Ahoy! April 2022 by Koko Mueller

RIVIERA | 6000 SPORT YACHT

PLATINUM EDITION

Shimmering in tones of silver grey, black and white. Grandly spacious and exuding elegance and power, as befits a flagship. Positively shining with impressive Platinum refinements.

Contents

10 15

18 20

THE BRIDGE 4 6 7 8 9

Calendar Commodore’s Message General Manager’s Message Chinese Page Renewable Energy at RHKYC

FEATURES 10 Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary 15 Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress 18 Destination Home Kong

SAILING 20 Another Iconic Hong Konger Leaves Town… 22 Always Saturday – Sailing Across the Pacific

IMAGE: PANDA MAN / TAKUMI IMAGES

ROWING 24 2022 RHKYC outrigger canoeing paddling season 26 To the beat of the drum… 27 Asian Rowing Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships 2022 Private Recreational Leases (PRLs)

SUSTAINABILITY REALLY MATTERS 28 Oysters Saves our Seas (Oyster SOS) initiative at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

MARINE 30 32 34 34

Marine | Boatyard Ship Shop Classified Page Marine Directory

CLUB LINES 39 Club Directory 39 Members, Staff and Other News and Announcements

KIDS ONLY 40 A Creative, Magical Summer at the Club

OTHER SPORTS 35 Snooker

EVENTS | PROMOTIONS 36 F&B Food Promotions 36 Wine Page

www.rhkyc.org.hk

Vice Patrons Jimmy Farquhar, Bob Wilson and Lowell Chang; Commodore Denis Martinet; Vice Commodore Lucy Sutro; Rear Commodore Sailing David Norton; Rear Commodore Club Adrian Pang; Honorary Secretary Mark Yeadon; Honorary Treasurer Joseph Chu; Rowing Captain Guy Parsonage. For other Club contact details please refer to the Club Directory on page 39. Advertising or Editorial Enquiries contact RHKYC PR Department at prdept@rhkyc.org.hk or 2239 0307 or 2239 0312 Ahoy! Design Michelle Shek, MYND Design. Articles for Ahoy! can be emailed to prdept@rhkyc.org.hk The Club reserves the right to edit articles. All opinions expressed in this publication are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect the views of the General Committee of the RHKYC. Copies of the magazine are available at Reception and to view the e-version of the magazine (and back copies) go to the RHKYC website.

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

The Bridge

Afternoon Tea Set

Pasta Promotion

Compass Room | 1500hrs to 1745hrs

Middle Island and Shelter Cove | 1 to 30 April

APRIL

SAT

Char-Grilled Seafood Market in Bistro Lobster and Fresh Oysters Platter in Main Deck Pasta Promotion at Middle Island and Shelter Cove 1 to 30 April

SUN

Leeuwin Estate Wine Dinner

CMY

Weekend BBQ Charcoal-Grilled Seafood Market

Main Deck | Lawn Every Saturday and Sunday in April

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

Lobster and Fresh Oyster Platter

Wines of the Month Bodega y Viñedos Catena, Catena Chardonnay 2020, Mendoza, Argentina Bodega y Viñedos Catena, Catena Malbec 2019, Mendoza, Argentina

Bistro | 1 to 30 April

Main Deck | 1 to 30 April

FOUNTAINE PAJOT IS AVAILABLE FOR QUICK DELIVERY

EX CL U S I V E DEALER F OR F OUNTAINE PAJOT T: +852 2580 8650

E: sales@asiayachting.net

www.asiayachting.net

Commodore’s Message THE CLUB NEEDS YOU!

The Bridge

Well to be perfectly honest I do! You see as I write these lines, we are well and truly buried under yet another wave, one which is rolling through our community with alacrity sadly. So, in the face of such a storm, we all look for more clement waters and what better place than the Club, made even more enjoyable by the return of warm and sunny weather. Who needs then any further encouragement? Safely ensconced in our microcosm, it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security and forget social distancing rules and mask wearing, possibly in a subconscious move to toss away those shackles reminiscent of our troubled daily lives. And that’s where I come in. Like you, I seek some solace and frequent our Club even more. I amble around Kellett Island, looking for a good spot to have a drink and possibly indulge in a little cigar, well not that little if I’m honest! Or sometimes I go to Middle Island for some open water swimming, once I managed to slither into that new wetsuit of mine! Anyway, I digress! I try to enjoy the Club as you would and do but invariably, I find myself obligated to remind too often members to wear masks, stay socially distant et all. And don’t get me started on phones! It should be simple really; a friendly reminder and we all move on but sadly it is not!

Commodore Denis Martinet

會長孟憲庭

The stares and lippy if not flippant comments, the aggressivity I get make it really an unpleasant experience. And if I as Commodore think twice about intervening, imagine how our own Club employees must feel contemplating the misplaced wrath of the selfish person. So, martinet may mean a strict disciplinarian, I assure you I have no desire to roam the Club weaving a Cat’o nine tails (which interestingly is called a martinet in French). So, help me keep that genie (or are these genes?) in the bottle. I am a member first! I need you. The Club needs you to be mindful and respectful of your fellow members and exercise restraint and adhere to rules which are in place to ensure a maximum enjoyment for all. Assist us in ensuring the Club remains that welcoming haven in these turbulent times. After all things are difficult enough as it is. Yet, they too will pass and sailing and rowing will return, frustrations will ease – so let’s make that transition as smooth and painless as possible, with civility one of its cornerstones.

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General Manager’s Message As I sit to write this message it does feel like a variation of Groundhog Day; that once again, we are still reporting that there is no sport available and social distancing measures prevail. But, whilst sports is indeed still suspended, and social distancing measures are still in force, work continues around the Club to make the best use of these quieter times and to enhance services and facilities for members for the future.

General Manager Mark Bovaird

總經理布馬克

The annual maintenance at the poolside is now complete with one major change. We have removed one of the water features at the children’s pool. This opens up the sight lines from the main pool and seating area towards the children’s pool. Let’s hope that we can open the pool complex again soon for everyone’s enjoyment! Incidentally we have also recently recovered the snooker table; more on that on page 35, so it will be in perfect condition for use as soon as the sporting restrictions are lifted. Whilst the new Seaward replacement mark laying boats have unfortunately been delayed due to supply chain issues in the UK due to Covid 19, the first boat is due to be launched for its sea trials in April and the second boat is due to be launched in late May. All being well, both of these boats will arrive over the summer and be fully operational in time for the start of the new sailing season. We also have a new sampan being built for Middle Island, of which there is more information on page 30. Our new Club Operations Manager, Peter Murray, now has his feet firmly under the table and is launching some extra promotions in the next few weeks, including a new oyster bar on Friday late afternoons / early evenings, as well a weekend family BBQ on Saturdays and Sundays including salads, meats and even a free flow drinks package. Both of these new initiatives will be located on the Main Lawn and Main Deck at Kellett Island and are aimed at making the most of our outdoor venues at weekends whilst all sport remains suspended. On Thursday 21 April we have the Leeuwin Estate Wine Dinner in the Compass Room. Please note that should the 1800hrs dine in ban still be in force at that time, then the dinner will magically morph into a Late Wine Lunch on Saturday 23 April instead. This famous winery in Margaret River, Western Australia, is under the direction of two generations of the Horgan family who work with a team of highly skilled winemakers to consistently produce wines ranking alongside the world’s finest. Please make sure to book early as this will undoubtedly be an extremely popular wine dinner.

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

The Bridge

Firstly, on the sustainability front, we are very happy to share that solar panels are about to be installed at Kellett Island. This is the culmination of three years of work by various committees and will result in the reduction of the Club’s carbon emissions through generating our own electricity from the sun. Additionally, through the government’s rebate system we will not only recover the cost of the installation within only a few years, but also generate additional funding thereafter which will go towards minimising the Club’s operational costs and helping to fund other sustainability initiatives in the future. You can read more about where the solar panels are going to be installed on page 9.

會長的話

香港遊艇會需要你！事實上，在我執筆之時，第五波疫情肆虐，重擊著我們的社區。因此，在這動蕩時代，我們都在尋找著另一個可以讓人喘息的地方，在和暖及天清氣朗的日子，哪裡好比香港遊艇會呢？有誰要再尋找地方「充電」，為你打氣呢？

The Bridge

在本會一片安全寧靜的天空下，我們被安全感包圍著，很容易會令人產生錯覺，把社交距離限制措施及配戴口罩等要求全部拋諸腦後。或許在潛意識驅使下，我們都很想擺脫那些在日常生活中令人煩惱的枷鎖。到訪香港遊艇會是你正確的選擇。和你們一樣，為了尋求一點慰藉，我不時在吉列島會所閒逛，找一個可以品嚐美酒的地方，再吸一點雪茄；坦白說，那可不是「一點」呢！有些時候，我會到訪中途島會所，一旦我可以穿上我的新潛水衣，便會在外海暢泳一番。話說回來，我在會中享受著生活時，卻發現需要不時提醒會員要配戴口罩及保持社交距離等。請大家遵守會規，不要讓我開始提醒閣下在指定地方不能使用手提電話呢！其實很簡單，只要一個簡單溫馨的提醒便可了事，不過事實卻不是這樣。有關上述的提醒我可是認真的，我不想令大家有一個不愉快的經歷。即使作為會長的我，都要三思才決定是否對違規者作出警戒，大家試想想在面對著一些自私者時本會的職員該如何是好？大家可知道「martinet」意指嚴格執行規章制度的人。我向大家保證，我無意使在會內使用九尾鞭呢！怎樣都好，我仍然是一個會員！大家可別讓我動肝火啊！我需要你。香港遊艇會亦需要你時刻保持警覺，在任何時候對其他會員予以尊重，好讓大家在會內可以盡情享受一番。請你協助我們，在這動蕩的時代，讓香港遊艇會可以成為一個安穩之地，歡迎會員蒞臨。畢竟生活再難，總會過去的。帆船及賽艇活動定必可以再度舉辦。我相信大家都是文明之士，大家定當合作，共同跨過這個難關。

總經理的話

執筆之時，感覺就尤如「土撥鼠節」一樣，意味著周而復始，過去不能舉辦任何體育活動的日子再度來臨了。即使在社交距離限制措施下，我們要停辦所有體育活動，但本會仍然繼續營運，更善用這段較靜的時間好好提升本會的設施及服務，待日後生活重回正軌之際便可讓會員享用。首先，在可持續發長方面，很高興告訴大家那些太陽能板將於吉列島安裝呢！這結果是集各委員會三年功勞之大成，讓本會日後依靠太陽能生電，以減少炭排放。此外，透過政府的回扣制度，我們不單只在短短幾年內已可收回安裝成本，更可產生額外資金，用以減低本會的運作成本之餘亦可投放於將來的可持續發展計劃。有關太陽能板安裝詳情可見於第9頁。泳池的年度維修工作亦告完成。我們在兒童嬉水池作出了一項改變，就是折除主池與兒童嬉水池之間的一幅小瀑布牆，好讓主池及岸上座位與兒童嬉水池之間變得暢通無阻，沒有遮擋。衷心希望我們可以重開泳池，讓大家享受一番。隨之而來，我們亦修復了桌球枱，有關詳情請見於第35頁。我們已準備就緒，一旦體育活動重啟，本會便可立即投入服務。可惜，新型冠狀病毒影響了美國的物流，令我們的「Mark Laying」(浮標設置)船隻未能如期投入服務。第一艘船原訂於4月試航，第二艘則於5月下旬。如果一切順利，兩艘船均於夏天抵港，可於新賽季開始時全情投入服務。我們亦於中途島設置新的舢舨，更多相關資訊見於第30頁。本會的新任會所營運經理 Peter Murray 已站穩陣腳，更在未來數周為大家帶來額外的推廣活動，包括嶄新的周五「Oyster Bar」，在中午較後時間或黃昏前舉行。另外，更有周末家庭燒烤活動，當中包括沙律、烤肉以及任飲套餐。這兩項活動均於吉列島 Main Lawn 及 Main Deck 舉行。在體育活動暫停舉行下，我們在周末期間盡量使用戶外位置呢！ 4月21日(周四)我們將於 Compass Room 舉辦「Leeuwin Estate 葡萄酒晚宴」。倘若屆時晚上六時晚市禁堂食的措施仍然生效的話，這葡萄酒晚宴將自動變成4月23日(周六)的午膳後舉行。這個著名的酒莊位於西澳瑪格麗特河，是 Horgan 家庭兩代家庭成員與一隊資深釀酒團隊持續釀製的世上首屈一指美酒。這葡萄酒晚宴定必廣受歡迎，緊記盡早預約，萬勿錯過。可惜，現行的社交距離限制措施將覆蓋本月的復活節時期，即使我們不能舉行家庭活動，都要確保一些適切的節日慶祝活動如常保留，因此，有關詳情，緊記留意每周之電郵通訊呢！我期望在本會見到大家。

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Renewable Energy at RHKYC One of the Club’s sustainability missions is dedicated to support the development of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions. The latest news on this subject is that the Club has now committed to the installation of solar panels, bringing the Club closer to its sustainability target!

The Bridge

he idea of having solar panels at the Club was first raised in 2019 and since then there have been many discussions and technical analyses carried out around the selection of possible locations and solar panel technology. Thanks to the time and effort devoted by members and staff sitting on the Projects & Facilities, Kellet Island and Sustainability SubCommittees, several tender processes were conducted in 2021 and in February this year, the Club appointed a contractor. At the time of writing, construction was due to start late March subject to the approval of the Feed-in Tariff application by Hong Kong Electric. The installation is scheduled to be completed this summer. In total, 92 pieces of solar panels will be installed at four general sites covering an area of roughly 204 square metres. The solar system is expected to produce over 36,800 kWh, which is equivalent to about 26 tonnes of reduction of carbon emission.

Feed-in Tariff Scheme For those who may not aware, The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Scheme is an important new initiative to promote the development of renewable energy (RE) under the current Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs), which were signed between the Government and the respective two power companies in April 2017. Under the scheme, people who install solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind systems at their premises can sell the RE they generate to the power companies at a rate as high as about five times more than the normal electricity tariff rate. The idea is to promote renewable energy by helping the private sector to recover the costs of their investment in the Renewable Energy systems. Subject to the volume produced, the private sector can receive HK$3, HK$4, or HK$5 per kW uploaded to power grid before the scheme end in 2033. Once the solar panels are up and running, the Club will not just reducing its carbon footprint, we may also generate additional funding to support the Club’s operation as well as other sustainability initiatives. APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Feature | Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary

Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary W O RD S: LU CY SU T RO, VI CE C O MM O D O RE

View of marina which is part of the lot

A. BACKGROUND In March 2018 the government published a report ‘Review on Policy of Private Recreational Leases’ and in February 2019 the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) issued their report and findings which made a number of recommendations; in the main concentrating on the PRLs’ need to open up their facilities to the public. This opening up will come into effect for most PRLs from 2027 although there are a small number of sites where new leases are being issued where the opening up requirements take place now. We occupy two of those sites. The new criteria Towards the end of 2019 HAB gave the Club a draft of the new criteria which all PRLs will need to fulfil. Each RHKYC site is regarded by HAB as a stand-alone site and so these criteria will apply to each of them. In summary the new criteria are: 1. Whether the facilities provided at the PRL help alleviate pressure on public sports facilities in the district concerned. 2. Whether the site provides sports facilities that are not widely available in public venues.

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3. The extent to which the facilities are opened up to outside bodies and members of the public. 4. Utilisation of the facilities by outside bodies and members of the public. 5. Providing facilities to National Sporting Associations (NSAs) to promote sports in the community 6. Whether the site hosts leagues competitions organised by NSAs. 7. Whether the site hosts or supports the hosting of local/international sports competitions 8. Other contributions towards sports development. Within each of these sections there are points awarded for the level of success the PRL has achieved. The implication is that if a PRL does not meet all the criteria or does not achieve a satisfactory score, then the lease will not be renewed. This article will not go into the detail of the proposed scoring system; there are still ongoing conversations with HAB about many of these details.

New leases The Club has two leases which are in the process of being renewed: Shelter Cove, where the original lease expired in 2014 and the Club has been operating since then on a series of hold over letters from the Lands Department extending our permission to occupy, and Middle Island, where the lease expired in 2021 and the Club is also operating on a hold over letter. The Kellett Island lease runs to 2057 and so activities on this site are not included in this note.

also made it clear that all boats are treated equally – so an Optimist or canoe stored in a rack counts as one boat as does a 50-foot boat on the Marina. The moorings do not form part of our sporting facilities as they are not on our leased site.

Eligible Outside Bodies (“EOB”) We have now seen the first draft of wording to When HAB refer to outside bodies they are be included in the Middle Island and Shelter referring to EOBs. There are several definitions Cove leases and the two main requirements for of EOBs across the various HAB reports on opening up (items 3 and 5 in the criteria set out the subject of PRLs but they are broadly Provide storage and remove Kellett IV to enable more above) will be incorporated into any new lease boat storage of RIBs and paddle boats either a National Sporting Authority (“NSA”) issued. In addition, there is a requirement for (eg Hong Kong Sailing Federation) or a sport the Club to submit a plan showing how it intends to fulfill the opening organisations affiliated to NSAs, District Sports Associations, the up conditions, and this plan will need to be approved by the Secretary Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation, the New Territories Regional for Home Affairs before any new lease is granted. Sports Association and sports organisations supported by government The draft opening up plan for Shelter Cove was submitted to HAB in November 2021 and the intention is that the document for Middle Island will be completed in the next few weeks. The two new leases which are in the process of being renewed will probably run to 2027; thereafter all new leases will be issued for a maximum term of 15 years before requiring further renewal. Our sporting facilities Historically HAB have struggled with the fact that we do not conduct our sport on our sites. Their scoring systems are set up to look at landbased sports; tennis, football etc where you can easily assess the usage. In August 2021 HAB clarified that they will count boat storage as our sporting facility. This will be any boat on the hardstanding, in a rack on the hardstanding, on a pontoon and (for Shelter Cove) the Marina. They

departments. In August 2021 HAB clarified some definitions which included the fact that Class boats will not count as being EOB unless the boats are owned by the class association (which needs to be a member of HKSF).

B. SHELTER COVE AND THE NEW PRL REQUIREMENTS The sporting facilities at Shelter Cove are: • The hardstanding. • The Marina. • The pontoons. Shelter Cove is also home to boats on the Club’s 123 moorings. These moorings are not regarded as part of our sporting facilities as they do not form part of the lease.

Aerial of hardstanding where racking is to be reorgainised APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Feature | Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary

In addition, at Kellett there are other sporting facilities (swimming pool, squash courts, snooker table etc) which will not be addressed in this article.

There are challenges to get Shelter Cove to score even moderately well on the new criteria as it currently stands. Taking the two main criteria:

Feature | Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary

1. The extent to which the facilities are opened up to outside bodies and members of the public The base requirement here is that 30% of the opening up hours of the facility are made available to EOBs and/or members of the public. In practice that means that 30% of the boats stored on the site need to either belong to an EOB or be used for training courses that members of the public can enroll on. The training courses need to be “sports programmes jointly organised with NSAs for public enrolment” – hence the need for ensuring that all of our sports have NSAs. One of the main issues at Shelter Cove is lack of space. The lease requires us to have 75 car parking spaces so we can’t expand the boat park into the car park; and besides the car park is already having capacity issues. We have therefore had to think about small craft which can be stored on the pontoons or along the back of the hardstanding. We also need to be mindful of the fact that all craft will need to be made safe during any typhoon, so spaces with tie downs must also be considered. Following extensive discussions involving the Sailing and Rowing offices, the respective Club officers responsible for the sports, the Marine office and senior Club management a plan to increase the number of craft – predominantly rowing and paddling craft – to be stored at Shelter Cove was approved by the General Committee in November 2021. RowCom have suggested an additional 44 craft be established at Shelter Cove include stand up paddle boards, outrigger canoes, small Dragon boats, coastal rowing boats and kayaks. There will also be racking space for 12 dinghies in the Hardstanding Rack. With these new craft we will have 57 craft (44% of the total craft stored at Shelter Cove) which will be used either for training programmes that members of the public can enroll on or for booking by EOBS.

More racks need to be installed for rowing and paddling boats

In order to make space for these new craft there will need to be some rearrangement of boat storage at Shelter Cove including: 1. Remove any unused items/rubbish from the site 2. Removing the existing unused member owned craft currently stored in boat racks in order to make space for the Club owned boats to be used for training programmes. 3. Creating space and storage onshore for items currently stored on Kellett VI – mainly sails and marine equipment/marine office. This is being looked at by the MI&SC Dev Working Group and the current thought is to apply for approval of containers on a temporary basis. 4. Remove Kellett VI. 5. Creating pontoon racks for items to be stored on pontoons 6. Where necessary replacing existing racks to create storage for the new craft. Timing wise we need to establish these craft and start the training programmes (see below) in 2022. We indicated that it could take us two to three years to get fully up to speed on the various opening up requirements at Shelter Cove. 2. Providing facilities to National Sporting Associations (NSAs) to promote sports in the community The requirement is for a minimum 240 hours a month of ‘sports programmes jointly organised with NSAs for public enrolment’. Simply put, they want us to run sailing, rowing or paddling training.

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Existing racks need to be cleared of unused boats

HAB have indicated in the draft scoring system that they will give maximum points for 720 hours. There is no allowance for small sites, inadequate facilities and difficult access; all of which are issues at Shelter Cove. For Shelter Cove we will be following a multi-pronged approach: a. Start to run paddling and rowing training at Shelter Cove With the arrival of the new craft itemised in the opening up section above, the rowing and paddling section intend to start to run a number of training programmes and courses. b. Ensure that non-member participation in class racing counts We need to ‘count’ the non-members who are taking part in regular class racing. The issue here will be how to demonstrate that a member of the public can enroll to join class racing. In our submission to HAB we included an activity called “Race Experience” which will cover this; the next step is

Feature | Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary Hardstand which needs to be reorganised and include storage

to work out how to ‘count’ these non-members who are racing. The idea of a “Crew Card” for non-members is being investigated, along with ideas on how to capture the data showing non-member attendance. c. Enter into an arrangement with an external sail training provider One area which was investigated was the idea of looking to external training providers to run courses for the Club, rather than having to build everything ourselves. The intention is for the Club to enter into an agreement with a keelboat training centre which runs various RYA courses including the Start Yachting course, the Competent Crew course and the Day Skipper course. GenCom has approved this idea and an agreement with an appropriate training company is in the process of being completed.

d. Utilise the cruising and racing yachts on the marina and on the moorings It would not be difficult to organise cruising events which the cruisers on moorings could join. We could add another start to the normal class racing or they could self start, so there should be minimal additional resources required. If this could be done, then it would be a useful addition to the records of non-member usage for “Race Experience” or “Cruising Experience”. In the opening up scheme for Shelter Cove submitted at the end of 2021 we set out the activities we currently anticipate running out of Shelter Cove. We have a couple of years to get up and running with all of these activities but by the time the lease comes up for renewal in 2027 we must be achieving all of these activity hours. APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Feature | Private Recreational Leases (PRLs) and the New Requirements – a Summary

C. MIDDLE ISLAND AND THE NEW PRL REQUIREMENTS With the volume of sailing, rowing and paddling training being run out of Middle Island we do not face the issues that we do at Shelter Cove. However, the lease itself is more complicated. The Club premises at Middle Island occupies several leases. The ‘old’ hardstanding and the Clubhouse are on a PRL lease; everything else (the ‘new’ hardstanding and slipway and the land to the east of the Club house to the far side of the rowing shed) are on series of short term tenancies. HAB are not sure how they want us to report our activity across these various sites. The sporting facilities for PRL purposes at Middle Island are: • The ‘old’ hardstanding. Currently home to 72 dinghies; 59 of which are used for Sail Training • The pontoons. In normal times these are used to tie up the class boats every weekend when they are racing, and for ad hoc usage for the boats on moorings. There are also a number of Club moorings, but these are not part of the lease area. Taking the opening up requirements in the same order as with Shelter Cove: 1. The extent to which the facilities are opened up to outside bodies and members of the public As of December 2021 the data for Middle Island was as follows: LOCATION

TYPE OF CRAFT

Rowing shed and hardstanding Rowing/paddling Sailing ‘New’ hardstanding Rowing/paddling Keelboats Dinghies/kayaks ‘Old’ hardstanding Rowing/paddling Dinghies Total % craft used for training (whole site) % craft used for training (PRL site only)

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TOTAL BOAT STORAGE SPACES AVAILABLE

TOTAL USED FOR TRAINING

102 0 10 23 102 0 72 309

55 0 10 3 26 0 59 153 49.51 81.94

Using any criteria we are comfortably ahead of the requirement that 30% of our ‘sporting facilities’ are used for sports training that members of the public can enroll on. 2. Providing facilities to National Sporting Associations (NSAs) to promote sports in the community We are still collecting data for the current activities taking place at Middle Island but are well over even the maximum requirements. Data collected to date for 2021 shows the following: TOTAL COURSE HOURS P.A.

ESTIMATED % OF NON-MEMBERS

TOTAL NON-MEMBER HOURS P.A.

Sailing courses

55,185

39.2

21,659

Rowing and paddling courses

13,210

66.7

8,805

Total

30,464

Which is just over 2,500 hours a month. Note: The figures above do not include the Dragon Boat, Outrigger Canoe and Rowing Development courses.

D. THE AUDIT PROCESS The final step in this whole process will be to build the booking systems for member of the public to use and also the reporting mechanism to enable us to demonstrate to HAB that we have indeed fulfilled the opening up requirements. For the former there are systems in place for most of the sailing, rowing and paddling training courses, but not necessarily for the other activities. For the latter we have no systems in place and the process of collecting information requires a lot of manual labour. This is now the part of the project which requires our next efforts.

W O RD S: IA N BROW NL EE

In August 2019 a Members Forum was held on the ‘Future of Middle Island’. It outlined some of the issues which needed to be addressed and indicated a way forward. Members made suggestions and comments which have been taken into consideration. Following that meeting the Middle Island and Shelter Cove Development Working Group (DWG) was established in November 2019 and has overseen the progress of the studies and investigations and has regularly reported to General Committee.

n important stage has now been reached and it was our intention to have another Members Forum in early 2022, but the Covid restrictions have not made that possible. To keep members informed this article addresses Middle Island, while another article by Lucy Sutro provides details on the Opening Up Schemes that need to be put in place. But first some background on Middle Island. SUPER TYPHOON MANGKHUT Super Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong on the 16 September 2018 and caused severe damage at Middle Island. Much of the impact was recorded on CCTV, and the water level from the storm surge was above the level of the existing hardstanding as is shown in Photo 1. After the storm the extent of damage on the hardstanding and inside the rowing Boathouse could be seen (Photos 2 and 3). Almost all of the boats in these locations needed to be replaced and there was physical damage to the buildings. The cost was in excess of $10 million and activities were disrupted for more than 3 months. An initial analysis of the impact of the typhoon indicated that boats and buildings located at a height above approximately 5.0m above principal datum (mPD) were not affected. The existing Boathouse and hardstanding are only at approximately 4.00mPD and will often be subject to storm surge impact as the effects of climate change become more prevalent. This needs to be seriously addressed when looking at the future of Middle Island. Also other inadequacies of the existing facilities need to be improved. LEASE CONDITIONS The land status at Middle Island is quite complex. The Club House and the “old”

From top: CCTV of hardstanding during typhoon Mangkhut; Damage on the hardstanding; Damage inside the rowing Boathouse APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Feature | Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress

Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress

Feature | Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress

Initial Conceptual Plan Indicating Possible Expansion

hard standing immediately in front, are held on a lease which expired in May 2021. The remaining areas – the rowing Boathouse and areas around it, and the “new hard standing” are held through three temporary short term tenancies, all of which have expired and subject to three months’ notice to quit from government. The Club has made a submission to Lands Department to amalgamate all of the land holdings into one new lease. While that has been accepted in principle, they decided that a new lease relating to the old lot should be processed first and a new lease granted which will run through to 2027. The basic documentation for the new lease was completed in January 2022 but it is still to be formally signed off. It includes new conditions requiring the site to be “Opened Up” for use by members of the public through a structured process relating to “Eligible Outside Bodies”. The Club has to submit and implement an “Opening Up Scheme”, and this is currently being drafted. Performance on this scheme will be significant when government considers extending the lease beyond 2027. The Club has also been advised to obtain all the necessary approvals before 2025 to enable the amalgamation of all of the land into one new lot in 2027. Government has indicated that when new leases are to be granted in 2027 they will be subject to the payment of a land premium. The amount to be paid is not known at this stage, but government has said it will give an indication during 2023. ENGINEERING STUDY Typhoon Impact Study It was necessary to have technical input, so consulting engineers AECOM Limited

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were appointed in March 2021 to provide an engineering report which included a computer analysis of possible future impacts of typhoons on Middle Island. The impacts of various levels of storm were assessed looking primarily at storm surge and tides. Based on this, the probability of future storm impacts was assessed, the likely damage from the impact and the possible mitigation measures needed to reduce damage were identified. The assessment was based on historical data, an analysis of the CCTV of Mangkhut’s impact and criteria provided by the Hong Kong Observatory and the Civil Engineering Department for developments along coastlines.

access and a connection to the existing Club House building. While the Conceptual Plan provided a starting point for the study, the results will inevitably result in changes.

In summary, the engineering report shows that it is desirable to have the formation level of any hardstanding at around 5.5mPD. Any building at a level lower than this could be subject to damage. For example, any replacement of the existing Boathouse should not be rebuilt at the current level, but needs to be rebuilt on a formation level up to about 1.5m higher than the existing level. This is also higher than the existing hardstanding and an economic form of mitigation needed to be identified for that area.

Options for Development In January 2022 the engineers presented three options for the future development of the site. While there are differences for the development of the new building and new reclamation, there was a common solution proposed for the existing hardstanding, and this is shown in Figure 1.

Conceptual Plan To assist the engineering study a Conceptual Plan was prepared by the DWG. The main new component was a 3-storey Boathouse built on new reclamation to the east of the existing hard standing. The ground floor area would be similar in area to the existing Boathouse, with changing rooms and staff offices on the first floor and multi-purpose event/activity space on the second floor. There is no intention to expand the capacity of Middle Island, rather to accommodate the current level of use in better, safer facilities. It is also intended to provide lift

Geotechnical Study The other major component of the engineering study was an assessment of the risk arising from the slopes at the rear of the site. There are relatively minor risks from potential landslips or boulder falls. There are, however, constraints on future development arising from any slope works which might be necessary for the new reclamation and new building. The development area is therefore squeezed between the sea and the slope.

In this area it is proposed that a permanent protective wave wall of about 1.2m in height be constructed on top of the sea wall. Removable wave barriers would be put in place at the top of the ramps and stairs to the pontoons. These measures would not stop water from covering the hardstand, but would remove most of the energy so that there is less destruction. The material and small boats stored on the hardstanding would need to be lifted from the hardstanding and lower levels of racks, and secured in locations which are above about 5.0mPD. A layout for the boat racks and storage units has been determined. All of this could be implemented as soon as the Club considers it a priority and finance is available.

BROAD ORDER OF COSTS The engineering study also presented broad estimates of various costs and the most relevant ones are:

Figure 1: Proposal for the existing hardstanding on the western portion of the site

The New Reclamation Three options were presented for the new reclamation on the eastern portion. The fundamental objective is to obtain protection for the new facilities by providing a reclamation which was at about 5.5mPD. The design of the new Boathouse was not part of this exercise as it was mainly to identify potential locations for a new building. The options were, in summary: Option 1: A reclamation line drawn as a direct extension of the existing sea wall, which provided the largest area of new land and protruded furthest from the shore; Option 2: A smaller reclamation (see Figure 2) which has a chamfered sea wall to minimize the possibility of the sand on the adjacent beach being

eroded by eddies created by the reclamation. The existing slipway at the Boathouse is retained, but expanded in width and extended to a distance similar to the length of the existing Boathouse. An expanded pontoon would be provided leading from the slipway. The existing slipway on the western side would be widened. Option 2 is the one preferred by the DWG. However, issues relating to the existing temple, a large rock outcrop, and the location and form of the proposed Boathouse, still need to be resolved. In Figure 2 it is assumed these features would be removed. Option 3: This option was considered to see if the existing Boathouse could be reasonably retained and incorporated into a new reclamation layout. This was considered to not be feasible when compared with the other two options.

$15 million $28 million

CURRENT ACTIONS During the recent lease discussions with Lands Department, it became necessary to remove the temporary storage provided in containers. Now that the proposals for the western part of the site have been defined through the engineering study, it is appropriate to obtain formal approval from government to construct two temporary buildings. A two storey building will be for storage and workshop facilities, and another single storey building will be training facilities. In addition, approval will be sought for construction of the racks for the storage of the RIBS. These works are estimated to cost around $5 million and construction could be completed by January 2023. THE NEXT STEPS The next major step will be to prepare a town planning application to obtain approval to the proposed layout for the whole of the site. Before this can be submitted some additional work needs to be done on the layout and design of the new Boathouse. The application should be ready to submit by the end of 2022, and it would then be made available for public comment. On approval of the planning application the Club would be in a good position to justify the amalgamation of the land into one lease document to be prepared in 2025, which would secure the basis for investing in the additional development. A Members Forum will hopefully be held before the planning application is prepared. Clear explanation of the purpose of the development will be important for obtaining public support. Middle Island is the largest water sports training facility in Hong Kong and it is readily available for non-members to use through joining courses and competitions. This is not widely known and factual information needs to be presented so that it can readily be understood by the public. The site is now being presented as the “Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre” which better reflects the actual use and the continuing purpose for the proposed improvements and developments.

Figure 2: The preferred Option 2 for the eastern portion of the site

Ian Brownlee is the Chair of the Middle Island and Shelter Cove Development Working Group and a member of the General Committee. APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Feature | Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre: Progress

Cost of Western hardstanding proposals as in Figure 1. Cost of Eastern reclamation in Figure 2 (excludes cost of building)

Destination Home Kong Feature | Destination Home Kong – Solo Islands

Soko Islands W O RD S A ND IM AGES: A M A NDA CHEN

S/Y Sula and S/Y Lady Penelope anchored on the south side of North Soko Island

he Sokos comprise 11 islands, the main ones being North and South Soko Islands. Typically, yachts anchor on the north side of South Soko Island and that is also where Discovery Bay Yacht Club hosts its annual Sokos under the Stars. There’s a jetty, concrete paths and picnic tables. There’s also an easy walk up to a small pond (or a snake pit, depending on who you speak to). Personally, the only upside of South Soko is the data connectivity. Despite being further away from Lantau, it has much better coverage than North Soko for those who are ‘working from home’. Weather permitting, however, the south side of North Soko Island is our preferred anchorage because it is more fun ashore – a wide expanse of sandy beach, access to firewood and an short walk up to the station above the Low-level Radioactive Waste Storage Facility which has 360 degree views of Lantau and the neighboring islands (and also the only spot where you will find decent network coverage). The hiking map published by the Lands Department also shows a trail across the isthmus to what is meant to be a smaller but even nicer beach but you probably need a machete to get past some very prickly plants and their hooks. Fellow yachties highly recommend that beach which is on our list for summer cruising when the southerlies kick in. Destination Home Kong will be a recurring column in Ahoy! and members are invited to share their favourite cruising anchorages and recommendations.

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Sailing

Another Iconic Hong Konger Leaves Town… W O RD S: A ND RE W TAY LO R | IM AGES:

A ND RE W TAY LO R |

VIVIA N N G A N

For the last 16 years there has been an Ambush on the start line, racing in and around Hong Kong waters. During that period, with the numerous renditions of Ambush, we have competed in regattas in the UK, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the Philippines and of course in Hong Kong. They have been halcyon days, racing against fantastic competitors with an awesome group of people as crew. The stories are barely believable and only get better with age and certainly with one or more of Ambush crew member Marcus’ infamous gins!

ith the uncertainty of when we would next be going offshore and the everdiminishing costs of running a competitive 40-footer, the decision was made to sell the current Mills 41 Ambush. After several appearances in Seahorse magazine, she was finally sold to the East Coast of the US with a view to continue racing her offshore, lining up for the Caribbean 600, Newport-Bermuda and a few inshore regattas. The sale was however contingent on getting shipping which had the buyer, the agent, Joachim, and I scrambling for a ship to get the boat across the pond. Something for which

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Sailing

we didn’t hold out a lot of hope for in the current environment. Eventually space was found on the vessel Annegret at an eye watering cost. A last-minute scramble then started to get the boat ready to ship. The major initial issue being a cradle as the Bush was to be shipped rig in and the keel on. After much scrambling, debate and searching, the boys on the ship came up with the solution which was to simply prop it up. A crew possie was swiftly assembled to prepare and load the boat to leave. After one last trip up the mast to remove the wand, the boom was also detached and secured to the deck to facilitate the crane lift onto the ship. Then came the mammoth task of sorting through and loading all the onshore, offshore

and practice sails, along with no end of strings, computers, spares, and safety kit. This did a pretty good job of filling most of the interior of the boat and emptying most of the lockers. Joachim and I again re-iterated our pledge to never sum the excel spread sheet… With the boat finally prepped we were then advised of a loading date and time, which then changed four times, as expected in these days of uncertainty. Eventually 16 December was locked in, and we slipped the lines one last time and I left with Ambush from Kellet, while Joachim headed out in a borrowed rib. We rendezvoused under the Tsing Ma bridge before proceeding to the ship which was parked in very calm water quite close to Chek Lap Kok.

Once we had waited for the ship’s crew to have lunch, it was a German ship – procedures must be followed; the entire process of transferring Ambush to the vessel, once underway was very efficient. Having offloaded into the rib, Joachim and I stood by and watched the final process as she was lifted for the last time out of Hong Kong waters and up onto the deck of the ship. At that point I was glad we had sold the boat and we were not picking up our new bundle of joy! Ambush then embarked on a tour of Taiwan, Thailand, the Suez and Med before safely arriving in Florida on 7 February. Looking forward to taking up the invite for the Caribbean 600!

Always Saturday – Sailing Across the Pacific W O RD S: G A STO N CH A N | IM AGE S:

PE T ER L EUN G |

ERI C CH OI |

G A STO N CH A N

Sailing In April 2017, RHKYC member Rex Tan sailed his Brewster 42, a centre cockpit ketch, Always Saturday (AS), from Singapore to Hong Kong, around Taiwan, the Inland Sea, Japan, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexico, Tahiti, Niue, Fuji, Cairns and Thursday Island, Australia to Kupang, Komodo, Lombok, and Bintan, Indonesia, and ultimately back to Singapore in Novermber 2019.

aptain (and navigator) Rex was on board for all of the passages, though the crew changed. Ben Lam, who spoke Japanese, was very helpful in Japan. The passage from Japan to San Francisco was done with only three on board. (Less mouths to feed). The yacht sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge (see photo) and moored at the friendly Berkeley Yacht Club for some repairs. The crew rented a car and explored California. They then flew back to Hong Kong to see their families. A few months later they returned to the Berkeley YC for a farewell BBQ, and sailed south to Los Angeles and Mexico. Always Saturday sailed into the Gulf of California. Captain Rex, being a Singaporean, enjoyed the hot spicy Mexican seafood.

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In March 2019 AS departed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for Tahiti, with a stopover at Marquese and Tuamotus atolls. In June 2019, AS arrived Tahiti. Pictures from Peter Sui Chung Leung.

We visited the Komodo National Park, and saw many Komodo dragons. We were told not to get too close as they like to eat people once in a while.

On 27 June 2019 AS arrived in Nuie, the smallest, but friendliest country in the world. The crew even took a picture with their Prime Minister. In September that year, AS visited Fiji and sailed to Cairns, Australia.

Vicky brought some fishing gear. Rex said they never managed to catch anything so far. Undeterred, Vicky insisted on trying and caught two big ones, (see photos) which we all enjoyed.

In late November 2019, AS sailed on west to Bintan, Indonesia, crossed the Singapore Strait to Singapore, and completed its circuit around the Pacific.

Gaston Chan and Vicky Lee joined the adventure at Cairns Marina. We stocked up on food and fuel as we were told that they were much more expensive in Thursday Island. We bought some Kangaroo burgers which we BBQ’d one evening anchored in the Great Barrier Reef.

AS has a freshwater maker. After dinner we would wash ourselves, soak our clothes overnight, and hang them up to dry in the morning.

A number of RHKYC sailors, including Peter Leung and Manson Ma, flew to Tahiti to meet AS. They cruised the South Pacific paradise.

Sailing with the current, we arrived in Kupang in only nine days, just in time for mango season. The mangos are so big and juicy… and cheap.

On 7 November 2019 AS arrived Lombok, Indonesia. From there I took a flight back to Hong Kong. Daniel Pang took my place.

In December 2019, COVID-19 struck. AS made it back to Hong Kong and the crew had to go into quarantine. On 1 March 2022, AS left Hong Kong for the Indian Ocean. This time the itinerary includes Cape Town, the Caribbean and East Coast, USA.

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Sailing

Ben left and was replaced by Kent Kan. AS departed Australia and headed west to Kupang, Indonesia. For the first few days about noon the Australian coast guard would fly over and ask where we were going… though they surely would know from our AIS. Captain Rex would politely answer that we are going from Thursday Island to Kupang, Indonesia.

2022 RHKYC outrigger canoeing paddling season: we are looking forward to it!

OUTRIGGER CONTACT

W O RD S: M A RTIN A REDA EL LI | PH OTO S: STA NL E Y L A M A ND RHK YC MEMBERS

outrigger@rhkyc.org.hk

Rowing

2022 hasn’t started the way we all hoped. Hong Kong is unfortunately dealing with a new wave of Covid-19 and the current restrictions haven’t yet allowed the Club to kick off the 2022 outrigger canoe season.

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Rowing

s we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on sport at all levels. We have been on and off the water from club trainings for over two years now. We have witnessed the cancellation and postponement of global and local events, but we never lost our enthusiasm and our commitment to show up and do well. While we are all looking forward to the Club’s training sessions on the water to begin it is also the right time to think about what our goals could be for the upcoming season (yes, let’s think that there will be one at some point!) and what’s the right strategy to achieve them. 2021 was a great year for the OC RHKYC team, therefore, let’s find out what made the year such a great one for the Club and how we can make 2022 another memorable one. There are two keywords that help to answer this question as they have played a main role in the last season: Community and Programming. Community It is well known that sport communities develop strong social bonds and build healthier, happier, and safer people. We also know that Hong Kong is not forever and for many of us 2021 saw a few key paddlers leave the city that they have called home and relocate elsewhere in the world for better professional or personal opportunities. Paddlers can come and go, but the strength of the community is always there and RHKYC has never lacked in community spirit. It’s been great to see people who inspire others to excel and those who lead whilst also building tomorrow's leaders.

Programming It is also well known that sports coaching and programming is a way that individuals can impart values such as fairness and teamwork. Coaches, captains, volunteers, and experienced paddlers have all contributed to the development of the sport and to the strong sense of guidance. A solid training program allowed the team to strengthen skills and to move to a higher level of knowledge, reducing weak links within the team and making it easier to rely on others. While we are looking forward to another stellar year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those people who worked behind the scenes to make the community of outrigger canoe a great place to develop and be competitive whilst having fun and being a team player. See you on the water soon!

CONTACTS Rowing Manager rowingmanager@rhkyc.org.hk Coastal Rowing coastalrowing@rhkyc.org.hk Shatin Men’s Racing shatinrowingmen@rhkyc.org. hk Shatin Women’s Racing shatinrowingladies@rhkyc.org.hk

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

To the beat of the drum…

DRAGON BOAT CONTACTS dragonboat@rhkyc.org.hk

W O RD S: MELIS S A DAVIS | PH OTO S: STA NL E Y L A M, ROYAL X TEAM MEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT, SUNNY WAN

Rowing

It really is a privilege for any expat paddler to participate in such a joyous and cultural display of racing in traditional teak boats. This is where you will see ‘the seat’ that is reserved for the drummer, the most revered member and spiritual leader of a dragon boat racing team. Every crew will have a unique racing and calling strategy that makes race day very loud! Once the horn sounds and the toggle thrown, the drumbeats come alive and then multiply. The whistles ring out through the course in a mixed mess of sounds and intensity. As a paddler, you are trained to follow and focus in on your own boat. Your eyes forever looking forward and your body ready to instantly react to the commands. As the race nears the finish line the drum beats louder and the whistles gain momentum with urgency and fervor. Your drummer’s voice will be the last sound you will hear. He/she is now screaming for you to deliver everything you have, ‘empty your tank, push harder and keep going, leave nothing at the finish line’. The drummer will make you deliver your last stroke. here are many key people who contribute to the success of a dragon boat team both on land and on water. Yet there is one key motivator that will always be cheering for us and most often than not ‘screaming’ their hearts out every time we race. They will be the one calling ‘the shots’ whilst also strategising and banging the drum to every stroke we make. That person is the drummer.

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Dragon boat racing first originated in China over 2,000 years ago and continues to encompass ancient traditions, practices, and cultures still seen today in both local and international events and races all over the world. If you have ever been to a local fisherman race such as Po Toi, Cheung Chau, or Chai Wan it truly is a magical, loud, and colourful spectacle that will undoubtedly stay with you for many years.

It is said that races have been won and lost by the efforts of a drummer. The role of the drummer will forever be integral to the tradition of racing and keeping the crew ‘ready’ and focused. Hence why, when you have found ‘the one’ that one special drummer that can make or break the performance of a crew it is likely you will do anything to hold on to that most valuable person.

Asian Rowing Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships 2022 W O RD S: M AT T HE W L AI | CECILIA HUI | IM AGES: CECILIA HUI | H O N G KO N G , CHIN A RO WIN G A S S O CIATIO N

The Indoor Asia Race combines elements of a "real-time and virtual" competition format, using a virtual platform developed by the Dutch team – Time Team to allow rowers to compete across regions, whether at home, in the gym, at the National Federation Center, or anywhere, just connect to the indoor rowing machine and compete online directly. Our RHKYC Rower, Matthew Lai won the Lightweight Men’s Masters 30-39 2000m. “The COVID restriction imposed in early January posed a challenge to my race preparation because it was just two weeks right before the 2022 ARVIC. With the gym closure, I continue to go running and have body-weight exercise with elastic band to maintain my fitness.

he “2022 Asian Indoor Rowing Virtual Championships” was successfully held on the 15 of January 2022. More than 600 indoor rowers from different countries and regions (including Hong Kong, China, India, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, etc.) competed in the race. Hong Kong achieved outstanding results in the competition. Fourteen Hong Kong rowing team athletes and ten local athletes including Club Members won a total of 12 golds, four silvers and eight bronzes, for a total of 24 medals. The Asian Indoor Rowing Championships is an annual rowing event organized by the Asian Rowing Federation (ARF). Due to the latest development of the epidemic and international travel restrictions, the

Mental preparation is the trickier part because the indoor race was held in a virtual format. Without the crowd support and live competitive atmosphere, I had to rely on my visualization and meditation for that extra adrenaline boost. My target was to perform my best in the race, while finishing the first was a bonus to me.” Matthew said. Matthew was first introduced to rowing at university. With no water sports background, he gave rowing a try and became quickly passionate about the sport. After four years fine rowing on the Shing Mun River, he tried coastal rowing through the Club and then went on to represent RHKYC and Hong Kong at the 2018 World Rowing Coastal Championships held in Victoria, British Columbia. “I love rowing because I enjoy the speed and the sense of control. It is a fair sport that hard work has its rewards. One thing that I really enjoy in RHKYC is everyone are sport lovers. I truly enjoy the camaraderie within the club and treasure the countless support received from other members.” Matthew said.

The full results and race replay of the Asian Rowing Indoor Championships can be found at https://regatta.time-team.nl/arvic/2022/results/events.php

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Rowing

indoor Asian Rowing Championships been held in the form of virtual competitions for the first time. All people with Asian nationality, including national teams, affiliated clubs and individual competitors, required only a Concept2 indoor rowing machine with the latest display to register and compete in real time. The distance of the event is divided into 500 meters, 1000 meters and 2000 meters, and there are adult groups, youth groups, lightweight groups, master groups and performance groups.

Oysters Saves our Seas (Oyster SOS) initiative at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club W O RD S: G R A CE L EUN G | IM AGES: H O N G KO N G M A RINE EC O LO GI C A L A S S O CIATIO N

Sustainability Really Matters

Since June 2019, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has been in discussions to potentially partner with Hong Kong Marine Ecological Association (HKMEA) and Professor Kenneth Leung’s team at City University’s State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP) to launch ‘Oysters Saves Our Seas’ (Oyster SOS) project.

ore than just a beloved delicacy, oysters are ‘ecosystem engineers’ that provide ecosystem services crucial for a healthy marine environment. Not only can they clean our seas through biofiltration, but they can also form reefs that provide habitat for marine life and protect our shoreline against storms. However, with 85% of oyster reefs lost globally, we need to save our oysters first, so that they can save our seas. To turn the tide, through restoring oyster populations and habitats in polluted waters, HKMEA aims to improve Hong Kong’s water quality and marine ecosystems. The Oyster SOS project engages diverse stakeholders (academics, government officials, oyster & fish farmers, educators, NGOs, religious groups, etc.) and integrates ecological restoration, scientific research, STEM & conservation education, and public engagement to achieve this goal. As a leader in water sports, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is well recognised for its commitment towards protecting the marine environment while educating and inspiring its members on marine conservation. At the core of what we do, a healthy marine environment is indispensable. Given the Club’s position at Kellett Island, Middle Island, and Shelter Cove, RHKYC and HKMEA believe by synergizing our strengths, we can help create a healthy and thriving marine environment for organisms and people to enjoy. Initially, plans were made to deploy cages of live oysters and oyster shells in RHKYC's shores in Kellett Island, Middle Island, and Shelter Cove for a 12 -to-18-month monitoring period. The goal was to obtain preliminary data as benchmark to plan for future larger scale oyster restoration projects in Hong Kong. Data collected would help us understand the areas’ general ecology, bivalve recruitment pattern, the existing community, and water quality parameters. Unfortunately, even after numerous site visits and attempts, these initiatives could not be

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APRIL 2022

T I D E S 0322 1004 1517 2154

0.61 1.80 0.76 2.06

0254 0912 1502 2143

0.69 1.90 0.74 1.98

0350 1023 1600 2237

0.72 1.89 0.68 1.94

0323 0940 1546 2234

0.76 2.05 0.58 1.91

0415 1045 1641 2317

0.84 1.96 0.66 1.81

0352 1013 1630 2326

0.87 2.18 0.47 1.79

MON

0438 1110 1722 2357

0.96 2.01 0.67 1.66

0420 0.98 1048 2.28 1718 0.43

0458 1.07 1135 2.03 1806 0.70

0024 0448 1126 1810

1.64 1.09 2.34 0.44

0040 0507 1155 1855

1.50 1.16 2.02 0.76

0133 0513 1206 1915

1.48 1.20 2.33 0.50

0132 0455 1117 2001

1.36 1.22 2.01 0.81

0255 0521 1252 2048

1.37 1.29 2.28 0.56

1201 1.97 2138 0.82

1354 2.19 2215 0.57

1319 1.92 2326 0.78

1526 2.09 2334 0.57

1518 1.88

0738 1.55 0955 1.49 1654 2.03

0027 0.71 1638 1.89

0026 0757 1142 1809

0106 0854 1130 1743

0.66 1.51 1.46 1.92

0104 0.62 0817 1.69 1247 1.15 1913 1.94

0137 0840 1241 1848

0.63 1.56 1.31 1.96

0138 0837 1340 2009

0.68 1.78 0.95 1.88

0202 0843 1333 1952

0.62 1.64 1.13 1.99

0208 0856 1426 2059

0.75 1.88 0.78 1.81

0227 0850 1418 2049

0.64 1.76 0.93 2.00

0237 0915 1510 2146

0.84 1.98 0.65 1.73

FRI

SAT

launched given disruptions from social unrests and the various Covid related hurdles in the years that followed. Despite the frustrations and delays, all were not halted. In summer 2020, the Club began collecting oyster and mussel shells for recycling. Since then, the Club has sent closed to 2 tons of shells to a facility in Yuen Long. Once properly weathered, these shells will play a big part in rebuilding and restoring Hong Kong's damaged reefs. In May 2021, HKMEA brought along their oyster shells and hosted a fun and educational oyster art workshop for our young members. In June 2021, they joined us again at Kellett Island for our Club’s first World Ocean Day Exhibition. Finally, after over three years of planning, on February 15, 2022, with a small window of opportunity, marine scientists from SKLMP and HKMEA came to Kellett Island with some strings of oyster shells. With guidance from our Marine Manager, Alan Reid, suitable locations along the pontoons were identified. Four strings of oyster shells, put together by high school students, were deployed successfully. The oyster strings will hopefully provide a mini habitat to encourage the growth of marine biodiversity. Although the scale of this pilot study is much smaller than initially planned, this is a long-anticipated start. The team will return in one month to examine the oysters and take data in the following months. If this pilot study progresses as envisioned, the program will be expanded to invite members to assist with deployment of more oyster strings, to study the mini habitats for marine biodiversity and take measurements. The data collected at RHKYC will provide valuable insights that compliments the data collected from other HKMEA deployment locations, such as on fish rafts in Sai Kung. Collectively, these string deployment locations will help increase our understanding on marine biodiversity in Hong Kong’s waters and serve as a foundation to design and deploy improved oyster shell habitats in our waters for marine life to flourish. Through collaborative efforts and education, we can all work towards to restoration of our oceans and make it a better place for all marine lives and people to enjoy for years to come.

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Sustainability Really Matters

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0.58 1.62 1.34 1.98

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Sampans Marine

e operate a fleet of sampans to assist members in getting to and from their boats and from the Seafront Promenade to and from Middle Island. The sampans have a long and checkered history. Our oldest sampan is the M2 which we purchased in 1974 and it is still operating. M2 was originally a ships lifeboat that was converted into a sampan.

M60, pictured right, and M70 arrived in Shelter Cove in 1989 and it seems that they were new when they arrived. The were used as sampans at Shelter Cove up until the Club purchased the white fiberglass sampans in 2010. In 2016 M70 and M60, pictured right, and were moved to Middle Island due to increased sampan usage during major regattas. All the sampans that operate at Middle Island are powered by outboard engines. This is due to the lack of water during low tide at the steps at the Seaview Promenade. At extreme low water there is not enough water for the sampans to go alongside the steps to load passengers and the sampan has to nudge bow up alongside the rocks for boarding. This results in the sampans having to have heavy fendering at the bow which can be seen in the photograph of the M60. Two are stationed at Shelter Cove and one at Kellett Island.

M71, also a converted ships lifeboat, is a sistership to M2 and was purchased in 1976. They are the same shape and size except M2 is actually a wooden hull where M71 was a fiberglass hull. M2 was given a sheathing of fiberglass in 2003. Both of these sampans were originally based at Shelter Cove. We are unsure of when they were moved to Middle Island but we think it was 1989 when the M60, pictured right, and M70 were purchased. M71 was retired in 2021, after we had used it for 46 years, when it was found that the fiberglass on the hull was getting soft and there were problems with delamination of the fiberglass as shown in the photograph. The condition of the hull was such that economic repair was not feasible. As the hull had been a ships lifeboat previously it is suspected that it’s actual age was at least 20 and possibly 30 years above the 46 years that we owned the boat. Definitely value for members money there.

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

This results in the speed of the sampans being reduced and also the fuel consumption to increase due to the severe lack of hydrodynamic shape at the bow of the sampan. M880, M871 and M872, pictured below, the the white sampans, were built in Hong Kong by Regatta Yachts in Pak Sha Wan.

These sampans were based on the hull of a wooden sampan that was built by Islander Yacht Basin in Pak Sha Wan for Hebe Haven Yacht Club. John Grendon, who used to work at the RHKYC boatyard before moving to HHYC, had a mould taken from the wooden sampan hull by Regatta Yachts from which our sampans, and two for HHYC, were moulded. Close inspection of the sampans shows the hard chine marks from the original wooden hull. The original engines on the wooden sampans were the Yanmar 3GM30 which lasted many years due to their very strong heavy construction and low revs. When these finally gave up the sampans were fitted with modern high revving Yanmar’s. There unfortunately were not man enough for the work, especially the gear boxes. The saying they don’t build them like they used to was very true in this case. And so the new sampans were fitted with Beta Marine marinised Kubota engines, low revving, high torque engines designed for narrow boats in the UK. Drive is hydraulic

Marine

power and these have endured the start stop ahead astern movements characteristic of sampans very well. In 2015, due to the requirement for extra sampan capacity at Middle Island, the Club purchased the K8, pictured above. The K8 was built in Qingdao, China by the Gather Sport Co. Ltd. She has had a succussion of different engines varying between 70 and 80 horsepower. Unfortunately, whilst she can carry a total of 18 people her length, at 9.61m makes maneuvering her difficult, especially turning her short around, and this results in a lot of wear and tear on the engine and gear box. Again, with a lot of old car tyre fendering required at the bow, horse power and fuel are wasted driving her through the water. With the demise of the M71, the Club examined the options available for a replacement sampan. The criteria for a new boat were that it had to be operated by an outboard engine, have a capacity to carry at least 12 persons, be long lasting, be sustainable and be fit for purpose. Various options were considered before the committees agreed to purchase a hull manufactured of High Density Polyethylene. HDPE is a very strong material,

long lasting, UV resistant and fully recyclable. Three manufacturers, from the Netherlands, South Africa and Thailand were asked to provide quotations. After consideration of the quotations from the three manufacturers the build contract for the boat was awarded to Tideman boats in the Netherlands. Tideman have been building HDPE boats for over 15 years and they have a wide range of sizes.

The model that the sampan is based on is the model RBB 700. As I write this the basic hull has been completed as seen in the photograph. Finishing off of the hull by fitting the bench seats, extra fendering at the bow, handrails forward, a hard top cover, helmsman’s seat etc. is underway. Happy ‘Sampan-ing’!

Further information on Tideman boats can be found at https://tidemanboats.com/

YOUR MOORING IN HEI LING CHAU SOON AVAILABLE WITHOUT ANY WAITLIST

-30% FOR RHKYC MEMBERS

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Ship Shop

FLUID FILM® – Powerful Rust & Corrosion Protection 11.75oz

Marine

Powerful Rust & Corrosion Protection by Fluid Film®. FLUID FILM™ products offer powerful corrosion protection for all metals and superior lubrication for all moving parts. They are long lasting, thixotropic liquids and gels that have been used for years in the highly corrosive marine environment of ships and offshore drilling rigs.

BOAT GADGET 10-in-1 Boating Tool The Only Boat Tool You’ll Ever Need – The Ultimate 10-in-1 boat tool every boater needs. “It’s the tools you’ve always needed, rolled in one handy gadget”. The 10-In-1 Boat Gadget – Includes boat bottle opener, corkscrew wine opener, square drain plug wrench, survival whistle, deck boat gas cap key, flip top gas cap, flat top drain plug tool, canvas snap opener, molded notched for 6” deck plate, fishing line cutter and T-Bar drain plug hole crank. A Boater’s Dream Come True – Reduce clutter on your boat. Instead of having multiple different boating tools, the Boat Gadget has everything you need in one tool. Keep it in your pocket and you have all you need right at your fingertips.

$260

$110

MEGAN McKEAN Cities Rectangle Plate 25x12cm Hong Kong Gift Boxed Capturing the famous sights and iconic skylines of some of your favourite cities, artist Megan McKean draws inspiration from both local and international travel. Her collection features a bold use of colour and distinctive modernist style capturing each city’s character for you to enjoy at home, Dishwasher and microwave safe.

$115

BLUE PERFORMANCE Medium Bulkhead Sheet Bag Store your sheets and halyards in this handy storage bag. Attach and remove using Blue Performance screw in hooks. One compartment with mesh side panels and Ripstop lining. Features an integrated pocket in the base that contains a waterproof cover made of UV resistant Ripstop. Made of waterproof, mildew and UV resistant material, 13.8” Length x 9.8” Height x 2.8” Depth.

SAIL RACING Spray Cap

$680

Spray Cap in a polyester and elastane blend. Adjustment buckle at the back for best fit. Sail Racing silicon print at front. Detail stitches at the brim and stitched eyelets. Sail Racing woven print at the inside.

$390

Call David in the Ship Shop on 32

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

2239 0336 or email shipshop@rhkyc.org.hk

Sailing a Beginner’s Guide – Tim Hore

Protect your tablet from the elements while keeping it close at hand wherever you go. Clear, touchscreen friendly material allows you to take pictures with the tablet’s front or back cameras, even underwater (up to 1m deep). This unique case defends from water, dust, and sand. Integrated attachment points and an adjustable lanyard make it easy to carry your tablet in portrait or landscape orientation while keeping your hands free.

Sailing is a wonderful sport, it takes place in the open air, on the water and is powered by something that’s free and eco-friendly – the wind! It is a sport for life: captivating children and giving them a sense of responsibility as they skipper their own boat and continuing to give pleasure well beyond retirement, whether it be competing against others or taking it more gently. Using this book you can get afloat, learn to sail and start having fun using the step-by-step advice, photo sequences and diagrams. This jargon-free guide allows complete novices to get out on the water with the minimum of fuss. One- and two-person dinghies are covered, along with rigging, knots, safety, handling and much more.

Completely waterproof and dustproof (tested to IP67), this waterproof tablet case features revolutionary TRU® Zip technology, durable TPU construction, and RF welded seams designed to stand up to all of life’s adventures. The patented TRU Zip design allows Nite Ize to build TRUly waterproof bags like you’ve never seen before. With a smooth glide and confident closure, RunOff offers a better way to store, organize, and protect your gear. From the big details down to the smallest ones, RunOff is trusted, tested, and tough. Fits tablets up to 7.63” wide and 10.23” tall.

$240

$420

IGLOO 62qt Maxcold Latitude Wheeled Cooler

SAIL RACING Spray Gore Tex Jacket Spray Gore Tex Jacket constructed in a GORE-TEX PACLITE® PLUS fabric. Constructed to provide maximal protection and high comfort in a lightweight packable all-purpose shell for demanding outdoor activities with the GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ promise. The jacket is waterproof and windproof, with high breathability. Water resistant YKK Aquaguard zippers. Elastic at sleeve end, bottom hem and hood. Waist pockets with zipper lined with fleece. Sail Racing and GORE-TEX print at chest. Reflex bloc logo on both sleeves and GORE-TEX print at sleeve end.

$2,690

Pack enough fuel for your camping and fishing adventures in the Igloo Maxcold Latitude 62 qt Wheeled Cooler. Designed with Cool Riser Technology®, this cooler keeps food and drinks cold with eco-friendly THERMECOOL™ insulation and offers a MAXCOLD® 5-day ice-retention performance for longer journeys. The telescoping handle and oversize wheels make it easy to haul the cooler from your truck to your destination.

$780 APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Marine

NITE IZE–RunOff® Waterproof Tablet Case

Under Boat charters BOAT BUILDERS

58mm W x 124mm H BOAT CHARTER

Hong Kong Catamaran Club Ltd 香港双體船會 www.cata.hk

Marine

REGATTA YACHTS LTD Builder and repairers of pleasure boats, fibreglass and woodwork specialists, riggers, fitters, metal workers, painters and all kinds of marine work. Slipway available.

Beneteau 34

New Territories

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Yacht Charter

- Hourly, Daily

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93 Che Keng Tuk Road Sai Kung, Hong Kong T: (852) 2791 4106 E: info@pierceymarine.com www.pierceymarine.com

Jeanneau SO44I

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Contact: EVA WONG Email: regattayachtsltd@gmail.com Tel: 2719 8875 Fax: 2358 0621 Lot 491 DD 210

MARINE PRODUCTS

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French Jeanneau SO44i for 13 pax French Beneteau First 40.7 for 10 pax Beneteau Oceanis 34 for 7 pax Beneteau First 21.7 for 4 pax

Team Building 團隊訓練 ASA Worldwide Recognized Bareboat Charter Certification  25119398 ; 大陆专号 15012535542

+852 53135542 charter@cata.hk hkcata.hk

GRAPHICS RONSIL DEVELOPMENT LTD Unit 702-703 7/F, Cheung Tat Centre No.18 Cheung Lee Street Chaiwan Hong Kong T: 2834 1633 F: 2834 0201 ronsil@netvigator.com BOAT NAMES / LOGOS / NUMBERS

MARINE PRODUCTS STORM FORCE MARINE LTD

601 Sunbeam Centre, 27 Shing Yip Street Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Contact: Graham Parkes T: 2866 0114 sales@stormforcemarine.com www.stormforcemarine.com MARINE PRODUCTS DISTRIBUTER AND CHANDLERY

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN REACHING THE BOATING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG? ...then Ahoy! should be your choice. If you are interested please email prdept@rhkyc.org.hk or contact the PR Department on 2239 0307 or 2239 0312 34

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

No Snooker

SNOOKER CONTACT snooker@rhkyc.org.hk

W O RD S: G O RD O N RO BINS O N

f course, there has been no snooker action for quite some time, and it seems that there will be none until at least late April or May. There has been some action, though, as during February the Club engaged Wai Ming Billiard Co to re-cover the table with new cloth. This was an interesting operation to observe as two craftsmen removed the cushions and pockets, stripped off the cloth, sanded and levelled the slate bed and adjusted the table legs before laying the new cloth and reassembling the whole thing, all in about five hours. Thanks to House Manager Lorence Leung for his assistance and co-operation. The photos show the work in progress, where the five pieces of slate that form the bed are visible, and the finished job.

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Other Sports

Information correct at time of print. For the most up to date information please contact the Club. All of the events and promotions included in this issue of Ahoy! are subject to prevailing social distancing measures.

Afternoon Tea Set in the Compass Room Compass Room | 1500hrs to 1745hrs

Events | Promotions

Enjoy your mid-day getaway with light snacks, Champagne, and an amazing sea view at only $298 per person. And if a single glass of champagne is not enough – get your glass refilled for only $68 per glass for continued enjoyment! MENU A glass of Champagne on arrival ❧ ❧ ❧ Fresh Oysters (2pcs) ❧ ❧ ❧ Blue Crabmeat, Avocado and Vine Cherry Tomato Shooter Smoked Salmon on Cucumber, Dill Caesar Salad with Chicken Shrimp Toast with Caviar Cream Spicy Beef and Mushroom Tortilla Barbecued Pork Puff Pastry Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream Mango Mille-feuille Chocolate Cheesecake Summer Fruit Tart ❧ ❧ ❧ Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea

For reservations, please email compassroom@rhkyc.org.hk

Wine of the Month Bodega y Viñedos Catena, Catena Chardonnay 2020, Mendoza, Argentina [JS92] The extraordinary combination of vineyards offers honey and tropical fruit flavours while lending notes of citrus, pears, peaches, and white flowers with a strong minerality and a delicate note of vanilla. The mouthfeel is clean with fresh acidity. $318 per bottle.

Cook with Paul! Our very own Executive Chef Paul Fong is going to show you, how to make some of your favourite items from the Club menu right in the comfort of your own home. And what’s even better, we’ll even prepare all the ingredients for you so all you must do is collect your package from the Bistro Deli and follow the very simple recipe. Each ingredient package can be ordered for 2, 4, 6, 8 pax etc. To order, please scan QR code.

Bodega y Viñedos Catena, Catena Malbec 2019, Mendoza, Argentina Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavours of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of leather and cinnamon. The wine has well-integrated tannins, bright acidity and a flinty minerality that provides exceptional length to the finish. $318 per bottle. Available in all F&B outlets.

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

Events | Promotions

Leeuwin Estate Wine Dinner Compass Room | Thursday 21 April* Family owned, Leeuwin Estate, one of the five founding wineries of the now famous Margaret River district of Western Australia, is under the direction of two generations who work with a team of highly skilled winemakers to consistently produce wines ranking alongside the world’s finest. The international accolades have continued, and Leeuwin now exports to 30 markets. The prestigious Langton’s Classification of Australian wine includes Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay in the top “Exceptional” category and amongst the iconic “Heritage Five” celebrating Australia’s most exceptional, ground-breaking wines, whilst Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is classified as “Outstanding”. Pre-dinner Tasting Dinner Price Speaker Reservations

1900hrs 1930hrs $888 per member and $988 per non-member Mr Mickey Chan – Certified Wine Educator Please book via the Club webpage. (Priority booking available to Kellett Wine Society members)

Enquiries

Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk * should dinner be suspended due to Government restrictions, this event will be rescheduled to Saturday 23 April as an Early Wine Dinner from 1500hrs to 1745hrs.

PRE-DINNER TASTING Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2021 MENU AND WINES Thai Prawn and Razor Clam Salad, Chorizo and Apple Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2019/20 ❧ ❧ ❧ Oven-baked Salmon Fillet with Hazelnut Crust, Apricot and Fennel Salsa Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2017 [WS96/JS96] ❧ ❧ ❧ Slow-cooked Lamb Loin, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Parmesan, Berry Jus Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2018 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2017/18 ❧ ❧ ❧ Veal Stew, Banana Shallots, Baby Vegetables, Truffle Mashed Potatoes Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 [WS94/JS94] ❧ ❧ ❧ Chocolate Sphere with Vanilla Ice Cream, Peach Crumble ❧ ❧ ❧ Freshly Brewed Coffee or Gourmet Tea VEGETARIAN MENU Cucumber and Apple Salad, Crispy Avocado ❧ ❧ ❧ Oven-baked Cauliflower with Hazelnut Crust, Apricot and Fennel Salsa ❧ ❧ ❧ Roast Pumpkin, Asparagus Risotto, Parmesan, Berry Jus ❧ ❧ ❧ Wild Mushroom Stew, Banana Shallots, Baby Vegetables, Truffle Mashed Potatoes ❧ ❧ ❧ Chocolate Sphere with Vanilla Ice Cream, Peach Crumble ❧ ❧ ❧ Freshly Brewed Coffee or Gourmet Tea

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Lobster and Fresh Oysters Platter

Well liked promotions continue in April!

Main Deck | 1 to 30 April

Events | Promotions Each platter includes one Poached Rock Lobster and six Fresh Oysters at $568. Enjoy the platter with an additional bottle of our favourite Cuvée du Commodore at $318!

Wine Box Set of the Month

Pasta Promotion Middle Island and Shelter Cove | 1 to 30 April Tiger Prawns and Hokkaido Scallops with Bucatini

$210

Pan-fried Duck Breast and Goose Liver with Fettuccine, Pesto Sauce

$210

Spicy Thai Chicken Spaghetti

$168

Assorted Wild Mushrooms and Morel with Linguine Alfredo $198

Char-Grilled Seafood Market Bistro | 1 to 30 April Enjoy a variety of char-grilled fresh seafood prepared à la minute. Available daily. Seafood Selections Hokkaido Scallop Skewer Jumbo King Prawns Whole Sea Bream Salmon Steak

Razor Clams Arrow Squids Fresh Irish Jumbo Oysters

Cabernet around the world v Laurent Miquel, Père et Fils Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Languedoc-Roussillon v Singlefile ‘The Philip Adrian’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Frankland River, Great Southern, Western Australia [JH96] v Forrest Estate, John Forrest Collection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand v Long Meadow Ranch, Farmstead Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley, USA v Finca Sophenia Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Gualtallary, Argentina [WA92] v Lapostolle, Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Apalta Valley, Chile [JS94] v Gift box packaging $1,988 per set. For enquiries, please call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

CLASS SECRETARIES

SPORTS CONVENORS Bowling Convenor Vivian Choi bowling@rhkyc.org.hk Golf Convenor Patrick Sherriff golf@rhkyc.org.hk Snooker Convenor Gordon Robinson snooker@rhkyc.org.hk Squash Convenor Francis Longuepee squash@rhkyc.org.hk Diving Convenor Donald Day diving@rhkyc.org.hk

CLUB CONTACTS General Manager Mark Bovaird 2239 0300 mark.bovaird@rhkyc.org.hk Executive Secretary Polly Lee 2239 0301 Financial Controller Fred Wong 2239 0315 Membership Manager Tracy Leung 2239 0371 Head of PR & Communications Koko Mueller 2239 0342 PR Manager Janice Lam 2239 0340 Head of Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships Nadia Cuvelier 3958-3222 Marine Manager Alan Reid 2239 0308 Boatyard Manager Dean Burrell 2239 0311 Sailing Manager Ailsa Angus 2239 0395 Club Operations Manager Peter Murray 2239 0338 Sailing Coordinator Gloria Yeung 2812 7063 Assistant Manager | Sailing Iris Yang 2239 0314 MI Sailing and Marine Manager Jono Rankine 2812 0172 Assistant Manager | Regattas and Events Nikki Claringbold 2239 0363 Rowing and Paddle Sports Manager Nick Crabb 2239 0322 Boatyard Office Manager Connie Chan 2239 0304 Facilities & Technical Manager Raymond Ng 2239 0303 Human Resources Manager Susanna Chung 2239 0310 Ship Shop Manager David Ho 2239 0336 Assistant Marine Manager Joanne Ho 2239 0309 House Manager Lorence Leung 2239 0352

ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, SAR Kellett Island Tel: 2832 2817 Fax: 2572 5399 Middle Island Tel: 2812 7202 Shelter Cove Tel: 2792 2744

www.rhkyc.org.hk www.facebook.com/rhkyc www.facebook.com/rhkycrowingsection www.facebook.com/rhkycevents www.facebook/rhkycsharks www.twitter.com/rhkyc

March 2022

Membership Movement FULL MEMBERS Mr Oliver Thomas Freeman Merz ORDINARY MEMBERS Ms Yasmine Barlieb & Mr Corbett Chellew Mr & Dr Chan Yuet Ming Caleb Mr & Mrs Che Chi Hang Mr & Mrs James Keong Chen Mr & Mrs Choa Tak Fung David Ms Anne Lueth & Mr Chris Tam Miss Sin Yeuk Wang & Mr Lee Mang Chai Mr & Mrs Alberto Vettoretti Mr & Mrs Hans Yeung Ms Cissy Yip & Mr Felix Hsu CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS FROM JUNIOR TO ORDINARY Dr Otis Cho-bun Lam Mr Luk Wai Tsan Justin JUNIOR MEMBERS Mr Chan Hon Tak Mr Lau Zi Dun SHORT TERM MEMBERS Mr & Mrs Simon Van Moppes INDIVIDUAL DEBENTURE MEMBERS Dr & Mrs Ip Wai Kit CADET MEMBERS Alba Josephine Chellew Choi Javis Hung Yu Marie Sophie Isaure De Lambilly Sixtine Marie Beatrice De Lambilly Alessandro Fox Di Giulio Hsu Lauren Kan Ru Hsu Morgan Dao Ru Ip Tsz Mong Ip Tsz Oi Ip Tsz Shun Leung Tsz Ying Sophia Li Marcus Enoch Ryan Wong Wong Tsz Fung Gavin

CADET MEMBER SPONSORED BY A MEMBER Henry Chi Hang Lau Kiran William Malviya CORPORATE NOMINEE SUBSCRIBER Mr & Mrs Eric Marie Yann De Lambilly Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank, Chief Risk Officer Mr & Mrs Tsoi Hing Wa Hong Kong Tung Fung Investment Company Ltd, Manager Mr & Mrs Wan Hang Ping Hing Lung Contracting Limited, Director STUDENT USAGE CARD Mr Justin Wilson Yuen City University of HK INTRODUCTORY SCHEME CARD Incoming Prof Chow Billy Kwok-Chong Ms Jo In Yang Mr Tsoi Ngai Kwun Eric Jean Louis Mr Wong Lap Wai Outgoing Mr Robert William James Lennox Mr David Kenneth Bolden Mr Charlton Rutledge Dwight ABSENT MEMBERS Ms Tina Atkinson Mr Fredson Thayer Bowers Miss Claire Susan Burley Prof Giuliano G F Castellano Mr Yuta Furuhashi Mr Charles G L Knox Ms Kong Man-yi Yvette Mr Lam San Tung Mr Liao Shen Cing Joseph Mr Anthony John McColough Mr Edoardo Francesco Sabatino Ms Claire Anita Storey

Mr Faolan Patrick Whyte Ms Wong Chung Yu Ruby Miss Angela Ang & Mr James Griffiths Mr & Mrs Robert Peter Harrod Mr & Mrs Martin Stuart Hills Mrs Gillian M Keefe & Mr David J Keefe Mr & Mrs Posit Laohaphan Mr & Mrs Christopher Brock Maden Mr & Mrs Michael Charles Marsden Mr & Mrs Thomas Mueller Mr & Mrs David Alexander Newbigging Xavier Alexander Carey Maximilian John Ang Griffiths Ana Alicia Hamer Nico Hamer RESIGNATION Ms Cheung Pik Ng Mr James Michael Dagge Mr William James Nathaniel Gardner Mr Holger Wilhelm Naumann Mr Mark Justin Patrick Sutch Mr & Mrs Malcolm Colin Binns Mr & Mrs Alastair St John Edward Cameron Mr & Mrs Chiu On Kam Kenny Mr & Mrs W J Jeffrey Evans Mrs Josephine Jones & Mr Peter Jones Mr & Mrs Lam Siu Lo Andrew Mr & Mrs Henri M C L Laniece Mr & Mrs Matthew William Truman Yasmin G Cooke Faustine Delorme William Strathearn Mcdougall Dock Melisa Gurtas Ma Tsz Ho Jasper Rudy Hadisaputra Menzies Darrell Ng Alexandra Allegra O'Brien Tiare Marie Short Benjamin William Gordon Stewart

Farewell The General Manager, Mark Bovaird presented a farewell gift to Poon Kai Sing, Receiving Co-Ordinator who left the Club on 16 February after 20 years’ service

Royal Bahamas Yacht Squadron History: The Club was founded in 1925 on New Providence Island (Nassau) and got its Royal Warrant in 1926 by KGV. In 1968 the Club brought a tract of land in the newly dragged Bell Channel on the island of Grand Bahama, which is only 56 miles from Palm Beach (Florida) and boats an international airport, a depth of 27ft in the Channel and modern facilities. In 1969 the clubhouse was erected, and the club officially moved to Freeport, where it has remained ever since. Sailing activities: The Club organise regular events on the waiter, such as “sailing in company” where members and reciprocal members are invited to cruise under sail to visit cays of the neighbouring islands, and also offer training with three professional instructors to members’ children. Thus, they also organise some regattas both in the Bahamas as well as in the US and the rest of West Indies in cooperation with local clubs. In addition to the tradition Bahamian rig, they also encourage classic yachting as well as lasers, 1720, etc. Facilities: Visiting mooring/berth, restaurants and bars, library, outdoor swimming pool, free launch service to pick up and drop off to yacht moored in the bay. Royal Bahamas Yacht Squadron 14 Bell Channel Bay Subdivision Grand Bahama, The Bahamas Web Site: www.rbys.club APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

Club Lines

Sailing Secretary Dennis Chien sailing.secretary@rhkyc.org.hk Big Boat Maiyo Hood cruiser@rhkyc.org.hk Dinghies Oz Wilde dinghies@rhkyc.org.hk Dragon Josephine Cheng dragon@rhkyc.org.hk Etchells Bo Lee etchells@rhkyc.org.hk Flying Fifteen Tim Roberts flyingfifteen@rhkyc.org.hk Impala Patrick Kwan impala@rhkyc.org.hk J/80 Andrew Blank J80@rhkyc.org.hk Match Racing Seah Chin Yew matchracingsec@rhkyc.org.hk Pandora Joseph Wong pandora@rhkyc.org.hk Ruffian Joan Szeto ruffian@rhkyc.org.hk Sportsboats Amanda Chen sportsboat@rhkyc.org.hk Youth Sailing Class and 29er TBC ysc@rhkyc.org.hk

Strict social distancing rules and cancellation of organized sports? No problem! On and off the water, our young members have found different ways to stay active, healthy, and to have fun!

Kids Only Learning new bike tricks

Practicing Safety first in tree climbing!

The Maliah and the Nguyen children sailing their optimists to Round Island under Dad’s supervision

Climbing to retrieve a frisbee

Five year old James sailing around Port Shelter on our boat

Ma sisters fighting over the throne on the way down Brick Hill hike!

Jr. Dragon boater staying fit with HIT at home

Stay Active! Discover a Hidden Gem in Shelter Cove W O RD S: WICK Y CH A N

Power up with a breakfast at the Shelter Cove Club house and set off on your adventure to find Trio Beach (三星灣) – a hidden gem at Shelter Cove waiting eagerly for you to discover. The children-friendly hiking trail starts just a minute up the slope between the Ladies and Gents at the clubhouse (yellow dot on the map). Once you have reached the concrete flat hiking trail on your way up, turn right and one will find a quiet trail awaits. It is a comfortable walk with tree shade in most parts (blue line on the map). There are not many turns so simply follow the signposts to Trio Beach and you will not get lost. After 20 minutes or so, you will reach a bifurcation where there is a longer uphill trail to continue to Trio Beach on starboard, and a shorter paved path on port. The longer tail on starboard will roughly take another 30 mins to reach the beach while the shorter one on port will take you to small tranquil village of Ma Nam Wat. Although tougher it may seem, the starboard trail uphill would bring you soon to the highest point in the peninsula, with awe-inspiring views of Hebe Haven and Port Shelter, as well as Sai Kung town further away behind you! Just admiring the boats moored in the calm shelter with blue sky and green mountain as the backdrop, one could empty your mind and indulge into the positive energy that mother nature has to offer!

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After reaching the highest point on the dirt trail (red dot on the map), the path starts to slowly wind down towards the beach. This section is probably the most challenging part as it starts to descend, and the trail becomes narrower, yet still manageable for young children. Most part of this trail is still shaded, and it might get a bit slippery in humid and rainy weathers. At the end of the downhill part, one would find the lovely sandy Trio Beach on your left. If the beach is open, one can simply enjoy dipping into the water or lazing on the sand. There are proper changing and shower facilities under normal circumstances, and there’s even a Kiosk, in case you fancy an ice-cream after a hot hike in Summer! If you decide not to hike back, there are regular ferries running back and forth between Trio Beach and the public pier in Hebe Haven (green line on the map). For RHKYC members wanting to go back to the Shelter Cove clubhouse, a faster way is to hop onto the RHKYC sampan from the friendly Hebe Haven Yacht Club, and it will bring you back to the Shelter Cove clubhouse in just a few minutes (orange line on the map). Mind you, a RHKYC membership card is required for one to enter the HHYC premise. Trail to Trio Beach

APRIL 2022 AHOY! |

| APRIL 2022 AHOY!

Ahoy! April 2022

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