The Covid-19 pandemic, which is currently hitting the world, has posed some challenges to Ocean Marina Yacht Club, especially the marina, as it is used frequently by sailing enthu-

siasts, both local and foreign (pre-Covid) as it is convenient distance from Bangkok.

This time of the year, Ocean Marina Yacht Club traditionally would normally have several foreign yachts visiting, and the yacht charter businesses would have been very busy taking tourists to the many beautiful islands just off Pattaya beach. Since the Covid restrictions have been placed, sailing activities have slowed down but fortunately for the boat owners who wanted to sail at the gulf, there are no restrictions going out. Fortunately, with thanks to Matthew and the TYBA, the Thailand government granted permission to overseas yachts to enter Thailand, with two entry points; Pattaya, just off Ocean Marina Yacht Club and Phuket. Since November last year, Ocean Marina has welcomed on average, one boat every month since then.

Additionally, boat owners took advantage of this time to repair and renovate their boats. The boat building factories in the marina such as Seacat Ships, Powerplay, and Serenity are busy building new boats. Seacat Ships are building 3 new aluminum catamarans, being a 22m, which are going to be launched later this year. Powerplay are building new fiber glass catamaran.

During this time, Ocean Marina has taken advantage of the quiet time, by deep cleaning and upgrading the surroundings of the mari- na. Ocean Marina has invested in two new defibrillators (a device that gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is
in cardiac arrest). One is mounted on the front of the marina office, and the other one onboard Ocean Marina’s charter boats. Ocean Marina also began to offer disinfection services that use the best quality solution that effectively kills 99.5% of viruses and bacteria, yet safe for humans, animals, and the environment. It is available for boats, mini offices, shops, and condos at affordable rates.

Ocean Marina’s youth sailing has continued, with the Optimist sailors spending time with their dinghies on weekends, practicing and getting ready for the coming regattas in the near future. Surely a fun way for these kids to break their weariness of online learning. And of course, boat owners and sailors have regularly sailed on weekends to beat the boredom of the Covid-19 restrictions.