a full day available in Langkawi rather than treating the international destination as a brief fuel stop.
- Inspect the yacht, engine, sails and safety equipment
- Refill fuel, water and provisions as required
- Review the southbound leg and prepare the return strategy
- Rest or explore Langkawi when operational work is complete
Short local boat handling may be undertaken, but no mileage is promised for this day.
Approx. 35 nmClear out of Malaysia and begin the northbound passage back into Thai waters.
- Complete departure and return-passage documentation
- Rotate command, helming and navigation responsibilities
- Complete Thai arrival formalities at the instructed port of entry
- Position the yacht for the following long northbound leg
Formalities may absorb much of the day, so the overnight anchorage remains flexible.
Approx. 60 nmThe crew plans and executes the principal northbound mileage passage with greater independence.
- Deliver the weather, route and safety briefing
- Maintain a disciplined watch and navigation log
- Manage meals, fatigue and crew changes during a full day underway
- Complete arrival pilotage and anchoring around Koh Rok
The instructor retains safe alternatives when weather, park access or crew condition makes Koh Rok unsuitable.
Approx. 60 nmContinue north on another sustained offshore leg toward the Racha Islands.
- Apply lessons from the previous 60-mile passage
- Improve sail trim, course keeping and watch handovers
- Monitor traffic, weather and the developing arrival window
- Plan the final approach using clearing bearings and contingency anchorages
Together, Days 9 and 10 provide the core extended-passage experience of the return journey.
Approx. 20 nmA shorter recovery passage allows the crew to consolidate pilotage, anchoring and skipper-of-the-day responsibilities.
- Review fatigue management and the condition of the yacht
- Practise sail changes and accurate coastal navigation
- Complete arrival pilotage in busier island waters
- Prepare the final approach toward Phuket Yacht Haven
The instructor may extend this leg if additional mileage or a different weather window is useful.
Approx. 25 nmReturn toward Phuket's northeastern cruising grounds while progressively transferring responsibility to suitable students.
- Plan waypoints, tidal considerations and expected arrival time
- Monitor traffic and apply the collision regulations
- Select a final-night anchorage with a safe route to Yacht Haven
- Review outstanding training and mileage objectives
The intention is to place the yacht within a manageable final passage of the marina.
Approx. 15 nmAim to return to Yacht Haven during Day 13 or, where safe and operationally useful, during the evening.
- Complete a final student-led pilotage plan
- Secure the yacht, inspect equipment and identify maintenance needs
- Review logbooks, mileage, night hours and individual development
- Retain Day 14 as protection against weather, clearance or technical delay
The published plan does not depend on a last-minute arrival immediately before student travel.
Approx. 0 nmDay 14 is deliberately protected as an operational buffer.
- Complete the final approach if Yacht Haven was not reached on Day 13
- Allow for weather, international formalities or an earlier technical delay
- Conduct the full crew debrief and confirm mileage actually completed
- Clean, secure and hand over the yacht before checkout
No island stop or additional mileage is promised on the buffer day. Safety and a reliable return to the base take priority.