The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Etchells Association will host the Etchells World Championships in November 2015.
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
The inaugural Taiwan Straits Race set off from outside my window in Hung Hom yesterday (Saturday, 21 May 2011)
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 Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) this week announced details of the inaugural Taiwan Strait Race, a 350nm Category One Offshore Race across the South China Sea from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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.
While some of the world’s top golfers were dueling at the 2010 UBS Hong Kong Open in Sheung Shui yesterday, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club hosted their Zoke Around the Island race.
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.
Despite news that tropical storm Fanapi may affect the Hong Kong weather, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s first race of the Autumn sailing season kicked off in Victoria Harbour yesterday.
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)
As a new-ish convert to sailing, especially here in Victoria Harbour, Howzit-HongKong is happy to announce the start of the Autumn sailing season.
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.
Typing this in my apartment in Hung Hom Bay, directly across from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Kellett Island HQ, I can see that Day 2 of the annual Spring Regatta is in full swing. Judging from the angle of some of the boats, it looks as if they are again experiencing great conditions for some exciting sailing.
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:
While I am typing this, Victoria Harbour seen through my window, is awash with billowing sails where the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is hosting their annual Spring Regatta. Judging from the trees below and the sails in the harbour, the Regatta is is full swing.
Across the harbour at the Hong Kong Football Club, the Asian 5Nations rugby tournament is also in full swing with Hong Kong taking on South Korea on the hard HKFC pitch.
The respective skippers appeared at a press conference at the HKFC yesterday:
Korea captain Kim Jeong Min and his HK counterpart Simon Leung Ho Yam at the HKFC yesterday.
The CEO of HSBC Hong Kong (middle) presented gifts to the Korean and Hong Kong coaches.
A drop-kick competition for U16 players to win a trip to Tokyo was held at HKFC
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) is one of the oldest sports clubs in Hong Kong and is committed to promoting sailing and rowing in the community.
The Club’s mission, however, is not limited to their sport. It is a caring organisation and plays a vital role in the upliftment of the broader community. Club members and staff are keen and regularly take part in community and charity activities, such as the Oxfam Trialwalker, McDonald’s House, Hebe Heaven Yacht Club 24-hour Charity Dinghy Race, Operation Santa Claus, etc.
This year, members and staff of the Club were delighted to be able to share the festive joy with several disadvantaged groups.
The RHKYC’s Charity Fund(comprising money raised from members and staff) donated $20,000 each to the Fresh Fish Traders’ School, and the Worldwide Fund Hong Kong’s Marine Detective Programme.
In addition to the monetary donation to the Fresh Fish Traders’ School, RHKYC invited 43 of their students to the Club for a memorable Christmas experience where they had the chance to create their own chocolate Yule Log as well as hearing a brief introduction to dinghy sailing. The Club hopes that this can help to enhance the students’ scope and self-confidence.
Continuing with the Club’s tradition of sharing during the festive season, RHKYC’s annual collection of new toys from members and staff resulted in two groups of children receiving gift; the first were children of the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service’s ‘Standby U Programme’ and the second group were students from Lok Sin Tong Leung Kau Kui Primary School (Branch).
Well done Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club! May you continue your good work in the new year.
Hong Kong’s largest and most inclusive sailing event got underway early on Sunday morning, spiced up with six visiting Extreme 40’s, a record 14 Outrigger Canoes and four Offshore Rowing Boats.
The 216 strong sailboat fleet featured all types of sailing boats, with the largest classes being the 35 IRC Cruisers, 54 HKPN Cruisers and 22 Hobie 16’s. The first start was at 0830hrs on both inner and outer start lines, and the start sequences continued at 5 minute intervals until the final start of the Extreme 40’s at 0940hrs.
Around The Island Sailing Action (Pic: RHKYC/Richard Knight)
The sight of over 200 sailboats heading East to Lei Yue Mun was nothing short of magnificent, however staggered starts from RHKYC Middle Island allowed the Hong Kong Outrigger Canoe Club (HKOCC) women’s crew to lead the paddlers into the harbour from the West just as the boats were disappearing to the East.
HKOCC led from start to finish, taking line honours and also the Women’s OC6 division paddling. The men’s trophy was lifted by HKIPC after completing the course in 03:40:34, in the face of stiff competition from overseas teams from Japan, Singapore, Saipan and, of course, Hawaii.
Meanwhile, back on the race track, RO (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 northerly breeze fluctuated between 0 – 12 knots all afternoon along the South of Hong Kong Island.
A “fish-eye” view of the Around The Island Race (Pic: RHKYC/Richard Knight)
While the Extreme 40’s were allowed a chance to finish at Kellett Island and smash the existing multihull record (they failed), the Isler/Taylor owned Mills 41 ‘Ambush’ took monohull line honours at Green Island in and elapsed time of 3:50:06. Of the 163 other boats finished there, it was Gideon Mowser on SB3 ‘Sky’s The Limit’ who took the Monhull title on ATI handicap, with Mark Thornburrow on Hobie Tiger ‘Dream’ carrying off the Multihull prize.
