Hong Kong was selected at the International Governing Committee (IGC) Meeting held on Saturday, 4 June in San Diego where over 80 yachts from 11 countries are currently competing in the 2011 Etchells Worlds.

Commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Ambrose Lo, was thrilled to hear the news:

“This is very exciting news for both the Club and the fleet. The RHKYC is proud to be associated with the International Etchells class and is well positioned to support this event, both on and off the water.”

The International Etchells Class has been the yacht of choice for many of the world’s most famous sailors. Dennis Connor and John Bertrand, both winners of the Americas Cup, are active Etchells sailors and the fleet continues to attract helmsmen and tacticians from the America’s Cup and other famous fleets.

John Breen, Hong Kong Etchells Governor added:

“I am looking forward to welcoming competitive local sailors to our fleet in the run up to what promises to be a top class Regatta.”

Hong Kong last hosted the Etchells Worlds in 1997 when Paul-Ricard Hoj-Jensen took first place.

Dates are yet to be finalised for 2015 but the proposed timing is for the first week in November.

Etchells race in Hong Kong’s iconic harbour. (Pic: RHKYC/Koko Mueller) Additional pic Artiemeans.com

Organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), this is the first time that the 350nm from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung has been contested as a Category 1 Offshore race, however two of the competitors, Polar Star III and Tipsy Frenz, have completed the route as a Rally in previous years and are big supporters of the decision to upgrade the event to a race.

“Great oaks from little acorns grow” said a press release from the RHKYC who added that they hope that from the five pioneering boats on the start line for the inaugural Taiwan Strait Race, a much larger fleet grows over time.

Race Officer Jimmy Farquhar elected to start the fleet from Hung Hom, with a 8 to 10 knot easterly available all the way through the harbour and beyond Lei Yue Mun gap.

As the committee boat watched the transoms disappear up the Harbour attention turned to the Yellowbrick tracking carried by the boats, which will update their positions at 30 minute intervals and allow shore based family, friends and sailors to follow the fleet’s progress. At 1300hrs on Saturday, Ambush was already close to clearing the Eastern approaches and setting course for Pedro Blanco.

The first radio position report was taken at 1800hrs, Those interested in the Race can watch the fleet’s progress via Yellowbrick tracking at http://live.adventuretracking.com/hkt2011

The race will start this Saturday 21 May 2011, and needless to say, Howzit-HongKong.com (a long-time Northern Taiwan resident a few years ago) will be there to send the sailors off on this ground-breaking race.

In 2008, the RHKYC began to explore new, nearby venues for offshore racing. Taiwan Strait Race Chairman, Andy Lam, recalls “…to the north, the Club already had a race to Xiamen, west to Macau and St. John and south to the Philippines, Hainan and Vietnam. We therefore thought that we should do something to the east and so it was agreed that we would race to Taiwan.”

Following a meeting in Kaohsiung with representatives from the Chinese Taipei Sailing Association and Kaohsiung city officials, a Hong Kong to Kaohsiung rally was held in 2009 and again in 2010.

“Following the successful rallies, RHKYC decided to run an official offshore race to Kaohsiung. We are all delighted and I hope that the Taiwan Strait race grows from this inaugural event into an annual or biennial fixture on the Club sailing calendar” adds Andy Lam.

Kaohsiung is a major sailing destination on the Taiwan sailing scene (Pic: Udn.com)

The offshore race is followed by the Dapeng Bay International Regatta which is organised by the Chinese Taipei Sailing Association – a standalone three-day event consisting of a coastal race from Kaohsiung to Dapeng Bay, a day of racing in Dapeng Bay then a return coastal race to Kaohsiung to complete the Regatta.

The Taiwan Strait Race 2011 is organised and conducted by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) with assistance and support from Kaohsiung City Government (KCG) and the Chinese Taipei Sailing Association (CTSA).

Here’s A-Mei Chang 張惠妹 saying Naruwan. Welcome to Taiwan.

Organisers have revealed that Qingdao, the fourth largest manufacturing port in the country and known as the City of Sailing, will be the official host Chinese venue to Act 2 to be staged between 13th to 17th April.

The Extreme Sailing Series Race Village will be located in Fushan Bay, which was also the home of the Olympic Village in 2008, and will be open to the public between the 15th to 17th April when the 11-boat Extreme 40 fleet will race inside the bay right in front of the spectators [13th-14th April are ‘open water’ days when the fleet will be racing outside of Fushan Bay.

Masirah Oman at the Extreme Sailing Series in Hong Kong (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Goodbye Hong Kong

In November 2009, Howzit-HongKong happily reported that the “Formula One of Sailing” the Extreme Sailing Series” was coming to the waters of Victoria Harobour, Hong Kong.

While we thoroughly enjoyed the event and even got to wet our feet on one of the craft, the Hong Kong-leg turned out to be a less-than-expected spectator event.  At the time, the wind in the Harbour was not sufficient and the races had to be moved (at the last minute) to further out to Kowloon Bay, in the region of old Kai Tak Airport. This being Hong Kong, the fact that it took place in the week was always going to count against it.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Mainland China has been chosen to replace Hong Kong as the preferred Chinese venue for this exciting event.

Qingdao, after all, has the profile and (Olympic sailing) infrastructure to make this event the spectator event that it needs.

Qingdao, China

Act 2, 15th – 17th April (13th-14th ‘open-water’ racing)

Now known as the City of Sailing, Qingdao’s became the host venue for sailing for Beijing’s 2008 Olympic Games boosting its profile to an international audience. Perfectly located on the Southeast peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is now China’s premier sailing destination with first class facilities at its International Sailing Center.

Originally opened to tourism in 1984 the city now attracts 15 million visitors a year and is the fourth largest manufacturing port in the country. Framed by miles of golden sandy beaches, combined with steady winds that make it a perfect racing location.

Qingdao is a city steeped in China’s 20th century history. Now a tourism hotspot in China, the sprawling city has a population of 7.5 million and a vibrant economy. The Downtown skyline can rival that of any major city with an impressive array of cultures, cuisines, and lively nightlife. Tsingato, the most popular beer in China operates their headquarters and main brewery in Qingdao. The brewery is open to visitors who can take a tour around the oldest working brewery in China, whilst the brewery can be observed in action and guests can enjoy the beer tasting afterwards!

2011 Calendar & Host Venues:

Act 1: 22-24 February, Muscat, Oman (20-21 ‘open-water’ racing*)

Act 2: 15-17 April, Qingdao, China (13-14 ‘open-water’ racing)

Act 3: 27-29 May, Istanbul, Turkey (25-26 ‘open-water’ racing)

Act 4: 30 June – 4 July, Boston, USA (all days public event)

Act 5: 6-12 August, Cowes, UK (all days public event)

Act 6: 16-18 September, Trapani, Italy (14-15 ‘open-water’ racing)

Act 7: 30 September – 2 October, Nice, France (28-29 ‘open-water’ racing)

Act 8: 12-16 October, Almeria, Spain (all days public event)

Act 9: 9-11 December, Singapore (7-8 ‘open-water’ racing)

Here’s some action from Day 1 of the Hong Kong event:

Hong Kong’s largest and most inclusive sailing event got underway in the morning, featuring a packed start line of over 200 boats, a record 15 Outrigger Canoes and one Offshore Rowing Boat.

The sailboat fleet featured all types of sailing boats, with the largest classes being the 29 IRC Cruisers, 45 HKPN Cruisers and 17 Hobie 16’s, with a notable fleet of 14 Impala heading the list of one-design keelboats.

Mr Lui Rui Jin, Chairman of ZOKE, fired the 0825hrs warning signal to get the start sequences underway on both inner and outer start lines, with start sequences culminating with the F18 fleet at 0950hrs.

The sight of over 200 sailboats heading East to Lei Yue Mun never fails to impress, even in a slight haze, however the paddlers mounted an impressive display to reach the Convention Centre in Victoria Harbour by the time the boats had disappeared to the East.

The RHKYC’s Around the Island Race (Pic: ZOKE / Fragrant Harbour)

In the Mixed Division, Hong Kong Outrigger Canoe Club (HKOCC) won in 4hrs 08m 45s, while in the Women’s Division, Hong Kong Island Paddling Club (HKIPC) took the title in 4 hrs 30m 23s. The blue riband event saw the Men’s trophy lifted by HKIPC ‘A’ crew in 3hrs 44m 40s.

Meanwhile, back on the race track, Race Officer Jimmy Farquhar was making a considered decision to shorten the course at Green Island , to spare boats the pain of landing in several holes in the area of Western. This proved to be an astute decision, as the breeze fluctuated between 0 – 6 knots all afternoon in the area between Cyberport and Sheung Wan.

There was a close-run finish on the water, with Mark Thornburrow taking the line honours gun in 3h 42m 32s with his F18 Hobie Tiger, just ahead of the Isler/Taylor owned Mills 41 ‘Ambush’, who took monohull line honours.

It was definitely a day to suit the Dinghies, with the Flying Fifteens taking the first four places on corrected time, ahead of 470, Ruffian and Etchells. Provisional results show that at the poolside Prizegiving tomorrow night (Monday) the La Cigale Trophy for the overall winner will be lifted by David Chow, with Hillary King receiving the Lady Godiva Trophy for first lady helm.

Top 5 on Elapsed Time [Provisional Results]

(Class, Sail Number, Boat Name, Skipper) 

 F18 2225 — (Mark Thornburrow)

 Cruiser HKG2208 Ambush (Joachim Isler/Drew Taylor)

 SBR HKG028 Fly By Wire (Frank Van Kempen)

 F18 1891 I Am No Angel (JC Broyelle)

 SBR ’064 Merlin (Steve Bourne)

Top 10  on corrected time [Provisional Results]

(Class, Sail Number, Boat Name, Skipper) 

 FF15 HKG3701 Puff ‘N Stuff (David Chow)

 FF15 HKG3830 Squiffy (Howard Williams)

 FF15 HKG3500 Fatal Attraction (Tom Sheppard)

 FF15 HKG3722 Noisy Forefather (Sam Chan)

 470 HKG88 Little Dragon (Mike Halkes)

 Ruffian HKG515 Victory 9 (Li Fook Hing)

 Etchells GBR1333 Swedish Blue (Ante Razmilovic)

 J/80 HKG2235 J Chi (Jonny Hodgson)

Dragon HKG46 Davinloong (Lowell Chang)

 FF15 HKG3882 — (Jin Ogawa)

The RHKYC’s Around the Island Race (Pic: ZOKE / Fragrant Harbour)

However, on Sunday the huge ship’s return to its berth in Tsim Sha Tsui was noticeably delayed.  I was watching the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Autumn Regatta in the harbour when I noticed the Star Cruises vessel SuperStar Aquarius trying to make it’s way through a throng of sailboats.

It was only upon reading The Standard on Monday morning that I learned about the reason for the cruise-ship’s late return.

The Standard reported:

A 51-year-old mainlander jumped off a 13-deck “floating casino” off Sai Kung after losing HK$5 million playing baccarat.

The gambler, identified by police only as Xu, made his fatal leap off the Star Cruises vessel SuperStar Aquarius as it sailed back to Hong Kong from international waters shortly before 9am yesterday.

Rescuers searched for Xu for almost an hour before fishing him out of the water. He was certified dead by the ship’s doctor.

Xu apparently boarded the ship on Saturday for a two-day gambling trip. He was seen betting at the baccarat table right after dinner.

According to several passengers, he gambled until closing at 8am yesterday and lost almost HK$5 million.

He was seen wandering on the deck for about an hour before jumping. Crew were alerted immediately that a man was overboard. The captain sent a rescue team and notified the Hong Kong authorities.

Superstar Acquarius makes its way through a busy Victoria Harbour. (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The Club’s Autumn opener  is traditionally held in September, a month when it is impossible to predict if the event will enjoy the north east monsoon of autumn, or the tail end of the summer south westerlies. It is not unknown for the entire Regatta to be scuppered by a passing typhoon.

However, Race Officer Inge Strompf-Jepsen on Day 1 took a glass-half-full view of the available breeze for Race 1, getting the 110 starters in 11 classes underway in 35 degree heat, 5 knots of Westerly breeze and blazing sunshine, with all the fleets selecting Course 71, which kept the fleets in sight of the Club for the afternoon.

After light winds on Day 1, Day 2 delivered on the promised lift in breeze, with an 8-10 knot westerly blowing for the start of Race 2.

Race Officer Inge Strompf-Jepsen once again gave the bar crowd a treat, sending the fleets away from a Club start on a course using the western end of the race area. While the short course suited most of the fleets, Jelik 3 was left hanging around waiting for Race 3 for longer than she was racing, however this did not seem to dampen her spirits.

The Sunday turnout of 90 boats enjoyed up to 16 knots for their final race, taking in the eastern end of the race area. After a weekend of varied conditions (and varied sailing) just one protest was taken to the room before a lively Prizegiving was hosted on RHKYC Main Lawn.

Star Ferries steams past Hung Hom as Victoria Harbour fills with sails (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The opening Regatta of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s 2010-2011 sailing season will take place this weekend in Victoria Harbour, a prime venue for yacht racing in Hong Kong since the first harbour regatta was held in 1849.

Open to entrants from all of Hong Kong’s sailing clubs, with over 100 keelboats expected to compete in eleven classes, including the brand new J/80 class, RHKYC Autumn Regatta 2010 features three races over two days and is set against Hong Kong’s stunning Victoria Harbour backdrop.

The start line and courses will be set on the day by the Race Officer, Inge Strompf-Jepsen, her selection being influenced by wind and tidal conditions. On Saturday the Cruiser class starts the action at 1355 hrs, while Race 2 starts at 1120 hrs on Sunday, with Race 3 to follow.

Stay close to Howzit-HongKong for all the latest on the Hong Kong sailing season.

The World Sailing Teams Association, Louis Vuitton and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) have announced that preparations for the proposed “Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong” will no longer continue.

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has been instrumental in the promotion and organisation of this unique event and regrets that it has been cancelled.

The world-class sailing event involving America ’s Cup Class boats and racing teams was scheduled to be held on Victoria Harbour in January 2011.

However, it has become clear that many of the teams involved will now be focusing their resources on their preparations for the next America ’s Cup. A draft Protocol, which defines the terms for the 34th America ’s Cup, was released in recent weeks and includes between five and seven events in each of 2011 an 2012. This has made the Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong schedule unfeasible to maintain for some of the competing teams.

The Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong had been supported by the Hong Kong Government with an offer of funding from the Mega Event Fund and use of the new Pier 10 site in Central as a Race Village which was to be open to the public, free of charge. With the event in the planning stage only, no Mega Event Funding has been accessed and no work has been undertaken at Pier 10.

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, as on-water co-ordinator and one of the three organisers of the event, remains optimistic that other international sailing events will be staged in Hong Kong in the future.

“The Louis Vuitton Trophy had the potential to place Hong Kong on the map as a host city for major world class sailing events. The Club appreciates the tremendous level of Government support we have received in this attempt to bring the Louis Vuitton Trophy to Hong Kong . We remain confident that sailing regatta organisers will continue to consider the city and its harbour as a prospective venue in the future,” said Warwick Downes, Chairman of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s organising committee.

The America’s Cup winner, BMW ORACLE Racing, has indicated to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club an interest in staging an America’s Cup Championship event in Asia and will look at Hong Kong as a potential venue in that context.

“Should this happen, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club remains happy to assist.” Warwick Downes added.

Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, Yves Carcelle, who worked behind the scenes to provide support for the event said: ” Hong Kong , with its wonderful harbour and city skyline, would have made a superb venue for the Louis Vuitton Trophy and I hope that, in the near future, we can support the staging of an event of this caliber here.”

Read our story on the Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong here

This is what we are missing out on:

Yesterday, it was T-shirts, shorts and big smiles today for the first day of the RHKYC Spring Regatta. 

Sunshine and 18 knots of easterly breeze were provided to blow away the cobwebs during the around-the-cans race in the Eastern waters of the Harbour. Given the faultless conditions, the Race Officer, Simon Boyde, selected a Club start, treating spectators on the balcony to the sight of 93 boats in eight starts.

 Day 2 of the RHKYC’s Spring Regatta, Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Continues below:

Guy Newell captured some of yesterday’s action in this slideshow: