The Bays

WORDS: DOUG WOODRING AND THE BAYS TEAM IMAGES: COW LAU AND JOCELYNN CHU | ILLUSTRATION: NICKKI CHEUNG

he Bays brings together all types of paddling and rowing disciplines in a relay format where two individuals, or groups, are on the same team, using the same craft. The first team set off from Stanley Main Beach, and carried on to Cape D’Aguilar, with a great downwind leg to St. Stephen’s Beach where their teammates jumped in the boat and took their place. Imagine the excitement of all of these boats and teams on the water, and at the beaches for the changes, when single, double rowers and even OC6s are vying for position in the 33km race. This is also a great way to bring new types of teams together, with individuals who might normally race on their own boats, or a team boat, but not in a relay with their friend and teammate. This brought out some amazing teams, and allowed for new categories and matchups, bringing all of the paddling and rowing community together to celebrate the ocean.

With over 140 participants via different relay teams, the race started on a beautiful early October day, and then ran into some

Illustraded by Nikki Cheung for The Bays

unseasonal squalls which caused a raindelay part way through the second leg of the race. Thanks to all of the participants who understood the weather conditions and made their way to Repulse Bay, the race was allowed to re-start for the third and fourth legs of the race. A bit of socially distanced Bays live music at the Repulse Bay temple helped to get people back into the groove before the re-start of the race, putting teams together in a large group which made for an exciting final 12km of racing between each team’s lineup. “In times of social distancing, The Bays was a great way to bring us all together again on the water,” said Luis Segovia, Bays Dream Team. The Bays is organised by the Club and Ocean Recovery Alliance, a local NGO working to improve the health of the ocean that we all love to use for training, recreation and competitions. The race is “For the Ocean,” and though we weren’t allowed to have an awards ceremony or talks on the topic, everyone participating is always proud to be ambassadors for the ocean and to convey ocean awareness and appreciation to their families, colleagues and peers when the time is right in their daily lives.

The mascot design for this year’s shirt and award plates created curiosity, as it included two distinct and unrelated members of the animal family, working together to protect the ocean – an ostrich riding a whale, both racing and caretaking. “They also both represent teamwork, excitement and engagement in taking care of the waters we like to use,” said Doug Woodring, race organiser.

Special thanks to the Tatjana Baehr and the VRC Race Series, as their race and The Bays were coordinated together so that boats could be stored at Hobie Beach (another thanks), with a rest-day in between. The Bays takes place along some of the most beautiful bays of Hong Kong, stretching from Stanley to Cape D’Aguilar and into Middle Island, along coastlines in Hong Kong which many do not get to see or appreciate if not on the water as much as we all are.

“This was the 2nd year for The Bays race, and we were so excited to have so many paddlers across rowing, outrigger canoe, and surf skis. The Bays is unique in that relay style allows for more competition and teamwork in a different, action-packed format. Thanks to all the volunteers at each checkpoint and on the water over this 33km course.” Jennie Chao, Bays Dream Team.

We look forward to seeing you all on the water for The Bays next year!!!