Welcome to Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket Thailand
Since the Buddhist blessing ceremony in August 2008 marking the soft opening of Ao Po Grand Marina (APGM), thrusting forward in high gear has been the only speed pursued. In an article by journalist Jo Cooney for SeaYachting, speculation said, “When fully completed the marina will be the island’s most spectacular and important marina development to date.” That thought is precisely accurate. Growing from a 200-berth marina to the current 300 berths, APGM is one of the top features of Phuket’s marine leisure industry.
Privately funded by Premchai Karnasuta (CEO of Italian Thai Plc) and a group of unnamed Thai partners, the project is being supervised by Managing Director Kasem Chiarasomboon. Khun Kasem, who was one of the major planners of Phuket Boat Lagoon may not have much time for his much-loved game-fishing and boating. He is hands-on now and has been from the conception of Ao Po Grand Marina. The Marina and facilities were the first phase of this larger project. Marina Living Phuket – exclusive residences at Phuket’s best Marina followed overlooking the marina along with Port of Call and d’ deck eateries and bars. Service shops are located on the hardstand and on the ground level of Marina Living.
In keeping with the spacious theme of the overall development, marina berths are larger than usual with 4.6m wide walkways along the docks, while on the north and east – 10m wide walkways are the norm. Berths accommodate yachts up to 100+ metres. The sizeable 50m wide entrance into the marina is marked with navigation lights. Inside the marina basin, docking depths are up to 3m, while on the seaward side of the outer docks 7m is the lowest low Chart Datum (CD).
Dockside, the 16 amp to 400 amp electrical system uses 3-phase power and single-phase power. Underground fuel tanks hold up to 60,000 litres of diesel and 20,000 litres of gasoline. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the property. The Marina team are friendly and accommodating. Motorcycle ‘samlors’, push buggies and motorised carts are at the ready. In the unlikely event that you do not readily see one of the uniformed dock team, kindly radio on VHF or telephone the office for assistance.
The ramp allows for launching and haul-outs of boats up to 100 feet using the Roodberg 47 ton trailer-lift or the 80 ton, 100 foot Roodberg trailer-lift for larger, deeper draft vessels. The paved hardstand accommodates 80 boats.
The Marina is shielded with the best protection from swells and weather. The well-engineered breakwater on the outer northeast and east sides has allowed for more dockage space accommodating bigger yachts, while quieting the waters for the entire 300 berths.
Ao Po Grand Marina, at the gateway to spectacular Phang Nga Bay could not be more perfectly located. In addition to the jutting, limestone karsts as a backdrop, the Marina has been meticulously manicured into an impeccable oasis of nature with planned textures and greenery around the entire property. Best yet is that yachts come and go at leisure due to 24-hour access and zero tide restrictions. Khun Kasem likes to jest saying, “there is no need to stock tide tables at the marina office.”
A Warm Welcome from the entire Ao Po Grand Marina Team
