Route overview
An indicative Andaman passage
This is the most accessible of our featured multi-day routes and a strong first Mile Builder. Starting and finishing at Phuket Yacht Haven, it moves from the sheltered limestone waters around Koh Yao and Phang Nga Bay to Krabi, Phi Phi and the clearer open water around Racha. The direct waypoint plan is about 133 nautical miles, with approximately 125–145 nautical miles expected once the final pilotage plan and actual sailed track are considered. Coastal navigation, anchoring, sail handling and watchkeeping remain central; sightseeing stops are included only when conditions and progress allow.
Route map
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. 17 nmSettle into the yacht and the crew
- Meet at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina for the yacht, safety and passage briefing
- Allocate helming, lookout, navigation and onboard responsibilities
- Sail southeast through the sheltered waters east of Phuket
- Practise basic sail trim, steering and position monitoring
- Anchor off Koh Yao Noi at a location selected for the forecast
Koh Yao Noi may provide an opportunity for a simple meal ashore, but the first priority is establishing safe onboard routines.
Approx. 29 nmPilot through limestone cruising grounds
- Review tides, charted depths, hazards and the day's pilotage plan
- Sail among the karsts of Phang Nga Bay, with Koh Panak or a nearby hong used when access and tide permit
- Rotate navigation and helm duties through confined coastal waters
- Continue toward Koh Hong or another sheltered Krabi-area anchorage
Kayaking or cave exploration is optional and depends on safe access, available time and the Mile Builder's training objectives.
Approx. 27 nmMove from coastal pilotage into open water
- Depart the Krabi islands and pass the dramatic limestone coast near Railay
- Continue southwest toward Phi Phi while practising course keeping and progress checks
- Update the estimated arrival time and prepare the approach plan
- Take a permitted mooring or anchor in a bay selected for the conditions
A Railay shore stop is possible only if progress, weather and anchorage conditions make it sensible.
Approx. 26 nmBuild confidence on a longer open-water leg
- Prepare the route and weather briefing before departure
- Rotate the helm, lookout and navigation log during the passage
- Practise sail selection and reefing decisions as conditions require
- Complete arrival pilotage into a suitable Racha anchorage
Swimming or snorkelling may be possible after the yacht is secure. No particular bay or shore visit is guaranteed.
Approx. 34 nmComplete the principal return passage
- Make an early start for the longest continuous leg of the programme
- Maintain watches, navigation records and regular progress checks
- Plan the final approach around Phuket and into Yacht Haven
- Secure the yacht, debrief the passage and record mileage actually completed
At an average of five knots, this leg requires roughly seven hours underway before manoeuvring and pilotage. The instructor may shorten or alter an earlier stop to protect the return window.