The trip photos from our March 2026 Thailand Global Destination were unmistakable: limestone karsts piercing cerulean skies, vibrant sunrises, and water so turquoise that it looks like a painting. As any seasoned member of the Modern Sailing community knows, a flotilla is about more than just a passive view. It's about the grit, the technical pivots, the creative solutions, and the resilience that bonds crew together in an expedition.
Leadership at the Helm
This expedition was anchored by a stellar leadership team. Captain Robert Bivin, our Trip Leader, praised by participants for his great leadership, supported by First Mate Holly Willias. Particularly during early morning sails, his tireless work keeping the record-breaking 7-boat fleet (our largest ever!) functional and safe. Aboard the second MSC Club boat was First Mate Brian Miller supporting Skipper Eric Wittig, whose professionalism and storytelling earned him "top-notch" marks from his crew.
Eric noted that international sailing always invites "the opportunity for creative solutions." In one display of maritime ingenuity, Eric managed a broken thermocouple by using a book from the boat's library to maintain pressure on a control knob, proving that a sailor’s best tool is often their own resourcefulness.
Eric's stack of books to remedy a broken thermocoupler | Trip Leader - Captain Robert Bivin | Captain Eric Wittig always has a lesson to share
From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: The Journey
The itinerary spanned a breathtaking range of the Andaman Sea, including Koh Hong, Railay Beach, Khlong Dao Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Nai Harn Beach, and Koh Yao Yai.
Frequest Global Destination traveler Alisa Driscoll highlighted the perfect balance between time underway and exploration ashore. "Each location offered something unique," she shared, noting that the dramatic cliffs of Railay and the vibrant local culture of the islands provided a stunning backdrop for swimming and snorkeling.
Building Community Through "Provision Swapping"
A Modern Sailing flotilla is as much about the people as it is about the destination. The trip kicked off with a complimentary welcoming reception at a local family restaurant, introducing the group to a generous and delicious Thai cuisine buffet.
One of the most cherished moments was the "Happy Hour" hosted aboard the Trip Leader’s catamaran on the third day. "Familiar and new faces alike enjoyed getting better acquainted," said Alisa. "No one was a stranger as we shared experiences, some provision swapping, and anticipation for the next day’s adventures".
Skills That Travel
For those wondering if local training on the Bay translates to exotic waters, the answer is a resounding yes. When asked which skills were most vital in Thailand, Eric Wittig pointed directly to anchoring, mooring, and systems management: the very core of our day-to-day clinics and courses at Modern Sailing.
Pro-Tips for Future Flotilla Travelers
As we look ahead to future Global Destinations, our participants offered some excellent advice:
1. Embrace the "Grit": Sailing in exotic locations is a dream, but it's the bumps and pivots that make the destination feel earned.
2. Cultural Depth: Incorporating optional cultural or guided local experiences, such as village visits or food tours, can add significant depth to the trip.
3. Research Matters: While Modern provides extensive resources, doing your own "shore excursion diligence" helps in preparing and setting expectations for island timing and reservations.
4. The Heart of the Trip
As Alisa beautifully put it, "Every country I visit, I leave a piece of my heart". The 2026 Thailand Flotilla was a testament to the generosity of the Thai people and the enduring spirit of our sailing community.
Ready to sign up for our next destination? Our 2027 Global Destinations adventure is scheduled for Belize May 01 - 11, 2027!
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