Ahoy! December 2015 by Koko Mueller

Contents

28 25

The Bridge

Features

Rowing

Events | Promotions

4 6 8 9 9 9

10 Audi China Coast Regatta 18 Audi Hong Kong to Vietnam Race in association with VinaCapital and CMG.ASIA 25 Etchells Asia Pacific Championships 28 Dragon Pacific Rim Interport 30 Middle Sea Race on Rockall IV Winner Class 4 IRC and ORC

34 World Rowing Masters Regatta 35 Lantau Classic: The ‘dragon boat day’ of outrigging 36 A Captains’ Eight

43 On the Horizon 44 F&B Food Promotions 46 Wine Page 47 Wine Form

Calendar Commodore’s Message General Manager’s Message Kellett Island Development Speaker’s Corner with Ian Walker RHKYC Charity Foundation

Sailing

Marine 38 Marine | Boatyard 39 Ship Shop 40 Classified Page 41 Marine Directory

Club LINES 48 Club Directory 48 Members, Staff and Other News and Announcements 50 A Message from the Chairman of Membership Committee

31 Starter’s Box 32 The Birth of a Dragon 33 Sail Development | Training Photo: RHKYC / Guy Nowell

Audi China Coast Regatta

www.rhkyc.org.hk

Vice Patrons Jimmy Farquhar, Li Fook Hing, Bob Wilson; Commodore Mark Whitehead; Vice Commodore Robert Stoneley; Rear Commodore Sailing Anthony Day; Rear Commodore Club John Woo; Honorary Secretary Charlie Manzoni; Honorary Treasurer George Li; Rowing Captain Ng Kong Wan. For other Club contact details please refer to the Club Directory on page 48. Advertising or Editorial Enquiries contact RHKYC PR Department at ahoy@rhkyc.org.hk or 2239 0307 or 2239 0312 Ahoy! Design Michelle Shek, MYND Design. Articles for Ahoy! can be emailed to ahoy@rhkyc.org.hk or left in the Ahoy! pigeon hole at Kellett Island. 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

Fondues

FRI

SAT

SUN

Clay Pot Rice, Double-boiled Soup and Snake Soup

Christmas Fair Main Lawn

1 to 30 December

1 to 30 December (except 24 December)

5 December

Kellett Island Wine Fair Lucky Draw in the Main Bar

Shelter Cove Wine Fair Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Speaker’s Corner and Book-signing

Middle Island and Shelter Cove

Bistro

The Bridge

DecemBER

Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating Main Lawn

Clay Pot Rice, Double-boiled Soup and Snake Soup in the Bistro 1 to 30 December (except 24 December) Fondues at Middle Island and Shelter Cove 1 to 30 December

5 December

Christmas Light Lunch Buffet in the Compass Room 7 to 24 December Lucky Draw in the Main Bar

8 Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

9 Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

Children’s Christmas Party in the Compass Room Optimist Practice Optimist Silver Squad Adult Beginners Sailing Course Platu Skipper Course RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course HKLCA Champs / 29er Champs Match Racing Training

Optimist Silver Squad Youth Sailing Club Adult Beginners Sailing Course Supervised Sailing Session J/80 Crew Course RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course HKLCA Champs / 29er Champs

Class Racing

Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Go Sailing Youth Keelboat Crew and Skipper Course Adult Beginners Sailing Course Supervised Sailing Session J/80 Crew Course

Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Christmas Concert – Nova and Grace Notes present Christmas Pop

Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

Deadline for ordering Christmas Food, Goodies and Hamper Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Go Sailing Youth Keelboat Crew and Skipper Course

Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Go Sailing Youth Keelboat Crew and Skipper Course

Lucky Draw in the Main Bar Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Go Sailing Youth Keelboat Crew and Skipper Course

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch on the Main Lawn Set Lunch and Dinner in the Compass Room

Christmas Eve Carol Singing at the Turning Circle Set Dinner in the Compass Room Buffet Dinner in the Bistro BBQ Buffet Dinner on the Main Lawn Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and Go Sailing New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in the Compass Room Set Dinner in the Bistro Buffet Dinner and Dance at Middle Island Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

New Year’s Day Breakfast in the Bistro Buffet Lunch in the Compass Room

Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

28 4

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

Youth Keelboat Crew and Skipper Course Adult Beginners Sailing Course

Optimist Silver Squad Youth Sailing Club Adult Beginners Sailing Course Supervised Sailing Session J/80 Crew Course Platu Skipper Course

Class Racing

Lucky Draw in the Main Bar

Class Racing Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating on the Main Lawn Christmas Fair Optimist Practice Optimist Silver Squad Adult Beginners Sailing Course Supervised Sailing Session Platu Skipper Course RYA Powerboat Level 2 Assessment Course

19 Class Racing Boxing Day Buffet Lunch in the Compass Room

Steps 1,2,3,4 and Go Optimist HKSF Levels 1, 2 and Go Sailing

Wines and Beer of the Month Boschendal, The Pavillion Blanc 2015 – Western Cape, South Africa Boschendal, The Pavillion Shiraz Viognier 2014 – Western Cape, South Africa Kirin Ichiban (330ml)

EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD GROUP PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT PARTNER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB The Rothschild family has a remarkable history that dates back over 250 years and their association with competitive sailing, which began in 1876, is truly unique. For almost 140 years, « Gitana » has conjured up images of a line of boats, which tell of a family passion that has constantly been driven by the pursuit of excellence. The Rothschild’s are continuing a tradition based on expertise and innovation, performance and beauty, a history where each generation has left its own remarkable imprint. Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, Chairman of the Edmond de Rothschild Group, has inherited his family’s keen passion for the sport. Creating the Gitana Team in 2000, he transformed a family passion into a school of excellence and has been actively involved in their success ever since.

Sebastien Josse, skipper of the Multi70 Edmond de Rothschild Gitana XV, the latest in the Edmond de Rothschild Group’s dynasty of offshore trimaran racers and winner of the 2013 Transat Jacques Vabre competition, secured an impressive 3rd place in the 2014 Route du Rhum. The victory was widely hailed by his peers, given the boldness of his feat: striking out alone on the Atlantic against 30-metre and bigger trimaran maxis while skippering an offshore multihull equipped for the first time with T-foil rudders. Aided by this spirit of innovation and cutting-edge technology, the Gitana Team has now set a new challenge for itself: taking part in the next Vendée Globe competition, starting on 6 November, with a new Imoca-class boat.

Edmond de Rothschild Group is proud to be the Official Wealth Management Partner of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Edmond de Rothschild Group has been named the title sponsor of both the Spring and Autumn Regattas as a new Regatta Series. EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD (SUISSE) S.A., HONG KONG BRANCH Suite 5001, 50th Floor, One Exchange Square 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong T. +852 3765 0600 – F. + 852 2877 2185 www.edmond-de-rothschild.hk

Commodore’s Message

The Bridge

Congratulations to the winners of the Etchells Asia Pacific Championships, which were held at the end of October, and of the Etchells Worlds, which were held from 1 to 7 November. Congratulations also to the winners of the China Cup (30 October to 2 November), the Marriott Rewards Around the Island Race (15 November) and the Lipton Trophy presented by Old Mutual (21 November). Last but not least, our Sharks sailors once again took part in the Hebe Haven 24-hour dinghy race and performed very well, finishing 5th overall and 1st in the RS Feva division. I imagine everyone in the Sailing Office is breathing huge sighs of relief now that these events are over, as they can relax a little more in December after a frantically busy time. I would like to thank all the Club staff who were involved in these events – and of course a huge thank you to all the volunteer members who helped with race management and safety.

Commodore Mark Whitehead

會長韋浩德

The second Hong Kong Schools Rowing Championships was held on Sunday 8 November and the Club entered 125 rowers from the 15 schools we are currently coaching. An article on this regatta will appear in a later issue of Ahoy!. Coming up this month is the Hong Kong Laser Class Association Championships which will be run over the weekend of 12 and 13 December. At the Annual General Meeting on 24 November I was delighted to present Leon Chan with the Noel Croucher Award for Sailing, Duncan Gregor with the Tom Larmour Most Promising Young Sailor Award, and Fleur Iannazzo with the Sam Kelly Memorial Award. As Hugo Christensson was unable to attend, Calum Gregor accepted the Tom Larmour Best Performance Award on behalf of Hugo and himself. Ines Gillard, winner of this year’s Tom Larmour Young Sailor of the Year Award, was also unable to be there and will be presented with his award at a later date. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you around the Club.

過去兩月，帆船比賽一浪接一浪，在此恭喜勝出了 Etchells 帆船亞太錦標賽（10月24至26日）、Etchells 帆船世界錦標賽（11月1至7日）、中國杯帆船賽（10月30日至11月2日）、萬豪禮賞香港環島大賽（11月15日）和先機國際 Lipton 盃帆船賽（11月21日）的選手，還有特別恭喜我們的 Sharks 少年帆船隊隊員，在白沙灣遊艇會24 小時慈善小艇賽表現出色，勇奪 RS Feva 組別冠軍，以及總成績得第五。上述比賽完結後，相信賽事部門的同事終於可鬆一口氣。特別鳴謝所有員工為比賽出力，當然也要感謝一眾義工，協助管理賽事和維持海上安全。第二屆香港校際賽艇錦標賽已於11月8日（星期日）舉行，我們一共派出125名、來自十五間學校的賽艇手參賽，比賽報告將於稍後刊登於《Ahoy!》。另外，激光帆船香港錦標賽將於12月12至13日舉行。會員大會剛於11月24日舉行，今年我很高興頒發裘槎獎（Noel Croucher Award）予陳念良先生，另外我也頒發了 Tom Larmour 最具前途少年帆船手獎予 Duncan Gregor 和 Sam Kelly 紀念獎予 Fleur Iannazzo。Tom Larmour 最佳表現獎得主為 Calum Gregor 和 Hugo Christensson，由 Calum 一人代表領獎。Tom Larmour 年度少年帆船手為 Ines Gillard，但她未能出席大會，我們會稍後補頒獎項。祝各位聖誕和新年假期愉快，希望在會所碰到你們。

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

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General Manager’s Message Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Marriott Rewards ATIR, China Cup, the Lipton Trophy presented by Old Mutual, and the Etchells Asia Pacifics and Worlds. On the rowing side we entered 125 into the Hong Kong Schools Rowing Championships.

The Bridge

In the December 2014 Ahoy! I reported that we had said farewell to Roger Eastham. However as most of you know, our Marine & Sailing Manager Joe Goddard resigned from the Club at the end of October, and Roger has returned to help us out until such time as we can fill the position on an interim basis. We are indebted to Roger, as without him it would have been extremely difficult to run all the sailing events in the later part of the year to the standard expected of our Club.

General Manager Mark Bovaird

總經理布馬克

In addition to the sailing and rowing, this November was equally as busy around the Club as last year with speaker’s corners and pottery painting, wine fairs and a whisky dinner. And although things have calmed down somewhat on the sailing front, the social side is just as busy during December. We start the month with a book-reading and signing with Diana Fortescue on 4 December, then on Saturday 5th we have both the children’s gingerbread house decorating in the morning, and our inaugural Christmas Fair in the afternoon. There will be a wide variety of goods on offer so hopefully you should be able to finish all your Christmas shopping in one go. On 9 December the Hong Kong Women’s Choir will provide musical Christmas entertainment at the poolside, the children’s Christmas party is on the 12th, and of course we have the traditional carol singing on Christmas Eve, and fireworks in the harbour on New Year’s Eve. That’s not to mention the special Christmas and New Year buffets and dinners which will be on offer at all Kellett Island restaurants and at Middle Island. There’s something for everybody so I hope you all take full advantage of what’s on offer, and enjoy the festive period at your Club. As mentioned in previous messages, the development at the Kellett Island Clubhouse is progressing very well, with the programme designed to ensure that the Bistro, Compass Room and banqueting rooms remain fully available to members over the festive period. We are once again collecting new toys for the Hong Kong Red Cross Hospital School, which supports sick children and adolescents in a number of hospitals across Hong Kong. If you would like to donate a new toy please leave it in Reception, wrapped and clearly labelled indicating whether it’s suitable for a boy or a girl, and for what age. Please deliver any toys by 18 December. Many thanks! The Annual General Meeting was held on 24 November when a number of members were presented with their 25-year membership awards. The Commodore also presented the Noel Croucher Award for Sailing, the Tom Larmour Best Performance Award, the Tom Larmour Young Sailor of the Year Award, the Tom Larmour Most Promising Young Sailor Award, and the Sam Kelly Memorial Award. I look forward to seeing you around the Club, and would encourage you to book as early as possible for social and dining events at Kellett and Middle Island in order to avoid disappointment. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

恭喜所有參與萬豪禮賞香港環島大賽、中國杯帆船賽、先機國際 Lipton 盃帆船賽、Etchells 帆船亞太錦標賽和世界錦標賽的選手。另外，我們共派出125名賽艇手參加香港校際賽艇錦標賽。去年12月那期《Ahoy!》提及 Roger Eastham 已辭去遊艇會職務，離開香港。現在他再次歸來，接替剛於十月辭職的海事經理 Joe Goddard，直至我們聘請到新經理為止。幸得 Roger，才能使所有帆船比賽順利舉行，這次真是欠了他一個大人情。除了帆船和划艇比賽，十一月的活動亦相當豐富，有陶藝班、不同講座、品酒大會和威士忌晚宴等。十二月活動同樣精彩，首先是作家 Diana Fortescue 於12月4日舉辦的讀書會，然後是12月5日(星期六)早上的小朋友薑餅屋製作班，同日下午還有首次舉辦的聖誕市集。市集攤檔各有特色，貨品多樣，應節用品一應俱全。12月9日，香港女子合唱團將於池畔演出，小朋友聖誕派對則於12月12日舉行。平安夜當晚，除了報佳音，維港還會舉行煙花匯演。另外，當然少不了銅鑼灣和中途島會所會推出的聖誕和新年大餐，希望各位會員能在會所歡度佳節。之前提到，銅鑼灣會所工程進度理想，Bistro、Compass Room 和各宴會廳於節日期間照常營業。一如以行，今年我們也會為香港紅十字會醫院學校收集新玩具，捐給他們的病童和青少年。若想參與此活動，請在玩具上註明適合年齡和性別，在12月18日前交到本會接待處。感謝支持！會員大會剛於11月24日舉行，除了25週年紀念獎，會長還頒發了裘槎獎（Noel Croucher Award）、Tom Larmour 最佳表現獎、Tom Larmour 年度少年帆船手獎、Tom Larmour 最具前途少年帆船手獎和 Sam Kelly 紀念獎予會員。希望在會所碰到你們，另外提提大家，十二月活動名額有限，欲報從速。祝各位聖誕快樂，新年進步！

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Kellett Island Development shop in the near future. With the new building coming online around Chinese New Year, the staff areas from the main Clubhouse (staff canteen, changing rooms etc) will move across as will the administration offices from the Admin Building. Over in the New Central Block, the main kitchen at the ground floor has already been handed over to our kitchen consultants and the space looks more and more like a kitchen every day.

From left to right: Mark Bovaird, General Manager; William Yip of Fong Wing Shing Construction; Project Steering Committee members Robert Stoneley, Vice Commodore; John Woo, Rear Commodore Club; and Graham Tier

From left to right: John Woo, Rear Commodore Club; George Li, Treasurer; Chris Perry of Gleeds; William Yip of Fong Wing Shing Construction; Robert Stoneley, Vice Commodore; Graham Tier; Mark Bovaird, General Manager

Group photo with everyone in attendance

Speaker’s Corner with Ian Walker On 12 November we were delighted to welcome Ian Walker back to the Club. Ian is the holder of two Olympic silver medals, he skippered Britian’s America’s Cup team in 2000 and was the tactician of the Italian team in 2007. In 2008 to 2009 he skippered Green Dragon in the Volve Ocean Race and has twice skippered Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race entry, winning the 12th edition of the race. He has won the Fastnet Race, several European championships and four world championships. Over 100 members were on the Main Lawn to hear Ian talk, and afterwards he was presented with a Club burgee by Commodore Mark Whitehead as a token of our appreciation.

The Club’s Charity Foundation has been busy working on a pilot programme to help disadvantaged children improve their English language skills. The programme has been very well received and it is likely that the Foundation will be rolling out an expanded programme early next year. I would be grateful if members who would be willing to volunteer their time to help with this programme could register their interest by emailing charity@rhkyc.org.hk and we will be back in contact in due course when details are confirmed. DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

The Bridge

The Topping Out Ceremony for the Annex New Wing was held on 11 November (one year and one week after the Breaking Ground Ceremony). This signals the formal end of the construction of the building’s superstructure and the move into the fitting-out phase which will take us to Chinese New Year. Ship Shop Manager David Ho has been extremely busy working with the interior designers and he very much looks forward to welcoming you to his new (and much expanded!)

Boujis Welcome Drinks Feature | AUDI China Coast Regatta 10

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Feature | AUDI China Coast Regatta

AUDI China Coast Regatta W ords: Lindsay Lyons | photos: Gu y N owell

fter months of painstaking effort by the organising committee and a complete re-design of courses to accommodate and entertain some of the larger overseas competitors, a new-look China Coast Regatta was on the cards for 2015, with 40 boats on the entry list. Day 1 and Race Officer Sofia Mascia was out early on the new race track east of Tung Lung Chau to scope for wind and to decide where to lay her marks. Finding 8 to 11kts of northerly

breeze for the first windward / leeward race of the day, Mascia set a 2.2nm windward leg for IRC Racer 0, IRC Racer 1 and IRC Premier, while the smaller boats of Racer 2, 3 and HKPN were given a 1.6nm leg. The imposing sight and speed of Syd Fischer’s Team Ragamuffin was something to behold, prompting the RO to lengthen the start line, however technical problems on the first windward leg forced the 100-foot maxi to retire. Jelik took advantage of their absence,

finishing first on the water, with double defending champion Ray Roberts’ Millenium Racing coming out first on corrected time. In IRC Racer 1, Marcel Liedts’ new Ker 46, Zannekin, stole the show, pushing EFG Mandrake into second and the new Ker 42 Black Baza into third, while in IRC Racer 2, the largest division in the regatta with 11 boats, William Liu’s Seawolf pipped Sydney 38 Stella and J109 Whiskey Jack to take both gunsmoke and line honours. DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Feature | AUDI China Coast Regatta IRC Racer 3 resembled a one-design division, being made up of three Beneteau First 34.7s, and in this instance J.C Broyelle successfully held off Calamansi to claim line honours and first place, while in Premier, Xena claimed line honours with Lighthorse claiming 1st under IRC. The final division to finish was HKPN, with Darling claiming a first on handicap. With IRC Racer 2 and HKPN still finishing in a softening breeze, Mascia made the decision to limit the day’s racing to two races and elected to get IRC Racer 1 off on an Islands course, taking them around the picturesque rockscapes of Ninepins and Bluff via Club marks, before returning to Tung Lung Chau for a finish. IRC Racer 0 followed the same course, with Syd Fischer’s Team Ragamuffin scorching the course in just over two hours to take divisional line honours. The other divisions fared less well in the dying breeze, requiring their course to be shortened at Steep Island and leaving Ymir and Clove Hitch still on course at the cut-off and, in

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

a wide-ranging division, several unfortunate HKPN boats scoring DNF before returning to Kellett Island for the night. Day 2 and conditions at Tung Lung Chau looked promising, with 12kts of northerly breeze, however as the competitors approached the start line, Mascia was forced to display the AP after a wind shift of 50º, then move her entire race track to leave enough room for the IRC Racer 0 boats to round the windward mark without bumping into Ninepins. Thirty minutes later, Mascia was rewarded with relatively stable wind strengths of 10-13kts which resulted in a competitive windward / leeward for everyone, however with the direction being very unstable, a second windward / leeward race was vetoed in favour of ensuring a good islands race around Po Toi island. Unsurprisingly, Syd Fischer’s Team Ragamuffin was first to appear from behind the islands on course 11 and steamed into the finish line in 12kts ahead of a 90-minute procession. The breeze held to ensure that everyone recorded a

finish, with Black Baza finishing just under three minutes behind Zannekin on the water with Ambush a further minute behind to push the new Ker 46 into 3rd place on corrected time. In Racer 2, with Seawolf finishing ahead of Mojito and Stella on the water it was A35 Dexter II who cleaned up her second race in a row on corrected time to set up a final day battle with the A40RC, also sitting on two 1st places. Going into the final day Ray Roberts’ Millennium Racing was leading IRC Racer 0 with four bullets, ahead of Sam Chan’s FreeFire, while in IRC Racer 1, Ker 46 Zannekin was leading Ker 42 Black Baza by four points. Beneteau First 34.7 Calamansi was sitting pretty in IRC Racer 3, while Kiasu, Darling and DEA II were separated by only two points in HKPN. With boats on fair warning that their Day 3 journey to the start line east of Po Toi would take some time, Middle Island was a hive of activity from early in the morning, with many boats taking the opportunity to put in a reef before venturing out to the limits of Hong Kong waters.

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Feature | AUDI China Coast Regatta Mascia and team were, once again, out early. Finding 25kts plus of solid northerly and a very lumpy sea state the AP was displayed (to varying levels of approval from the competitors) until the breeze softened enough to anchor the committee boat and lay a start line. Having originally planned to give the IRC Racer divisions one or possibly two quick windward / leewards, in light of the conditions Mascia set them an islands course along with IRC Premier and HKPN in order not to compromise any of the boats intending to compete in the subsequent Hong Kong to Vietnam Race. Several boats dropped out of the running before the start, preferring to return to the calmer waters of Victoria Harbour, but when the starts finally got underway in 20kts, an

hour and 20 minutes behind schedule, 29 boats were still keen to continue racing. The heavier breeze caused a few upsets at the start, with ARK323 from Racer 0 crossing the line early before exonerating herself. Racer 1 was all clear before Premier had a punchy start, with Xena and Lighthorse both over early, Xena exonerating herself and Lighthorse retiring for the day after locking horns with the committee boat. Syd Fischer’s Team Ragamuffin retired with a headsail problem after reaching the first Club mark, while in IRC Premier, Clove Hitch also decided she had seen enough for the day and headed home. After an islands course taking in Waglan, Sung Kong, Steep, Ninepins and Basalt, Ray Roberts

on Millenium Racing lifted his third consecutive China Coast Regatta trophy with a picket fence of five wins, ahead of Sam Chan’s FreeFire. In Racer 1, Marcel Liedts’ Zannekin held off Steve Manning and Anthony Root’s Black Baza while in Racer 2, William Liu’s Seawolf pipped Lowell Chang’s Dexter II by two points and Rob Berkley and Gaston Chan’s Calamansi claimed Racer 3 ahead of Lady Butterfly, helmed by J.C. Broyelle. Having completed their scheduled five races, both IRC Premier Division and HKPN enjoyed a discard, with Peter Forsythe and Jing Lee lifting the IRC Premier trophy for Xena just one point ahead of Moonblue 2 and Herman Wong’s Kiasu beating Dean Chisholm’s Darling on countback to claim the HKPN silverware.

The committee appreciates that fine tuning is desirable for the new format and thanks those competitors who have already taken the trouble to give their feedback both by e-mail and by the online feedback questionnaire – for sailors who would still like to contribute their thoughts, the questionnaire remains open at http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/events/ccrfeedback.aspx?reg=show

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

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Feature | AUDI China Coast Regatta

AUDI China Coast Regatta 2015 – Results Rank

Boat Name

IRC Racer 0 1st Millennium Racing 2nd FreeFire 3rd Jelik 4th Antipodes 5th ARK323 6th Ragamuffin 100 IRC Racer 1 1st Zannekin 2nd Black Baza 3rd EFG Mandrake 4th Straight Up 5th Ambush 6th Vineta 7th PDSTi XF IRC Racer 2 1st Seawolf 2nd Dexter II 3rd Mojito 4th Stella 5th Whiskey Jack 6th Andiamo 7th Ymir 8th Outrageous 9th Talkinghead 10th Ding Dong IRC Racer 3 1st Calamansi 2nd Lady Butterfly 3rd Goddess IRC Premier 1st Xena 2nd Moonblue2 3rd Lighthorse 4th Clove Hitch HKPN 1st Kiasu 2nd Darling 3rd Glory Sportfun 4th Pepper & Salt 5th 6th 7th 8th

Red Kite DEA II Cave Canem TT

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Sail No.

Owner / Helm

Rating

CCR15 R1

CCR15 R2

CCR15 R3

CCR15 R4

CCR15 R5

Total

Nett

AUS 8898 HKG 2283 HKG 600

Ray Roberts Sam Chan Frank Pong

1.359 1.376 1.525

1 2 3

1 2 7.0 RET

1 3 2

1 2 4

1 2 3

5 11 19

GBR 2888L HKG 2382 SYD 100

Geoff Hill Noah’s Yacht Club / Robert Hielkema Sydney Fischer

1.387 1.366 1.918

5 4 7.0 DNF

5 4 3

5 4 6

3 5 6

4 5 7.0 DNF

22 22 29

HKG 2292 HKG 2296 HKG 2163 HKG 2282 HKG 2388 HKG 2285 HKG 2201

Marcel Liedts Steve Manning / Anthony Root Nick Burns / Fred Kinmonth Lam / MacAulay / Tier / Whitehead Joachim Isler / Drew Taylor Helmuth Hennig LI Qing / Dominic Law

1.294 1.224 1.181 1.150 1.236 1.249 1.239

1 3 2 4 5 6 7

1 2 5 3 4 6 7

1 4 3 2 5 7 6

3 1 4 6 2 7 5

2 3 1 4 5 6 8.0 DNS

8 13 15 19 21 32 33

HKG 2183 HKG 1832 HKG 1281 HKG 2138 HKG 2102 HKG 2119 HKG 2207 HKG 818 HKG 1995 HKG 2293

William Liu, Y F Lowell Chang Simon Blore Roland Buser Nick Southward John Woo Kjartan Furset Gerry Daughton / Colin Johnson Rick Yu Hon-Yip Thomas Wong / Dennis Chien

1.094 1.033 1.097 1.098 1.030 1.032 1.041 1.116 1.029 1.047

1 4 5 2 3 6 10 7 8 9

1 3 4 6 7 2 11.0 DNF 5 8 9

2 1 3 4 6 7 9 5 8 10

2 1 3 5 6 8 4 9 7 10

2 1 4 6 5 8 3 11.0 DNC 11.0 DNC 7

8 10 19 23 27 31 37 37 42 45

HKG 1347 HKG 2234 HKG 2186

Rob Berkley / Gaston Chan J.C. Broyelle Mayio Hood

0.985 0.990 0.990

2 1 3

1 3 2

1 2 3

2 1 3

7 9 14

HKG 2260 CAY 8888 HKG 2333 HKG 2211

Peter Forsythe / Jing Lee Pete Churchouse Shawn Kang C.L. YU

1.211 1.223 1.137 1.106

(2) (3) 1 4

1 3 2 (5.0 RET)

2 3 1 4

2 1 (5.0 DSQ) 3

2 1 5.0 DNF 5.0 DNF

9 11 14 21

7 8 9 16

HKG 2136 HKG 2107 HKG 239 HKG 2092

Herman Wong Dean Chisholm Wong Mei Kuen Rex Tan / Eric Choi

885 1034 1214 1083

2 1 4 5

1 3 (9.0 DNF) (9.0 DNF)

3 (6) 5 2

(6) 3 2 4

5 4 1 2

17 17 21 22

11 11 12 13

HKG 2090 HKG 1010 HKG 1092 HKG 2318

Guillaume de Cheyron Louie Tang / Howie Suen Simon Boyde Zeng Hu

1034 1050 947 989

1 4 7 9.0 DNF

1 5 7 9.0 DNF

3 (9.0 DNF) 9.0 DNS 9.0 DNC

23 23 38 45

14 14 29 36

(9.0 DNC) 9.0 DNF 3 2 6 (9.0 DNF) (9.0 DNF) 9.0 DNF

Feature | AUDI China Coast Regatta First row: Inge Strompf-Jepsen, Anthony Root, Sofia Mascia; 1st IRC Racer 0 – Millenium Racing; 2nd IRC Racer 0 – FreeFire; 3rd IRC Racer 0 – Jelik Second row: 1st IRC Racer 1 – Zannekin; 2nd IRC Racer 1 – Black Baza; Third row: 3rd IRC Racer 1 – EFG Mandrake; 1st IRC Racer 2 – Seawolf Fourth row: 2nd IRC Racer 2 – Dexter II; 3rd IRC Racer 2 – Mojito; 1st IRC Racer 3 – Calamansi Fifth row: 2nd IRC Racer 3 – Lady Butterfly; 3rd IRC Racer 3 – Goddess; 1st IRC Premier – Xena Sixth row: 2nd IRC Premier – Moonblue 2; 3rd IRC Premier – Lighthorse; 1st HKPN – Kiasu Seventh row: 2nd HKPN – Darling; 3rd HKPN – Glory Sportfun

DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Feature | AUDI Hong Kong to Vietnam Race

Audi Hong Kong to Vietnam Race in association with VinaCapital and CMG.ASIA W ords: Lindsay Lyons | Photos:

X aume O lleros |

Lindsay Lyons |

After weeks of intense preparation and safety scrutineering, 12 boats crossed the start line for the seventh edition of the 673nm Category 1 Hong Kong to Vietnam Race, which started in 1996 and was resurrected in 2004 as a biennial event. With 6kts of easterly in front of Kellett Island Clubhouse, RO Simon Boyde laid a Club start, from which the fleet sped through Lai Yue Mun gap without stopping, continuing past Shek O Rock and out of sight in 12kts of breeze.

Gu y N owell

live made an almost perfect start and, along with Syd Fischerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Team Ragamuffin, was first through the gap, while ARK323, hoping to use the race as their Qualifier for the 2015 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, had a setback when their propeller parted company with the boat while still in the typhoon shelter. Shrewdly, the TP52 started with the fleet and sailed as far as Lei Yue Mun before returning to Kellett Island to be lifted out and refitted with a propeller donated by Club member Frank Pong. Operational once more, she was returned to the water and continued with her race around three hours behind the fleet. By 1700hrs HKT, Rags was averaging nearly 15kts VMG and had built up the expected lead on the water, 6nm ahead of RP66 Alive and 10nm ahead of TP52 FreeFire. The ETA for

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

the 100-footer was mid-afternoon on Saturday, which would be well outside her stated target of finishing inside 40 hours, however stronger winds were expected to kick in to assist her in her record breaking attempt.

Feature | AUDI Hong Kong to Vietnam Race

In the early Saturday light, after 42 hours, 17 minutes and 24 seconds of sailing, Ragamuffin 100 slid gracefully over the line to claim Syd Fischer’s second Hong Kong to Vietnam Race in succession, with a new race record to boot. After reaching boat speeds of 35kts plus, and breaking the existing record by nearly 24 minutes, Skipper David Witt was happy with the performance, although philosophical about their failure to break the 40-hour barrier for the 673nm race. “It was a quiet ride in the first half, and the second half was basically VMG. It wasn’t so much the wind speed but the wind angle that affected that and you can’t do much about it.... It (the second half) was nice and fresh, so that was good. “We didn’t break anything and that’s always a tick in the box and we didn’t have any downtime on the boat at all during the race. The crew did a really good job and (those factors) are pretty important when you’re trying to break a record.” With owner Syd Fischer sitting this one out, Witt had already been in contact with the family by the time he reached the dock, with the reaction described as ‘pretty excited’. While the team enjoyed presentations by local officials before relaxing with a well-earned beer, the other 11 boats in the fleet continued with their race. Alive continued to make good progress on the water, averaging 16kts VMG towards the end of her race and recording an elapsed time of 49:56:21, finishing the race in second place on the water. This put the RP66 in a commanding position in the IRC overall stakes subject to a challenge from FreeFire or Black Baza provided that the healthy breeze continued overnight. The conditions saved the best until last, with owner Phillip Turner saying that on the final day “…. racing was probably the most exciting ... getting 20 to 25kts, meaning a lot of sail changes – busy-busy!” This race has a reputation for being tough on boats as well as on crew so it was no surprise when Turner added, “We had a couple of dramas, a big broach and we did some damage to the spinnakers ..” Crew of the fastest boats often having left town long before the prizegiving, Ragamuffin 100

and Alive appreciated being able to enjoy the Saturday night crew party at Sheraton Nha Trang’s sky bar, The Altitude, joined by delivery crew and friends awaiting other competitors. The finish team were still on duty however, with the next boat at the finish being Sam Chan’s FreeFire, which crossed the finish line just before midnight, followed by Race Chairman Geoff Hill’s Smith Custom 72 Antipodes around 90 minutes later. Neither boat was to trouble Alive on IRC handicap, leaving Turner as confirmed winner of IRC Racer 0. Three hours later and laying the spectre of the 2013 race to rest, Steve Manning steered Ker 42 Black Baza across the finish line in Nha Trang in the early hours of Sunday to claim both IRC Racer 1 division and IRC Overall title,

correcting out nearly 3 hours ahead of Alive after just over 62 hours of racing. Safety was always going to be a prime consideration and, having elected to stay furthest out of all the fleet to benefit from stronger breeeze, Black Baza changed sails in order to slow the boat down and ensure that it was manageable in the conditions. Asked what the highlight of the race was for him, Manning responded, “It’s hard to say, but probably standing on the back of the boat ... correction ... helming the boat, flying along at over 20kts.” With no moon, the difficulty presented by light pollution both from Nha Trang beach and from the fishing boats out at sea was amply demonstrated when the finishing team DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Feature | AUDI Hong Kong to Vietnam Race

struggled to identify Black Baza until she was around 500m out from the finish. Fortunately the other boats to finish on Sunday arrived in daylight, making them much easier to spot! Ambush was the first to arrive, unfortunately coinciding with the morning flat calm often seen in Nha Trang, which cost her at least an hour on her elapsed time. Nearly four hours later Zanzibar (still going strong after four days subsisting on M&S pork pies) and EFG Mandrake arrived at the finish after keeping in touch with each other for nearly the entire race. ARK323 was next to arrive and although the loss of her propeller at the start of the race cost her time, was elated to finish the race. Skipper and Coach Robert Heilkema was delighted with the performance of this young, inexperienced Chinese crew, saying, “I’ve spent a lot of time working with them prior to this race and to see the guys pushing the boat harder and just keeping it under control and not wiping out, it’s just great to see them taking charge of it.” One of the objectives for ARK323 was to finish the race as their qualifier for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race in December. Asked if the crew were now fired up for their Australian adventure, Heilkema responded, “They’ve probably realised it’s quire a big mountain and they’ve gained a lot of respect for the ocean out there. It’s definitely character building and tough, but I think they’re up to the challenge.” The Sunday night prizegiving, laid on by associate sponsor CMG.ASIA, surpassed previous years, being co-compèred by Miss Vietnam with live music, a fashion show and, of course, the presentation of awards to the winning boats. Overnight, Surfdude and Tipsy Easy arrived together, also bearing crew who were content just to have finished the race successfully and without major damage, rather than gunning for any sort of glory. The final boat, A40RC Avant Garde, arrived in millpond conditions this morning, completing the race for the twelve competitors. Perhaps the last word goes to Avant Garde’s owner, Joshua Cole – when asked ‘Why do you do it?’ he responded, “About half way through (the race), you think ‘why do I do this?’, then you finish and you think ‘when can I do this again and do it better?’!” The Club owes a debt of thanks to its sponsors, Audi, VinaCapital and CMG.ASIA together with the support of Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel and Spa. It could not run the race without the valued assistance of its in-country partners Saigon Tourist and Saigon Marina. A special thank you from all involved to Mr Vu, Duan, Duke and Tang, who put so much effort into making sure CIQ and Marine operations in Nha Trang ran smoothly.

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

AUDI Hong Kong to Vietnam Race – Results Boat Name

Feature | AUDI Hong Kong to Vietnam Race

IRC Racer 0 Alive FreeFire Ragamuffin 100 Antipodes ARK323 IRC Racer 1 Black Baza Ambush EFG Mandrake Zanzibar Surfdude Tipsy Easy Avant Garde IRC Racer 2 Tipsy Easy Avant Garde

Sail No.

Owner / PIC

Type

TCC

Finish Time

Elapsed

Corrected

52566 HKG 2283 SYD 100 GBR 2888L HKG 5095

Phillip Turner / Duncan Hine Sam Chan Sydney Fischer Geoff Hill Noah’s Yacht Club / Robert Heilkema

RP 66 TP52 Dovell 100 Custom Smith 72 TP 52

1.580 1.374 1.929 1.387 1.366

17/10/2015 15:16:21 17/10/2015 22:53:16 17/10/2015 07:37:24 18/10/2015 00:32:24 18/10/2015 14:48:56

49:56:21 57:33:16 42:17:24 59:12:24 73:28:56

78:54:14 79:04:47 81:34:39 82:07:11 100:22:36

HKG 2296 HKG 2388 HKG 2163 SIN 4321 HKG 1345 HKG 2250 HKG 2047

Manning / Root Joachim Isler / Andrew Taylor Fred Kinmonth / Nick Burns Jonathon Mahoney Steve Ho Yong Kong Fan Joshua Cole / Chin Yew Seah

Ker 42 Mills 41 Sydney GTS 43 HYD42 Felci 45 Beneteau First 50 A40RC

1.224 1.230 1.181 1.211 1.201 1.124 1.090

18/05/2015 03:31:57 18/10/2015 09:02:47 18/10/2015 12:49:48 18/10/2015 12:42:52 19/10/2015 01:24:31 19/10/2015 01:50:21 19/10/2015 10:47:31

62:11:57 67:42:47 71:29:48 71:22:52 84:04:31 84:30:21 93:27:31

76:07:54 83:17:13 84:26:15 86:26:33 100:58:28 94:59:04 101:52:12

HKG 2250 HKG 2047

Yong Kong Fan Joshua Cole / Chin Yew Seah

Beneteau First 50 A40RC

1.124 1.090

19/10/2015 01:50:21 19/10/2015 10:47:31

84:30:21 93:27:31

94:59:04 101:52:12

CMY

First row: Geoff Hill – Race Committee Chairman; Don Lam – VinaCapital; 1st IRC Racer 0 – Alive; 2nd IRC Racer 0 – FreeFire; 3rd IRC Racer 0 – Ragamuffin 100; Second row: 2nd IRC Racer 1 – Ambush; 3rd IRC Racer 1 – EFG Mandrake; 1st IRC Racer 2 – Tipsy Easy Third row: 1st IRC Overall – 1st IRC Racer 1 – Black Baza Fourth row: China Coast Race Week – IRC Racer 0 Champion – FreeFire; China Coast Race Week Black Baza; Line Honours and New Race Record – Ragamuffin 100; – IRC Racer 1 Champion – Black Baza; Fifth row: Hong Kong to Vietnam Race – 1st IRC Racer 1 – Black Baza; Hong Kong to Vietnam Race Line Honours – Ragamuffin 100; Scrutineers’ Thank You

China Coast Race Week Overall – Results Boat Name

IRC Racer 0 IRC Racer 0 IRC Racer 0 IRC Racer 0 IRC Racer 0 IRC Racer 1 IRC Racer 1 IRC Racer 1 IRC Racer 1

Boat Name

Sail No.

Helm Name

Rating

CCR15 R1

CCR15 R2

CCR15 R3

CCR15 R4

CCR15 R5

HKV

Total

FreeFire Antipodes ARK323 Ragamuffin 100

HKG 2283 GBR 2888L HKG 2382 SYD 100

Sam Chan Geoff Hill Noah’s Yacht Club / Robert Hielkema Sydney Fischer

1.376 1.387 1.366 1.918

1 3 2 5.0 DNF

1 4 3 2

1 3 2 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 5.0 DNF

1 3 4 2

6 17 17 22

Black Baza EFG Mandrake Ambush

HKG 2296 HKG 2163 HKG 2388

Steve Manning / Anthony Root Nick Burns / Fred Kinmonth Joachim Isler / Drew Taylor

1.224 1.181 1.236

2 1 3

1 3 2

2 1 3

1 3 2

2 1 3

1 3 2

9 12 15

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Audi China Coast Regatta Without the organising committees, most Club events would not get off the ground and our thanks go to China Coast Regatta Race Chairman Anthony Root for taking on the reinvention of this Club staple, together with Sofia Mascia, Inge Strompf-Jepsen and Arnie Lunty for their work

on the new courses. Thanks also go to the committee members for their time and input, namely Olivier Decamps, Ian Fleming, Dion Houghton, Dominic Law, Huw Riley and Alex Yu.

Feature | AUDI China Coast Race Week Photo: Guy Nowell

Audi Hong Kong to Vietnam Race in association with VinaCapital and CMG.ASIA Chairing his fourth Vietnam Race Organising Committee, seasoned committee veteran Geoff Hill brought on board Russ Parker, with Cathy Delany managing the safety and scutineering inspections as Chief Scrutineer. The scutineering role is immensely important for the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offshore races and a huge thank you goes to Cathy and her team of Mark Houghton, Russ Parker, Simon Powell, Anthony

Root, Ross Vickers and Graham Young for the time and effort they invested into making sure the fleet was properly prepared. If any members are interested in becoming scrutineers, please let us know at sailingoffice@rhkyc.org.hk so that we can include you on the scrutineering roster for next Easterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolex China Sea Race!

Photo: Xaume Olleros

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Feature | Etchells Asia Pacific Championships

Etchells Asia Pacific Championships Local Skipper Takes Title W ords A Nd Photos: Jenn y C oo per

The Asia Pacific Championships (APAC) was first held back in the mid 1990s as a pre-Worlds regatta for the 1997 Etchells Worlds hosted by the Club. Several APAC events were held annually in the lead-up and attracted international sailors such as Jud Smith who became a regular in Hong Kong racing at Lamma. Below: Noel Drennan in Baby Doll running downwind

his year the 窶連PAC was revived, again as a pre-Worlds warm-up regatta before the 2015 Etchells World Championships. The APAC was managed jointly with the 2015 Etchells Worlds, and with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation featuring as the Organising Authority and with the Club and the Hong Kong Etchells Association as the co-organisers. The six-race series was held over three days from 24 to 26 October with only one discard. Racing from The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Marina, the conditions at Nine Pins were generally well received by the 38 entries. DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Light breeze opened the regatta on Day 1 with only 5 to 7kts, which had built to 9kts by the warning signal. Peter Backe in Jezebel took the win in a dying breeze with Jan Muysken in African Queen second and Jake Gunther The Boat in third.

Feature | Etchells Asia Pacific Championships

With only one race under the belt on Day 1, Race Officer Kevin Wilson needed to get three races in on Day 2. The forecast was for more wind and it did not disappoint. Races 2, 3 and 4 were held in quick succession initially in 12-15kts but gusting to 20kts in Race 1. The day held spills and thrills for most of the fleet with a few retirements through the day due to damage. Race 2 was won by Jon McClean and his crew of Skip Dieball and Jeff Eiber in Aretas, with Graeme Taylor in Magpie second and Chris

Hampton in Tango in 3rd place. Race 3 saw Jake Gunther take the bullet and Hong Kong favourite Mark Thornburrow in Racer X 2 second, with Graeme Taylor sailing with Grant Simmer and Steve Jarvin in 3rd. Race 4 was to prove the undoing of two place getters as the breeze built again to 18kts. A crowded top mark-rounding lead to a classic port starboard incident as Racer X 2 T-boned Magpie, who needed to return to the Club for overnight repairs. Ante Razmilovic in Swedish Blue took line honours followed by Baby Doll skipper Noel Drennan in second and Seamus McHugh in No Dramas in third. Going into the final day of racing, The Boat lay first overall, with Steve Benjamin in Scimitar second and Aretas in third place. Mark Thornburrow was in 4th place with his

Race 4 result of DNF taking his discard. It was to be Marvin Beckmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day however, racing in The Martian who got two firsts in the final two races, though it was not enough to be on the podium. Racer X 2 had a 2nd and a 3rd which proved strong enough to take the regatta overall, despite not winning a race through the series. Scimitar took second place and Ante Razmilovic in Swedish Blue third, having pulled a 4th and 3rd place on the last day. The APAC proved a great practice run for the forthcoming 2015 Worlds in all respects. The course was generally felt to be left-hand favoured but with some changing influences affecting the Nine Pins race-track area, this would prove to not always be the case. Full 2015 Worlds report in the next Ahoy! issue.

Clockwise from top left: Day 2 brought bigger swells; Jan Muysken, African Queen; Jake Gunther, The Boat; Top mark rounding on Day 2

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Rank

Bow

Yacht Name

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

30 33 36 40 42 5 28 29 3 21

Racer X 2 SCIMITAR Swedish Blue The Boat The Martian Aretas No Dramas PHAN African Queen Jezebel

Sail No.

1406 1262 1410 991 1378 1372 1403 1351 1400 1333

Skipper

Mark Thornburrow Steve Benjamin Ante Razmilovic Jake Gunther Marvin Beckmann Jon McClean Seamus McHugh Jeremy Thorp Jan Muysken Peter Backe

Country

Crew

Total

Nett

HKG USA GBR AUS USA USA SUI GBR UAE HKG

4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3

5.0 4.0 (17.0) 3.0 (14.0) 9.0 8.0 6.0 2.0 1.0

7.0 4.0 11.0 6.0 10.0 1.0 5.0 8.0 (14.0) (17.0)

2.0 5.0 6.0 1.0 12.0 11.0 (22.0) 8.0 4.0 13.0

(37.0 DNF) (21.0) 1.0 (11.0) 8.0 4.0 3.0 5.0 14.0 12.0

3.0 2.0 4.0 7.0 1.0 (19.0) 5.0 (17.0) 12.0 9.0

2.0 4.0 3.0 11.0 1.0 8.0 14.0 9.0 6.0 5.0

56.0 40.0 42.0 39.0 46.0 52.0 57.0 53.0 52.0 57.0

19.0 19.0 25.0 28.0 32.0 33.0 35.0 36.0 38.0 40.0

DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Feature | Etchells Asia Pacific Championships

Top Ten Results of the Asia Pacific Championships

Dragon Pacific Rim Interport W ords: Rupert Street (RHK YC) | Photos: Dale N orthe y (RV YC)

Feature | Dragon Pacific Rim Interport To be or not to be? That is the question; for there are times when returning with glory is enough to tell the story, and there are times when no glory can be blurred by statistics and the truth. Well you can guess where this is going and I hope you enjoy the story and it most certainly is no work of Shakespeare.

nce more the Hong Kong team accepted the Pacific Rim Dragon Interport challenge and made their way to Vancouver for the event which took place from 10 to 12 September. This year we had full participation; our hosts Canada were supported by Japan and Australia, meaning that we would have a round robin of four teams.

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

Our Team Captain Andreas Brechbuhl pulled some fantastic rabbits from a wide number of hats in order to get a complement of nine team members. Vancouver, not being as close as say Middle Island or Shelter Cove, presented some logistical issues. Joining Andreas were Phyllis and Lowell Chang, Guy Russell, Nick Bilcliffe, Daniel Pang, Victor Pang (not related), one Canadian – Earle Briggs - and Rupert Street. Not all were veteran Dragon sailors; shockingly, one of our team, Guy, is a Ruffian! But as Guy pointed out, the Ruffian fleet did win the Club’s Champion of Champions this year. The format of the event is three-boat team racing, meaning six boats in each flight. Hunter, our Race Officer, delivered a tight line and a starboard box course, which meant that it was key to start well and dominate the approach to the first mark. Our first race against the Australians started slowly with all three helms covering or being covered by their opposing boat. Like all team racing events

in other people’s boats, the first race on the first day is not so much team racing as match racing, and as such, once the positions are set then little conversion occurs. In Hong Kong’s case we were sadly 2nd, 5th and 6th which was a loss. The key however is not to give in, and the losing team members must never give up. The racing was close and although a bit of a procession, contact was maintained and helms watching. Our 2nd place boat was unable to deliver a mark trap because of the starboard rounding format so had to deliver a killer blow on the last dash to the finish. Which cheerfully is what happened; converting a losing position to a winning 2,3,5. We then took a break whilst another team took our boats. Racing continued that day in very close fashion, and the Hong Kong team finished the day with 2 wins and 2 losses. Second equal with Japan, Canada leading with 3 wins and Australia 4th with 1 win. We were pleased as no really clear leader had been established. More importantly we were thinking like a team. I will say a little now of our hosts. Canada, and the Royal Vancouver, superb, generous, kind and helpful! Vancouver, as you will see

from the photos, is a fantastic sailing location, added to which we were blessed with warm winds and brilliant sunshine. Yet another place we have raced in and yet more friendships we have cemented for the Club.

I must also say that racing against both our Japanese and Australian friends is always enjoyable and competitive, added to which there was an axe that needed grinding from Kansai last year (where we won). The pleasure of team racing in Dragons is the fact that we all love the class and can be relied upon to put down our ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ and ‘bury the hatchet’, normally with something cold and golden! And so again to team-like racing. Similar weather and very similar results, leaving at the day’s close 1 first-placed team, Canada, and 3 second-placed teams, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong. Sadly the Hong Kong team had adopted the ‘better three hours too soon than a minute too late’ style of starting and adding insult to ignominy they lost two vital races by six inches each. However this is team racing and with only one point between 1st and 2nd places everyone was expecting a vibrant and exciting final day. Hubris aside Hong Kong were looking good for the podium spot, having sharpened up over the previous two days with both the helms and the crews creating opportunity and advancement where none could easily be found. Lest we forgot… we are sailors and our boats our mistresses, the weather our masters. So

without further ado, the final day delivered a blistering wind of over 30kts meaning that sailing was over and the victor easy to identify. Well done Canada and commiserations to the rest of us. Whilst it may have been a little bit disappointing for our team not to win, it was by no means a bad result. The format of the Interport allows every year for teams to race in differing locations. The races whilst similar are not exactly the same and no team fields exactly the same names. We therefore meet new people every year, in different locations and if we are lucky enough to be picked two years in a row we may get to improve on previous friendships. So hats off to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club for supporting what is a very special event and well done to Lowell Chang for persuading the Japanese to send a boat to the 2016 Dragon Champs (January 2016) and well done to Andreas Brechbuhl for getting immediate agreement on the Hong Kong leg of the Pacific Interport in November 2016. Finally well done to the team for agreeing to make the team and the entire event so memorable for 2015.

Feature | Dragon Pacific Rim Interport

Day 2 gave similar conditions with pretty much exactly similar results. Except this time, the aggression increased, with more OCS, more team tactics and more shouting. The Canadian Team fielded two excellent lady helms who delivered consistent racing under pressure from all sides, as well as adding some well needed charm and decorum. Meaning that there was less shouting whilst they were on the course.

The Canuck Bay of Death Memorialising Events in the Battle of English Bay, 11 to 13 September 2015. words: A non Lord Y mous 2 015

Fraction of a league, Fraction of a league, Fraction of a league onward, All in the Bay of Death Rode the three Dragons. “Forward, the Hong Kong Brigade! “Charge for the Race Officer!” he said: Into the Bay of Death Sailed the three Dragons. “Forward, the Hong Kong Brigade!” Was there a helm dismay’d? Not tho’ the crew knew Someone had blunder’d: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to crew and die: Into the Bay of Death Sailed the three Dragons. Aussie to right of them, Nippon to left of them, Canuck in front of them Holler’d and thunder’d; Storm’d at with bow and yell, Boldly they rode each swell, Into the inter-port of Death, Into the harbour of Hell Rode the three Dragons. Flash’d all their behinds bare, Flash’d as they tacked in air, Barging the loonies there, Charging that fleet, while All of Vancouver wonder’d: Plunged in the referees-smoke Right thro’ the line they broke; Hongkonger and Pommean Reel’d from the starboard stroke Shatter’d and sunder’d. Then they sailed back, but not Not the three Dragons.

DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Feature | Middle Sea Race on Rockall IV

Middle Sea Race on Rockall IV Winner Class 4 IRC and ORC W ords: J ohn C orby

ockall IV is an IRC 38 I designed nearly 16 years ago and was formerly called Gloves Off, the well-known green Irish boat. For this year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race current owner Chris ‘Opie’ Opielok was very hands on with boat preparation and skippering. We nearly won the race four years ago on his previous Corby design so knew what was required. The boat was immaculately prepared, equipped and provisioned. Opie took charge of navigation and galley, and cooked us three hot meals per day, meaning we were physically and mentally in strong shape for the final blast which probably won us the Class. Most of the race was pretty light and often required sail changing every 20 minutes. Excluding storm sails we had a choice of 11 sails for setting forward of the mast, and because Rockall is fixed sprit asymmetric, the distinction between jib and spinnaker is slightly blurred. The Code Zero rates as a

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spinnaker but is built like a jib, and we often used the spinnaker staysail on its own as a windseeking jib to get us moving, sometimes at boat speeds of up to 4kts before changing to something larger. I’ve been sailing offshore since a teenager in the 1970s but have never experienced anything like the final 80-mile sleigh ride from Lampedusa back to Malta which we covered at night in gale force winds with A3 spinnaker, minimal visibility, no instruments other than iPad Navionics and no engine if anything had gone wrong. It’s normally the rig which scares me but for the first time ever I was worried about the tiller and rudder. Our Aussie helmsman Sniper, nobody knows his real name, is in a different league when it comes to brutality to a tiller - it was as if he was deliberately trying to break it, anyway he kept the boat on enough rails to stretch 50 minutes ahead of our competition whom we’d been level with at Lampedusa. A few days after

Opie and Minilok

the race Opie and I admitted to each other we were still shaking. Crossing the finish line in our old Corby 38 only a few minutes behind one Volvo 70 and in front of another after five nights as sea vindicates our relentless pursuit of every 20 th of a knot. The other members of this fantastic crew were ‘Cake’ on the bow, Koen Van Mierlo on the mast, Olympic sailor and true character Mark Pickle, Thomas Delher and Lars Raschdorf.

Starterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Box

December 2015

Forthcoming Events

Sunday 29 November

HKLCA Championships

12 and 13 December

Tomes Cup presented by Old Mutual

Saturday 30 January

Hong Kong Race Week

16 to 21 February

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0012 2.2 0726 0.7 1514 1.7 1856 1.4

0035 2.1 0812 0.8 2349 2.0

0102 2.1 0816 0.8 1611 1.8 2010 1.4

0902 0.9 1658 1.7 1959 1.6

0216 1.9 0910 0.9 1704 1.9 2156 1.4

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0223 1.8 0952 1.0 1749 1.8 2235 1.6

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0423 1.7 1007 1.0 1753 2.0 2325 1.2

0406 1.7 1040 1.1 1825 1.9

0550 1.6 1103 1.0 1836 2.1

0033 1.5 0603 1.6 1124 1.1 1853 2.0

0035 1.0 0708 1.6 1156 1.1 1915 2.3

0119 1.3 0710 1.6 1203 1.1 1913 2.1

0135 0.8 0818 1.6 1247 1.1 1953 2.4

0156 1.1 0804 1.6 1239 1.2 1927 2.2

0228 0.6 0923 1.6 1334 1.2 2031 2.5

0229 1.0 0852 1.6 1315 1.2 1947 2.3

0317 0.5 1019 1.6 1418 1.2 2110 2.5

0259 0.8 0934 1.6 1351 1.2 2015 2.4

0403 0.4 1106 1.6 1500 1.2 2149 2.5

0331 0.7 1015 1.6 1427 1.2 2047 2.5

0447 0.4 1150 1.6 1539 1.2 2227 2.4

0405 0.6 1054 1.6 1502 1.3 2123 2.5

0528 0.4 1232 1.5 1617 1.3 2304 2.3

0441 0.6 1137 1.6 1537 1.3 2202 2.5

0606 0.5 1315 1.5 1656 1.3 2337 2.2

0519 0.6 1225 1.6 1615 1.3 2243 2.5

0643 0.6 1401 1.6 1736 1.3 2359 2.1

If you would like to help, please e-mail volunteers@rhkyc.org.hk or sign up online at http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/events/asafyouthcuphkrw.aspx?reg=show to indicate if your preference is to help on the water or on shore.

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Whilst not a full-day job, the beachmaster role is KEY to making this event work, as all the boats are launched off the hardstanding first thing each day and retrieved after racing. If you have a bunch of friends with whom you could form a launch and retrieve team, please let us know!

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ith a very busy autumn behind the Club, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to have a look at what the early 2016 portion of the sailing calendar has on offer. After a long break to allow the one-design classes to catch up on their series sailing, the Christmas cobwebs get a brush out on 30 January when Tomes Cup is presented by Old Mutual in the familiar surroundings of Victoria harbour.

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This is the third of the four events which constitute the Old Mutual Top Dog Trophy Series and is a classic pursuit race, with the slowest and smallest starting ahead of the fleet just before 1400hrs and all other entrants being given start times based on their ATI handicap in order to create, as far as possible, a level playing field. If all boats are raced equally well (in theory!) they should all finish at the same time. If boats have not entered the Old Mutual Top Dog Trophy Series online, they can sign on in the Course Room on race day. http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/topdogtrophy.aspx

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The cry for volunteers has gone out again! Hong Kong Race Week will take place from 16 to 21 February 2016, with the entry list expected to feature around 50% more boats and sailors than the 2015 event. Competitors will hail from throughout Asia, with some coming from further afield to attend this fast-growing event which is also a constituent part of the Asian Sailing Federation Youth Cup.

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DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Sailing

YMSC Po Toi Challenge

The Birth of a Dragon W ords: Bram Van O l phen

Sailing ome people might think that the birth of a Dragon – an animal that symbolises potent and auspicious powers, particularly the control over water, rainfall, typhoons and floods – involves pagan rituals of some sort and they are right!

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Last month, the Hong Kong Dragon Association celebrated the arrival of a new Dragon in their fleet with a fitting party. In line with tradition, the sailors gathered to witness Lowell Chang (the pater familias of the fleet) and Dani Van Olphen (the son of the owner) ask for the blessings of both Neptune and Tin Hau for this new addition – named Dragonfly – to their fleet. To please the gods, the teams honoured them with a loud party and decent amounts of alcohol. According to Phyllis Chang (the class secretary), the gods were pleased and answered with jumping fish nearby the boat.

Christmas Sailing Courses Please see the schedule below for the Christmas courses. We are now within one month of the courses starting so places are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

14 to 18 Dec 20 to 24 Dec 27 to 31 Dec 4 to 8 Jan

General Enquiries Gloria Yeung 2812 7063 MI Sailing and Marine Manager Ailsa Angus 2812 0172 MI Centre Manager Patrick Lam 2812 7303 Senior Sailing Instructor Phoebe Tang 2812 7303 Sailing Instructor Kelvin Lau 2812 7303 Performance Coach Rob Partridge 2812 6255 Performance Coach Alex Dyet 2812 6255 http://www.rhkyc.org.hk/SailTraining.aspx sailtrain@rhkyc.org.hk www.facebook.com/RHKYCsharks

HKSF Courses (11yrs up)

Go Opt

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Race Clinics 4

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Go Sailing

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Optimist

Sailing

Step Courses (6 to 10yrs old) Course

Sailing Development And Training Contacts

Youth Keelboat Laser

29er

Crew

Skipper

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4 to 6 Jan 7 to 9 Jan 7 to 9 Jan

Old Mutual International Sail Training in partnership with Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Sail Training Schedule The new schedule has recently been published online. Please remember that members do get priority on booking until one month before the course starts. In general we require a minimum of four students to be able to confirm a course.

Application forms and more details www.rhkyc.org.hk click on ‘Sail Training’ or email sailtrain@rhkyc.org.hk Christmas Courses (Step 1 to Level 4)

14 to 18 Dec 20 to 24 Dec 27 to 31 Dec 4 to 8 January

These practical powerboat handling courses are available now. You must already hold the PVOCC. RYA Powerboat Level 2 Courses Option PBL2/1 9 and 10 Jan Option PBL2/2 30 and 31 Jan Option PBL2/3 5 and 6 Mar RYA Powerboat Level 2 Half Day Assessment Option PBA1 23 Jan 0930hrs to 1230hrs Option PBA2 31 Jan 0930hrs to 1230hrs RYA Safety Boat Course (applicants must hold RYA Level 2 first) Option SB1 16 and 17 Jan Option SB2 30 and 31 Jan Option SB3 12 and 13 Mar

Adult Beginners Option 1 Option 2

9, 10, 16, 17 and 23 Jan (weekends) 13, 14, 27 and 28 Feb and 5 Mar (weekends)

Adult Supervised Sailing

9 Jan Singlehanded Laser 10 Jan Distance Sail 14 Jan Boat Handling 28 Jan Boat Handling 30 Jan Boat Handling 31 Jan Level 3 Preparation 4 Feb Singlehanded Laser 25 Feb Level 3 Preparation 27 and 28 Feb Spinnaker (two days)

Saturday Sunday Thursday Thursday Saturday Sunday Thursday Thursday Saturday and Sunday

HKSF Level 3

10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 Jan (Weekends) J/80 Crew Course Course C1 10, 17 and 24 Jan Course C2 13, 14 and 28 Feb Course C3 20, 24 and 25 Mar Course C4 27 and 28 Mar and 3 Apr Intro to Small Keelboat Sailing Course 1 10 and 17 Jan Course 2 13 and 14 Feb Course 3 26 and 27 Mar Platu Skipper Course Course S1 Lecture – 26 Feb (evening) Practical – 17 and 28 Feb and 2 Mar For further information please contact sailtrain@rhkyc.org.hk

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DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

World Rowing Masters Regatta W O RD S: A L E X BID L A KE | PH OTO S: A L E X BID L A KE / SP O RT G R A PHI C S

Rowing Emily Booker (Wallingford), Ulrike, Eleanor Burke (Exeter) and Alex: runners-up in WA4x and WB4-

he annual World Rowing Masters Regatta was held in Hazewinkel, Belgium in September and, following on the tradition started by former Rowing Captain Mark Welles in 2013, yours truly flew the flag for the Club – indeed for Hong Kong – over three intense days of racing. How to describe this regatta? In brief, I had never experienced anything quite like it before. The sheer number of masters rowers was incredible, with around 3,500 competitors from 49 countries ranging in age from 27 to 90. The quantity and quality of racing was also impressive. A new race would start every four minutes, and every race produced quite a battle down the 1,000m course with many close finishes. The fierce competitiveness on the water gave way to an extraordinary camaraderie off the water. I was lucky enough to find myself in six composite crews with rowers from Wallingford, Bristol and Exeter in the UK – including Absent Life Member Julia Wilks who rowed for the Club from 2007 to 2009. We raced hard and fought through to some good results, but also had a lot of fun. Despite the geographical limitations to training together before the regatta, my crews came together really well – even if in the case of our coxless four it took us until half way down the course to do so, producing a flying finish seemingly out of nowhere that very nearly upset the leading favourites from Germany. The whole experience was fantastic. I came away a little weary, but with many happy memories and new friends – and the urge to do it all again… Anyone for Copenhagen 2016?

Rowing Contacts

Rowing Manager rowingmanager@rhkyc.org.hk Middle Island Co-ordinator mirowing@rhkyc.org.hk Shatin Men’s Racing shatinrowingmen@rhkyc.org.hk Shatin Women’s Racing shatinrowingladies@rhkyc.org.hk 34

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Top: Alex and Emily Booker (Wallingford) in the thick of things in the WA2x; Bottom: Alex and Ulrike Bauer (Bristol Ariel) powering down the course in the WB2x in their Club stripy socks

Lantau Classic: The ‘dragon boat day’ of outrigging

OUTRIGGER CONTACT outrigger@rhkyc.org.hk

W O RD S: Ryan W helan | PH OTO S: Rebecca D emp ster

Rowing Above: Getting started; Below: OC1 races

antau Classic marks the start of the outrigger ‘race season’, and is a great race to gauge how our new or ‘rookie’ paddlers fare against those of other clubs. Same goes for the more experienced paddlers. Lantau Classic comprises a collection of small to medium length races as well as sprint races (similar to that of a dragon boat race day) which makes for plenty of racing and competition rather than the traditional outrigger race which is of a longer distance, and that is why it is one of my favourites on the race calendar. The chilly day began with a 9km race around scenic Peng Chau. 9km is not quite a sprint and not quite long distance, which means boats are often close with plenty of battles along the way. First up were the men who cruised to a 1-2 finish to set the tone for the Club for the day. Next were the women, who mixed some new paddlers with more experienced and finished with a respectable 3rd. Then the fun really began with the one-man (OC1) canoe relay races. This race is in teams of three paddlers and consists of a 500m sprint with a turn before running up the beach to ‘high five’ your team mate

who then runs down the beach and jumps on to do their sprint. For this race, the Club put out our A, B, C and D crews depending on how paddlers had been performing on small boats in training. As you can imagine, there was a lot of ‘chat’ from crews on how they were going to beat the ‘stronger’ crews. This in turn created pressure for the ‘stronger’ crews to win. With the ladies there were no surprise results, but in the men’s draw, the D crew worked hard to beat the C crew by one second. Bragging rights were had over beers at the post-race BBQ, kudos to the D crew! Next it was time to mix the boys and girls for the 3km mixed races. The Club dominated, with a 1-2 finish. However, we later found out we had entered ‘illegal’ crews as the senior category actually meant over 40 years old, not just that you had been paddling a really long time. This was brought to our attention when at the start time, someone shouted out to a member of our crew, “I went to his 39th birthday the other week”! The mistake was all taken in good humour afterwards, and actually helped to spread some ‘bling’ to other crews on a dominant Club day. Great organisation by Lantau Boat Club, who yet again produced a classic, Lantau Classic. Results OC1 Sprints

Men 1st, 2nd, 3rd | Women 2nd, 3rd OC6 Sprints

Men 1st, 2nd, 4th | Women 2nd, 3rd Around the Rock 3km Mixed

Rookie 1st Senior – DQ (would have got us 1st, 2nd, 4th in correct ‘open’ category; a couple of members were 40!) Around Peng Chau 9km

Men 1st, 2nd | Women 3rd DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

29 all the way down the course. Any higher would probably have resulted in a couple of heart attacks.

Rowing

After an awful start due to some suspect umpiring the crew settled quickly into a rhythm and by the 500-metre mark had left the Lion Rock eight – the other D crew – well behind, and moved through other much younger crews to end up second to the HKU/RHKYC B crew. All in all a splendid performance and the traditional ‘green tea’ consumption after the race was well-deserved. Thanks to Wan for organising, Wello for the kit, Hanselman for turning up on time and the rest of the team for a solid effort. Toda 2016 here we come. Crew line up Stroke – Ng Kong Wan, 7 Mark Welles, 6 Robert Stoneley, 5 Martin Reynolds, 4 Chris Hanselman, 3 David Sorton, 2 Geoff Booth, Bow Stumpy Talas.

A Captains’ Eight W ords: Wan N g | Photos: J onathan C antwell and Wan N g

he 37th Hong Kong Championships marked the first time the Club had entered a Masters D eight crewed by the current and previous eight Rowing Captains. The physical condition of certain individuals was a concern and it was questionable if all eight would indeed get down the course and all be alive as they crossed the line. To mitigate this risk, current Captain Wan started the team on an intense weekly outing schedule together with an erg programme that was not for the faint hearted. Several Sunday rows at dawn or before – held at this time to allow those inclined to attend their religious Sunday pursuits and others to return to bed. Whilst the wit and banter out of the boat was rife, usually aimed at the four man once in the boat and rowing, silence did reign – thankfully. And the quality of the rowing was surprisingly good. Race day came and wearing smart tailormade kit – thanks to Captain Welles – the team launched off with the Vice Commodore’s

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flag fluttering in the breeze. The race was a combination of Masters B and D crews. The goal was to get line honours. Alex Bidlake, the Club’s first lady captain, had the task of coxing the crew and keeping them in order. She did a superb job under testing conditions at the start and did well to keep the stroke rate at

Towing the Line

(It doesn’t always have to be a drag) W ords: Roger E astham

Marine

ike so many things that happen out on the water, towing is a task that is perhaps only occasionally called upon hence rarely practiced. Likewise it is a manoeuvre that is well endowed with pitfalls and traps for the unwary, with the potential to end badly despite all the best intentions. In this article we will cover some of the basic techniques and equipment, and look at a few different scenarios where some simple procedures can be employed by both the ‘tower’ and ‘towee’ to keep things on the straight and narrow. At its most basic form, towing might simply mean towing your tender behind your yacht from anchorage A to beach B to save the effort of lifting it up on deck. At the other end of the scale you may well find yourself coming to the rescue of a fellow sailor who may have lost their engine, rudder or mast and is in need of a tow back to port. Towing techniques for dinghies vary depending on a number of factors including the type of dinghy (rigid or inflatable), location of strongpoints on the dinghy, whether there is an engine on the dinghy or not, and of course the sea state and wind. • A rigid dinghy that tracks well in flat water is normally towed from an attachment point on the bow of the dinghy – the attachment point should be as low down as practicable (close to the dinghy’s waterline when at rest) so as to help the bow lift during towing. • Inflatables are often towed using a bridle with two or even three attachment points to the dinghy designed to both share the load of the tow line, and to induce the dinghy to tow straight. • Using a floating tow line of the right strength / diameter will help avoid a loose tow line sinking and fouling the towing boat’s propeller. • Unless you are only going a short distance at low speed in flat water, it is always safer to remove the outboard motor and any loose equipment from the dinghy before you start towing. • In rougher conditions, particularly in following seas, the dinghy being towed may well start surfing behind the yacht, slewing wildly from side to side, and invariably capsizing – resulting in a swamped dinghy and broken towing ring or worse. To avoid this, many cruising sailors use the ‘short tow’ technique (works best with inflatables), where the dinghy

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painter is hauled in so short that the bow of the dinghy is lifted out of the water and rests against the transom. A piece of carpet or cloth can be placed between the yacht and the dinghy to eliminate chafing damage to gelcoat and rubber. If in doubt then hoisting the dinghy on deck or up in the davits is always going to be the safest option. • You can also tow the dinghy alongside and to leeward – with a bow and stern line together with spring lines to ensure the dinghy tracks parallel to the yacht. This arrangement requires close attention to set-up of the lines and good fendering. You may need to experiment with how far forward or aft the dinghy is secured so that it rides comfortably with the wave / wake of the yacht at your chosen speed. Towing another yacht brings a different set of challenges requiring different solutions. Fundamentally however there are two main options for towing, these being to tow the stricken vessel astern or alongside. Towing another yacht astern, especially in rough weather, can put significant loads on cleats and strong points as the towed yacht, particularly when towing in following seas, can surf up to the towing yacht causing the tow line to temporarily go slack and then jerk tight as load comes back on. • Plan ahead to work out the best attachment points for tow lines – both for towing a boat and for being towed - rather than trying to cobble something together in the heat of the moment. • Consider making a towing bridle that shares the load between several strong points. If possible design the bridle so it can be used for both towing and being towed. • Carry a suitable tow line onboard – preferably floating line of sufficient strength and no shorter than three times your boat length. At minimum the tow line should be of the same load capacity as your anchor line. • Shock loadings can be very high whilst towing. Consider adding a shock absorbing link in the tow line – these are available from the Ship Shop if required. Towing astern is not always the best option. A yacht that has lost its rudder can prove a wayward handful to tow. Trailing a drogue behind the towed yacht can help keep it straight, but it will still prove hard to tow in a straight line, and dangerous to tow in close quarters. If you have the right set-up, and the sea state allows, an alongside tow can offer much better control. Setting up an alongside tow requires some practice, and is easiest done using a smaller boat – ideally a RIB. The principle is that the ‘tug boat’ is lashed securely to the yacht being towed via taut bow and stern lines as well as breast lines fore and aft to keep the two boats secured and parallel. The tug boat should be positioned so that its rudder / propeller is roughly opposite to the yacht’s rudder. In this way the tug boat can provide both propulsion and steering in a controlled manner.

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The NORTHWIND 24-piece pack is a practical melamine set for 6 people. It is made up of 6 dinner plates, 6 soup dishes, 6 dessert dishes and 6 stackable mugs.

Contemporary marine design inspired by the classic crew jacket. This versatile style is designed for active sailing but is equally at home performing shore-side duties.

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Victorinox Spartan Knote Knife Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-tool Rugged construction, spring loaded pliers, external locking tools and an extra grippy handle earn this tool its moniker: the Ultimate Multi-tool.

With 12 implements, you’ll find more than 100 uses for this companion tool. Be assured that this multitool will assist you in any situation, a must-have for anyone. With a large blade to a bottle opener, the 3½” Spartan Swiss Army Knife boasts unmatched quality and functionality. Made in Switzerland.

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Barton Wear Pads Barton Marine’s new Carbon Fibre and Kevlar wear and protection pads and discs are available now. Produced with a special high-performance 3M pressure sensitive adhesive backing, the new wear pads show excellent resistance to edge lifting, immersion and exposure to salt water.

RHKYC Belt $150 to $160

The pads and discs are flexible, can be cut to size and will conform to curved or flat surfaces, they are ideal for preventing blocks and lines from damaging the deck and gelcoat.

RHKYC fleece smock and jacket, 4 colours $490

208mm Carbib Fibre $245 Kevlar $252

Call David in the Ship Shop on

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DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

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Storm Force Marine Ltd

Graphics RONSIL DEVELOPMENT LTD Unit 1704, 17/F Kodak House II 39 Healthy Street East Hong Kong T: 2834 1633 F: 2834 0201 ronsil@netvigator.com BOAT NAMES / LOGOS / NUMBERS

marine fabrics B.Van Zuiden (Asia) Ltd Flat B 1/F Fast Industrial Building 658 Castle Peak Road Cheung Sha Wan Kowloon, Hong Kong T: 2148 3423 F: 2368 7455 M: 9668 8833 info@bvz.com www.bvz.com www.sunbrella.com Sunbrella Fabrics

Marine Products

Neich Tower, 2nd Floor, 128 Gloucester Road, Wanchai Hong Kong T: 25118337 M: 91993860 E: monstermarineinasia@gmail.com www.monstermarine.com.hk Exclusive Distributor: Aer Marine Tenders / Outboard Covers / Ribeye RIBs and Tenders / Rooster Sailing Gear / Scorpion RIBs / Sharx shoes

PIERCEY MARINE LIMITED 93 Che Keng Tuk Road Sai Kung, Hong Kong T: 2791 4106 F: 2791 4124 E: info@pierceymarine.com www.pierceymarine.com 30 years in Hong Kong Suppliers of Top of the Range Marine products

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Yacht insurance Aon Hong Kong Limited 28/F Tower 1, Times Square 1 Matheson Street Causeway Bay Hong Kong Contact: Tommy Ho, Yacht Insurance Specialist Yacht Department T: 2862 4241 F: 2243 8861 tommy.ho@aon.com www.aon.com.hk

Jardine LLOYD Thompson Limited 1901 Dominion Centre, 43-59 Queens Road East Wanchai, Hong Kong Contact: Simon Boyde T: 2866 0114 sales@stormforcemarine.com www.stormforcemarine.com Marine Products Distributer and Chandlery

Sailmakers

5th Floor, Cityplaza Four 12 Taikoo Wan Road Taikoo Shing Island East, Hong Kong Contact: Tom Chan T: 2864 8918 F: 2161 0135 Tom_Chan@jltasia.com

Yacht Services Princess Yachts Greater China

DOYLE SAILS Contact: Warwick Downes M: 9151 6767 doylesailsea@gmail.com www.doylesails.com Doyle Sails Southeast Asia

Veterinary Services Pets Central www.pets-central.com T: 2264 0298 F: 2264 0398 Online store: http://pets-central.com/onlinestore Contact: onlinestore@pets-central.com Vet Services / Retail / Home Delivery / Grooming

T: +852 2497 7228 www.princessyachtsgc.com.hk Free Inspection & Professional Yacht Consultation by a Newly Established International Team Sales / Services / Repair

Racing Yacht Services Ltd

water sports Smooth Marine Equipment Ltd No 29C Shum Wan Road, Po Chong Wan Aberdeen, Hong Kong T: 2580 8248 F: 2870 0263 Contact: May Chan sales@smooth-marine.com www.smooth-marine.com

Contact: Nigel Reeves M: 9768 6437 nigel@racingyachtservices.com www.racingyachtservices.com Sail Storage / Boat Preparation / Running Rigging

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

The Survivors – Speaker’s Corner and book-signing with Diana Fortescue After travelling to distant Hong Kong in late 1939, newlyweds Tim and Margery Fortescue enjoyed two years of freedom before, after only eighteen days of fighting, the British, Canadian and Indian troops succumbed to superior Japanese forces and the Governor of Hong Kong was forced to surrender on Christmas Day 1941. Within a month Tim, Margery and their seven-month-old baby Adrian were incarcerated with 3,000 other civilians behind the barbed wire of Stanley Internment Camp. They were only in their mid-twenties and were destined to remain interned for 44 months. But all three of them survived. This book is their story, told almost entirely through their own words and those of people who knew them at the time, seasoned by Margery’s often wry but crystal-clear reminiscences many years later. Diana will give a reading from her book and answer questions, and signed copies of the book will be available for purchase on the night.

Christmas Fair Main Lawn | Saturday 5 December | 1400hrs to 1900hrs Come on down to the Club and visit our inaugural Christmas Fair where you can do all your Christmas shopping in one go – we have leather goods, jewellery, toys, clothing, kitchen linens, pottery and crockery, handbags, scarves, stationery and toiletries – a full list of stallholders and their products can be found on the website. Plus mulled wine and mince pies will be available from the Main Bar!

Christmas Concert

– Nova and Grace Notes present Christmas Pop Poolside | Wednesday 9 December | 1900hrs (drinks) for 1930hrs (concert starts) The Hong Kong Women’s Choir consists of two sister groups – Nova, who sing with accompaniment and Grace Notes, who sing a cappella. Although Grace Notes has performed at the Club on a few occasions, the last time the entire choir sang here was at a Poolside concert in May 2014, and we are delighted to welcome them back for a Christmas concert, featuring a mixture of traditional and pop Christmas songs. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to charity. $250 per head which includes a glass of mulled wine.

Calling all Christmas Carol Singers! On Christmas Eve, a group of members will lead everyone else in singing Christmas carols, in the turning circle at 1800hrs. Volunteers are needed! We will be singing traditional and well-known carols and everyone is welcome, regardless of age, gender or ability! All you need is enthusiasm, and there will be a rehearsal before the night. Please come and join us – email social@rhkyc.org.hk or call 2239 0312 for further details.

Letters to Santa Santa Claus is once again looking forward to receiving letters from Yacht Club children! He will reply to each one personally but requests a donation of $100 to the RHKYC Charity Foundation for each letter. Please leave your letter in one of the special letter boxes which are available at Kellett Island Reception, and the Clubhouses at Middle Island and Shelter Cove. Or you can post them to Santa c/o the Club, addressed to Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong with ‘(for Santa Claus)’ written underneath. Don’t forget to include your membership number! To make sure Santa’s reply reaches you by post before Christmas, please ensure your letter reaches the Club by Monday 14 December. If it’s later than that, Santa’s reply can be left for you to collect from Reception. If you have any questions please email Santa’s helpers at social@rhkyc.org.hk

Please book online for these events or email social@rhkyc.org.hk DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Events | Promotions

Chart Room | Friday 4 December | 1930hrs

Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating

Christmas and New Year Parties

Events | Promotions

Main Lawn | Saturday 5 December | 1100hrs to 1200hrs (registration from 1045hrs) An excellent event for children that must simply not be missed! The children can really let their creativity show by first building their own gingerbread house and then letting their imagination run free in decorating the house with a selection of edible goodies. Each unique house will then be packed for the children to take home for Christmas! All materials including chef’s hats and aprons will be provided. No seats for adults because of limited space. Due to the popularity of this event, we will limit the number of guests per membership account to four. Price: $298 per child / decorating kit. Book online or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Christmas and New Year Programmes The F&B Department has lined up a number of exciting Christmas and New Year events for you and your family to enjoy during the festive season. Please refer to the Christmas brochure enclosed with this Ahoy! or visit our website www.rhkyc.org.hk

Have you organised your Christmas or New Year Party yet? Now is the time! Please call our Banquet Experts on 2239 0385 / 2239 0327 / 2239 0339 or email banquet@rhkyc.org.hk for assistance in arranging a perfect and memorable celebration!

Poolside Parties

Christmas Hampers Don’t forget to share the joy of the festive season by sending a luxury hamper to your loved one, friends, relatives or business partners. Hampers can either be picked up at the Club by you or directly delivered to the recipients by our staff! The order form can be found within the enclosed Christmas brochure or can be downloaded from the Club’s website. Place an order now! Please return your completed forms to the F&B Office or call 2239 0386 for orders and enquiries.

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Have you experienced a Poolside party under the moon and stars? The Poolside is highly recommended as it is a fabulous venue for excellent outdoor parties and it can hold up to 250 people! After this month, you will have to wait until March since the pool will be closed for annual maintenance throughout January and February. Please call our Banquet Team now on 2239 0385 / 2239 0327 / 2239 0339 or email banquet@rhkyc.org.hk to book!

Christmas Light Lunch Buffet Compass Room | 7 to 24 December

Clay Pot Rice, Double-boiled Soup and Snake Soup Bistro | 1 to 30 December (except 24 December) D o uble- b o iled S o u p a nd Sn ake S o u p

燉湯及蛇羹

Fondues Middle Island and Shelter Cove Braised Snake Soup served with Lemon Leaves and Chrysanthemums 菊花三蛇羹

1 to 30 December

Snakehead Fish, Chinese Herbs 天麻川芎燉山斑魚 Pork Shank, Dried Sea Whelk, Cordyceps 蟲草花螺頭燉豬 Black Chicken, Chinese Herb and Red Dates 北芪紅棗燉竹絲雞 C l ay P o t Ri ce

煲仔飯

Spotted Garoupa Fillets, Dried Shrimp, Chopped Garlic 蒜香蝦乾星斑柳煲仔飯 Preserved Pork, Pork Sausage, Chinese Liver Sausage and Duck Leg 臘味油鴨煲仔飯 Pork Patty, Salted Fish 鹹魚肉餅煲仔飯 Chicken, Conpoy, Black Mushrooms 北菇瑤柱滑雞煲仔飯 Sliced Beef, Preserved Vegetables 榨菜牛肉片煲仔飯 Pork Spare Ribs, Preserved Vegetables 欖菜排骨煲仔飯

Swiss Cheese Fondue Gruyere and Emmenthal simmered with White Wine, Kirsch and Garlic, served with French Bread 瑞士芝士火鍋配法式麵包 Beef Bourguignonne Cubes of NZ Beef Tenderloin in Hot Vegetable Oil, served with Coleslaw 牛肉火鍋紐西蘭牛柳粒烹調於蔬菜油、配雜菜絲沙律 Swiss Chocolate Fondue Dark Couverture Chocolate flavoured with Grand Marnier, served with Fresh Fruits, Dried Fruits, Marshmallows and Banana Cakes 香橙酒瑞士朱古力火鍋配生果、乾果、棉花糖及香蕉蛋糕

DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

Events | Promotions

From 7 to 24 December, on Mondays to Saturdays, a Christmas-themed light lunch buffet will be served in the Compass Room at only $255 per person. A nice selection of cold appetisers including sashimi and assorted seafood will be available on the buffet stations. Turkey will of course be one of the main course options, and a series of such festive desserts as Christmas puddings, Yule logs and mince pies will be on offer. For reservations and enquiries, please call the Compass Room on 2239 0374. Don’t be late as the Compass Room will fill up quickly during the festive season.

Monthly Wine Fairs Events | Promotions

Your attendance at our wine fairs does not place you under any obligation whatsoever to purchase wines. It is also basically a free wine tasting with no obligation – marvellous! The $50 ‘entry fee’ is returned to you in the form of a $50 dining voucher to spend at our F&B outlets! Many members are catching on to this and inviting groups of friends to enjoy the two-hour wine tasting and then using the F&B vouchers to offset a meal another day within two months! The wine fairs are a great opportunity for you to taste wines and learn more about them. And, if you do wish to purchase wines on the evening, you can enjoy a 5% discount on the already low prices! Kellett Island, Wednesday 2 December, 1830hrs to 2030hrs Shelter Cove, Friday 4 December, 1930hrs to 2130hrs For reservations, please call Janice Yip in the F&B Office on 2239 0340 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Wine of the Month Boschendal, The Pavillion Blanc 2015 – Western Cape, South Africa Lemongrass and gooseberry aromas layered with hints of honeysuckle and tangerine that race across the palate in a refreshing burst of citrus fruit finishing with vibrant crispness. Available in all F&B outlets at $255 per bottle. Boschendal, The Pavillion Shiraz Viognier 2014 – Western Cape, South Africa Pronounced and sumptuous dark red fruit on the nose with a hint of spice followed by classic peppery notes on the palate. A touch of floral perfume that has a long rounded finish. Available in all F&B outlets at $265 per bottle.

CHEERS! Beverage Specials Winter Drinks Available in the Bistro and at the Poolside with selected items at Middle Island and Shelter Cove Honey Ginseng Tea with Dried Longans

桂圓花旗蔘蜜

Red Date Tea with Rose Buds

玫瑰花紅棗茶

Honey Lemon Drink with Aloe

蘆薈檸檬蜜

Sugar Cane Juice

竹蔗汁

Pear and Fig Tea Kirin Ichiban (330ml) Available in all F&B outlets at only $30 per bottle

雪梨無花果茶

Special Offer of 20% discount on the above listed winter drinks for Bistro diners only, on Mondays and Tuesdays (except public holidays). Further offer for diners In the Bistro on Mondays and Tuesdays (except public holidays) Bistro diners can enjoy 20% discount on our special wine collection (bin numbers starting at six). This offer is applicable to the eleven selected wines, either per glass or per bottle, and is for in-house consumption only.

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Wine Delivery Order Form – December Try Before You Buy – No Obligation!’ All the wines listed below are featured at the monthly wine fairs at both Kellett Island and Shelter Cove. If you do enjoy the wines and wish to make a purchase, you can enjoy a 5% discount on these already low prices!

Wine Fair entry is only $50 per person which includes the sampling of all the wines on the list, complimentary canapés and a $50 dining voucher which can be used in F&B outlets within two months. Another way to look at it is that you’re attending these wine fairs free of charge! See the website for further details. Book now with Janice Yip in the F&B Office on 2239 0340 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk Promotional Offer: (please indicate your preference for the qualifying order.) For every purchase of 11 bottles of wine, a FREE extra bottle will be offered (all 12 bottles must be the same wine). For every purchase of 24 bottles of any wine, a FREE bottle of Kiss Party Shooter in a Gift Box Set will be offered. * Redemption of above items is subject to stock availability; you may only apply one offer at a time to a qualifying order.

Champagne

per bottle

Cattier, Brut Rosé N.V. – France

Bright in fruit flavour, this blends strawberry, vanilla and ginger notes on a rich texture that is nicely balanced with acidity.

qty

amount

$425

White Wines Boschendal, The Pavillion Blanc 2015 – Western Cape, South Africa (wine of the month)

$112

Fabre Montmayou, Torrontes Reserva 2013 – Mendoza, Argentina

$112

J. Bäumer, Rheingau Riesling 2014 – Rheingau, Germany

$125

Cape Barren, Sauvignon Blanc 2013 – Adelaide Hills, South Australia

$156

La Motte, Chardonnay 2011 – Franschoek Valley, South Africa

$163

Maurice Michel, Bourgogne Chardonnay ‘Sur Le Reuil’ 2012 – Burgundy, France

$176

Huia, Sauvignon Blanc 2012 – New Zealand

$190

Lemongrass and gooseberry aromas layered with hints of honeysuckle and tangerine that race across the palate in a refreshing burst of citrus fruit finishing with vibrant crispness. Very delicate aromas of white peaches, lychees and pears on the nose. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with a lovely finish. Vibrant aromatics, purity and freshness. A balance of fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity together with mineral notes. Live and refreshing showing a mix of citrus and passion fruit with hints of green apple on the palate. Good length and fruitiness. Tropical and citrus fruit flavours with cashew nut in the background. A crisp and refreshing wine with a firm structure. Fruity aroma on the nose with hints of lemon. A very solid, mineral, crisp and fresh Chardonnay on the palate. Lifted nose of gooseberry and tropical fruit followed by grassy endnote with balanced mouth-filling on the palate plus a hint of passion fruit and lemon. Crisp acid finish and long aftertaste of gooseberry.

RED Wines Boschendal, The Pavillion Shiraz Viognier 2014 – Western Cape, South Africa (wine of the month)

$119

Bodegas Ribera del Duratón, Altos del Duratón 2011 – Castilla y León, Spain

$176

Fabre Montmayou, Gran Reserva Malbec 2012 – Mendoza, Argentina

$176

Domaine Gérard Raphet, Bourgogne Rouge 2012 – Burgundy, France

$190

Riecine, Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 – Tuscany, Italy

$250

Ma Maison, Pinot Noir 2011 – Martinborough, New Zealand

$308

Château Bel-Air-Ouÿ 2010 – Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, France

$334

Pronounced and sumptuous dark red fruit on the nose with a hint of spice followed by classic peppery notes on the palate. A touch of floral perfume that has a long rounded finish. Intensely aromatic on the nose, notes of fresh fruits and toast wood with fine structure and good volume. Very complex and elegant bouquet. Plenty of wild red fruits like blackberries and cherries, liquorice and delicate hints of flowers. On the palate, the wine shows a remarkable balance with very elegant, delicate and silky tannins. A fresh nose of red berry fruit aromas leads to lightweight and simple flavours that possess an attractive palate feel and persistence. A classical style wine, medium-bodied with lots of fruit character, light tannins and a spicy finish. Aromas of violets, black cherries and plums with a subtle note of spicy oak. Elegant complexity with balance and harmony. The palate will soften in time and the finish will lengthen accordingly. Focused wine with a sanguine thread running through the cherry pit, red currant and floral notes plus elegant finish.

• All wines are delivered to your designated address by the supplier and are subject to availability of stock. • Mixed cases accepted. Order 12 or more bottles to enjoy free delivery service. For lesser quantities, orders can be collected from the Main Bar. • The cost of the wines will be charged to members’ accounts. • Free delivery service to Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories (excluding outlying islands, Lantau Island, Tung Chung and Discovery Bay). • Delivery service is available on weekdays only except public holidays (subject to delivery schedule).

Name (Please Print):

Membership No.:

Telephone No. (Home/ Office):

(mobile):

Delivery Address: Preferred Delivery Date:

TIme:

Signature: date:

FAX THIS FORM TO 2239 0341. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 2239 0340 • Deadline for Ordering: 31 December 2015 •

Events | Promotions

Kellett Island Wine Fair – Chart Room, Wednesday 2 December, 1830hrs to 2030hrs, guests welcome. Shelter Cove Wine Fair – Shelter Cove Clubhouse, Friday 4 December, 1930hrs to 2130hrs, guests welcome.

CLASS SECRETARIES

Club Lines

Sailing Secretary Lucy Sutro sailing.secretary@rhkyc.org.hk Big Boat Simon Blore cruiser@rhkyc.org.hk Dinghies Dominick Hardoon dinghies@rhkyc.org.hk Dragon Phyllis Chang dragon@rhkyc.org.hk Etchells Scotia Ryer etchells@rhkyc.org.hk Flying Fifteen Carlyon Knight-Evans flyingfifteen@rhkyc.org.hk Impala Patrick Kwan impala@rhkyc.org.hk J/80 Georgiann Reigle j80@rhkyc.org.hk Match Racing Seah Chin Yew matchracingsec@rhkyc.org.hk Pandora Joseph Wong pandora@rhkyc.org.hk Ruffian Guy Russell ruffian@rhkyc.org.hk Sportsboats Dion Houghton sportsboat@rhkyc.org.hk Youth Sailing Class Sofia Mascia ysc@rhkyc.org.hk

SPORTS CONVENORS

Bowling Convenor Simon Boyde bowling@rhkyc.org.hk Golf Convenor David Leung golf@rhkyc.org.hk Snooker Convenor Don Day snooker@rhkyc.org.hk Squash Convenor Francis Longuepee squash@rhkyc.org.hk

CLUB CONTACTS

General Manager Mark Bovaird 2239 0300 mark.bovaird@rhkyc.org.hk Executive Secretary Polly Lee 2239 0301 Financial Controller Tim Gallagher 2239 0315 Membership Manager Tracy Leung 2239 0371 PR & Communications Manager Koko Mueller 2239 0342 Member Relations & Communications Manager Linda Davy 2239 0312 Corporate and International Partnerships Manager Torrey Dorsey 2832 2817 Marine and Sailing Manager Roger Eastham 2239 0308 Boatyard and Marine Operations Manag er Simon Pickering 2239 0311 Middle Island Sailing and Marine Manager Ailsa Angus 2812 7303 Sail Training Administrator Gloria Yeung 2239 0395 Assistant Sailing Manager Iris Yang 2239 0314 Assistant Manager | Sailing and Promotion Lindsay Lyons 2239 0391 Assistant Manager | Regattas and Events Nikki Claringbold 2239 0363 Assistant Manager | Race Management Brenda Davies 2239 0362 Rowing and Paddle Sports Manager Kade Greenland 2239 0322 Boatyard Office Manager Connie Chan 2239 0304 Food & Beverage Manager Shirley Tam 2239 0321 Technical & Projects Manager Carton Lam 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.racebook.com/rhkycevents www.facebook/rhkycsharks www.facebook.com/rhkycmatchracing www.twitter.com/rhkyc

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November 2015

Membership Movement ORDINARY MEMBERS Mr & Mrs P Erik G Bergqvist Mr & Mrs Chan Wai Chak Mr & Mrs Fong Yuen Wai Mr & Mrs Carey S Jack JUNIOR MEMBERS Mr George K Chow Mr John P Votta CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS FROM JUNIOR TO ORDINARY Mr Tucker B Hudson Mr Alexander T Nichols CADET MEMBERS Kala N Davies Darcy Jack Morgan Jack Dylan J Lam Osborn H C Ma Kelsey A McLennan Jonathan F Riggs Megan E Smyth Emilie L Stackelberg Victoria L Stackelberg Andrea T P Tang CADET MEMBERS SPONSORED BY A MEMBER Matthew A Cormie Shaan Mutreja INDIVIDUAL DEBENTURE MEMBERS Mr Jimmy C M Lai Mr Jeffrey W L Liu

CORPORATE NOMINEE SUBSCRIBERS Mr Guillaume E Nicolay Credit Agricole Corp Investment Bank, Head of Distressed Assets, AP Mr Lawrence L Z Tang Lark International Holdings Ltd, Business Development Director ABSENT MEMBERS Mr & Mrs David J Cotton Mr & Mrs Q Benda Williams Mrs Judy S K Mathews Mr A Yalun Tu Lau Wai Kei Mowbray H Marshall RESIGNATION Mr & Mrs Richard C K Fu Mr & Mrs Daryl W K Ng Mr & Mrs Tham Kin Hon Ms Heather S Y Kwok Ms Susan R Lansing Mr Kevin Lee Mr Tommy M T Leung Mr Vincenzo Sicignano Mary Bilcliffe Andy W C Chan Chan Yi Kei Fanny Fondeur Ian Hui Claire M Lansing Stephen C K Poon Kaitlin Stangroome

Obituary TREVOR STUTELY 1932 to 2015 – Founder Class President of the Hong Kong International Flying 15 Association, international committee member and active Club and committee member from 1972 to 1995. Trevor passed away at home in Cambridge, UK, aged 83. He is survived by his wife Doris and children Lisa, Mark and Alexandra.

New Fee Notice By order of the General Committee, the following fees will be increased as from 1 January 2016:

Car Parking OLD

NEW

Annual Fee – 7-day car parking label

$2,900

$3,045

Annual Fee – 5-day car parking label

$2,020

$2,120

Annual Fee – Motorcycle

$360

$375

Annual Fee – 5-day Shelter Cove car parking label

$1,155

$1,215

Hourly rates (for Kellett Island only) After 50 hours free car parking per calendar month

$16

$17

Maximum hourly charge per calendar month

$2,400

$2,550

Staff Awards Staff Service Awards Joey Chan Lai Hei Johnny Yeung

Club Lines

Lee Kwan Hong Long Service Awards 5-Year Awards Denny Lee L to R: Joey Chan, Lai Hei, Johnny Yeung, Lee Kwan Hong

Raymond Cheung Li Tak Ming Ho Ping Kuen Cheng Chi Kin Gloria Yeung 10-Year Awards Gregory Gutierrez Chan Mei Mei Cheung Kwok Chun

L to R: Denny Lee, Raymond Cheung, Li Tak Ming, Ho Ping Kuen

L to R: Cheng Chi Kin, Gloria Yeung, Gregory Gutierrez, Chan Mei Mei, Cheung Kwok Chun

Burgee Exchange Members Suzy Rayment and Guy Nowell were in Bermuda for the recent America’s Cup World Series event. At the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club they not only exchanged burgees with Vice Commodore Leatrice Roman, but also found another Club member, Michael Brown, in the bar. RBYC only display ‘Royal’ burgees – the Club’s so old as to be practically unrecognisable (3rd left from the corner), but that has now been rectified!

Hallowe’en Activity

Children enjoyed themselves with craft activities for Hallowe’en on 24 October DECEMBER 2015 AHOY! |

A Message from the Chairman of Membership Committee DECEMBER 2015

Club Lines

ast July the Membership Committee revised the Full Membership admission requirements with the goal of enhancing the transparency and functionality of the Full Membership application process. The Membership Committee defined a set of minimum measurable sailing or rowing activities and race management duties that would allow interested Ordinary Members to objectively demonstrate their active promotion of the interests, purposes and goals for which the Club was founded. In order to ensure that the new requirements were meeting the established objective, the Membership Committee agreed to review the policy upon its first anniversary. This review has taken place and while the new requirements generally function as intended, we did identify some opportunities for changes that can better serve the Club and you, our fellow members. Going forward, time spent volunteering to support both on the water and/or shore-based activities covered by the Club’s Charter will be eligible for inclusion in Part B (see below), and the list of eligible committees for Part C (see below) has been expanded to include service for approved organisations and committees outside the Club who are committed to the development of sailing/rowing in Hong Kong. The key changes are: Part A – Sailing / Rowing Activities In order to show a member’s continuous commitment to the sport, the current term of 12 months for sailing activities has been extended to 24 months. The requirement for rowing activities remains at 12 months as an ordinary member during this 12-month period must have participated in at least four rowing or paddling races; attended at least 36 organised rowing / paddling sessions; plus performed race management / race support duty five times. In order to meet this standard, a rower must have participated in at least 45 of the possible 52 weeks during the year. The sailing criteria are slightly different due to the nature of sailing and the number and timing of races / regattas available. The revised standard requires participation in 12 sailing activities and one race management duty that equates to 13 weeks a year in two consecutive years. Part B – Sailing / Rowing Management Duties or Shore-Based Volunteer Duties Given the ever-expanding sailing and rowing calendars there is a strong demand for volunteers. Contributions by members supporting the ongoing activities covered by the Club’s Charter should be recognised. Therefore, contributions in this area count towards the Part B requirements. Further, to allow more flexibility, the required performance period for sailing management duties and shore-based duties is now extended from the current three consecutive years to the most recent five years. Part C – Committee Involvement The current list of eligible committees has been extended to include the Club’s Approved Class Officers duly appointed through their own constitution and electoral process, as well as appointments to external

| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!

organisations promoting sailing / rowing development in Hong Kong thus providing either direct or indirect benefit to the Club. An approved list is published on the Club’s website and is attached to the Full Membership application form for easy reference. During the revision of Full Membership criteria, the Membership Committee was very careful to compare the open vacancies against the flow of Full Membership applications to make certain that this would not be a barrier for an interested Ordinary Member to get involved in the Club’s administration. However, we noted that there is no clear and transparent process for members to express their interest in service. To assist both members and the incoming Chairmen of the respective committees, a Public Forum will be developed in the members’ login section of the Club’s website to allow interested members to post their biography along with the names of the committees upon which they wish to be placed. During May of each year, this information will be presented to each committee for placement in its formal records to assist the incoming Chairman recruit new members. We hope with the expansion of the Committee List and the establishment of a Public Forum for members to express their qualifications and interest that the service pool will grow and that the privilege of participation will be drawn from a larger, more diversified, cross section of our membership. Similarly, the Club needs a balance across all classes of membership. I strongly encourage more of our female Ordinary Members to seek Full Membership status. For those who were not aware, if you were Lady Subscribers, either admitted individually or admitted as a spouse of a Life, Full or Ordinary Member, on or before 31 December 1995 you were automatically admitted as Ordinary Members on 1 January 1996 and are therefore eligible to apply for Full Membership if you meet the admission requirements. We also understand that work and family commitments may make it difficult to engage at the level required for Full Membership. Please do not feel pressured in any way for Ordinary Members who have yet to fulfill the requirements for Full Membership may make an application to the Membership Committee to seek an extension of their Ordinary Membership when their current term of Ordinary Membership comes up for renewal. The current extension period is for 10 years and there is NO limit to the number of extensions one may obtain. Finally, the updated Full Membership admission policy will start from 1 January 2016. I hope this gives a clearer rationale for the review of Full Membership admission requirements. Should any member have further questions or wish to discuss the matter in greater detail please do reach out to either myself or any of my fellow Membership Committee members or the Membership Office. Mark Parker Chairman of Membership Committee

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| DECEMBER 2015 AHOY!