Route overview
An indicative Andaman passage
This is the offshore alternative for sailors ready for overnight watches. From Yacht Haven we first sail down Phuket's east coast and around its southern end—there is no assumed shortcut west through the Sarasin Bridge channel. The outward passage spans Days 1–2, followed by local sailing within the Similans. We begin the return on Day 5 and aim to reach Yacht Haven on Day 6, leaving Sunday as a return buffer before 14:00 checkout. Surin and Koh Tachai are not part of this programme. The mapped connecting distance is published honestly and may exceed the general 200-mile target. Park access and permission to remain overnight must be confirmed for the yacht and operating dates.
One loop, day by day
Your route at a glance
Illustrative—not for navigation. Lines are measured planning sketches, not chart-checked tracks or approved anchorages. Basemap: Natural Earth, public domain.
Programme target
Around 200 nm; Similan route slightly higher
Mapped connecting legs
221 nm · ~45h at 5 kn / ~56h at 4 kn
Time estimates exclude stops, briefings, exercises and manoeuvring. Local training miles and optional diversions are not pre-counted. Only the actual sailed track is recorded in your logbook.
- 1
Yacht Haven → Similans · overnight passage begins
Days 1–2: ~101 nm combined · Overnight: At sea · overnight watches
- 2
Arrive in the southern Similans
Days 1–2: ~101 nm combined · Overnight: Southern Similans · permission-dependent
- 3
Southern → northern Similans
~9 nm mapped · Overnight: Northern Similans · permission-dependent
- 4
Northern → southern Similans
~9 nm mapped · Overnight: Southern Similans · permission-dependent
- 5
Similans → Phuket · overnight return begins
Days 5–6: ~101 nm combined · Overnight: At sea · overnight watches
- 6
Round southern Phuket → Yacht Haven
Days 5–6: ~101 nm combined · Overnight: Yacht Haven
- 7
Return buffer, debrief & checkout
Return buffer · no extra miles promised · Overnight: Yacht Haven · checkout
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.
Days 1–2: ~101 nm combinedSettle into the watch system
After preparation and the full safety briefing, sail down the east coast and around southern Phuket before heading northwest. Meals, rest and lookout duties follow the agreed watch system.
This is a substantial overnight passage, not an eleven-hour direct sail west. The combined distance for Days 1–2 is counted once.
Days 1–2: ~101 nm combinedArrive, rest and find your sea legs
Complete the approach in suitable visibility using current charts and park instructions. The arrival position and any overnight mooring or anchorage require permission and skipper approval.
Allow time for rest after the crossing. An island activity is optional; there is no requirement to add a second passage today.
~9 nm mappedWork on careful island pilotage
Use a shorter passage within the island group to practise navigation and sail handling. Review shelter, traffic and park restrictions before every approach.
There may be time for a permitted swim or shore visit once the yacht is secure. No particular buoy or beach is promised.
~9 nm mappedEnjoy the islands and prepare to leave
Return south within the group, with local practice and activities fitted around the weather. Review yacht readiness, provisions and the crew's rest before the homeward crossing.
The skipper may bring the return forward if the forecast requires more margin.
Days 5–6: ~101 nm combinedBegin the homeward passage
Leave on the agreed return window, maintain the watch routine and monitor progress towards southern Phuket. This passage continues into Day 6.
Keep an alternative coastal stop in the plan; do not turn the Sunday checkout into a reason to press on in unsuitable conditions.
Days 5–6: ~101 nm combinedComplete the crossing and return to base
Continue around the southern end of Phuket, up the east coast and into Yacht Haven. Coordinate the final approach with the marina and the skipper's local pilotage plan.
The aim is to be secured at the marina today, with time to rest before checkout. Days 5–6 share one combined passage distance.
Return buffer · no extra miles promisedFinish without a rushed final crossing
Keep Sunday available for a delayed arrival, logbooks, packing and handover. Checkout is by 14:00. No island excursion or additional mileage is promised today.
A late-running passage must trigger the skipper's contingency plan; this buffer does not make a marginal forecast acceptable.