Sailing and Scuba Diving...

[strocube]

Hi guys,
I looked and couldn't find what I was looking for on this board. So, can anyone tell me about any decent place in Phuket or Pattaya where I can charter a small sail boat for the day. Even a hobie cat or its analogue would be okay. I'm not looking for anything fancy, I just wanna sail around a bit, if that's possible.
I also plan on checking out the local dive scene in Phuket, so if anyone of you knows a good reliable dive operation that you could recommend that'd be great too. I'm looking for day trips, not live aboards.
I'll be in the LOS in January, from around the 5th through the 23rd
Thanks,
-J

[RSR]

Can't help on sailing, but diving in Phuket... On the assumption that you are staying in Patong Beach, there are loads of diving shops but the two that spring to mind are Warm Water Divers on Song Roy Pee Road (running parallel to the Beach, but inland - the Patong Beach equivalent to Second Road in Pattaya if that helps), just up and opposite from Christine Massage, a two story building which, when I last saw it  was a revolting shade of pink (and not recommended). This place has the advantage of being on the way to Tootsies (which is recommended).

The second place is Dive the World - its shop moves about and according to their website is also near Christines. This could be an old map because they used to be there and then moved to very palatial premises the other end of town. Anyway, it also gives their phone number.

I've heard good things about Andaman Divers, but never used them. The first two I have used and they were professional.

The only bad news about Patong Beach is that it is a long way from the boat harbour and the dive sites are a long trip away. So be prepared for 7.30 pickups which does tend to reduce my enjoyment of the night life, knowing that I have to be up and sober by then.

If you fancy Samui instead, I'm going to be on Koh Tao for the best part of three months during that time, so drop me a PM and we will meet up.

[EyeMahk]

There are hobie cats on Patong Beach that you can rent by the hour. Sailing in that bay is usually good.

[strocube]

Thanks for the replies and for the offer to meet up, RSR.
I'm not sure yet exactly where I'll be staying, but once I get that sorted I'll send you a PM if I'll be in you area.