Ahoy! December 2022

Patrons Jimmy Farquhar and Lowell Chang; Commodore Lucy Sutro; Vice Commodore Adrian Pang; Rear Commodore Sailing David Norton; Rear Commodore Club Mark Parker; Honorary Secretary Bo Lee; Honorary Treasurer Joseph

COASTAL RACE

Middle Island Christmas Party

Junior Sailing – Steps 1,2,3 and Solo Youth Sailing – HKSF Level 1 and Go Sailing

Bubbles Brunch in the Compass Room Set Dinner in the Compass Room Buffet Lunch and Buffet Dinner in the Bistro

Carol Singing at the Turning Circle

Set Lunch in the Compass Room Set Dinner in the Compass Room Buffet Lunch and Buffet Dinner in the Bistro

Dim Sum Brunch in the Regatta Room

Compass Room Black Tie Gala Dinner Bistro Buffet Dinner Middle Island Countdown Party in White

Dim Sum Brunch in the Regatta Room

Bubbles Brunch in the Compass Room Buffet Lunch in the Bistro

DINGHY RACING

YMC ALMA MATER RACE

T o a l l R o y a l H o n g K o n g Y a c h t C l u b M e m b e r s :

W e w i s h y o u a

Merry Christmas

It was with such great sadness that we learned the news of the passing of our Vice Patron, Robert Wilson, on 4 November. Bob was a member of the Club for nearly 57 years and did more than most to further the sport of rowing at the Club and of sports in general in Hong Kong. A guiding principle of Bob's was that "Sport must be an enjoyable social activity that brings people together to enhance their lives" and these wise words remain very true today. A full tribute written by Mike Tanner is inside this issue.

The third race of the 2022-2023 Coastal Race Series will start on Friday 9 December, the race will be sailed in Hong Kong waters with the course being issued once weather information is better known. The Swiss Re YMC Alma Mater race will take place on Sunday 18 December and at time of writing the hard-working Youth Members Committee are close to their goal of 50 boats.

October and it was particularly gratifying to see many more university and local teams entered. Also in attendance was Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Clarence Leung and the Club certainly put on a fantastic event to showcase what we are all about. My thanks to everyone involved and there is a write up on the event in this issue.

As we catch our breath after a busy Autumn of race events, the rowing and paddle sports section is already gearing up for 2023 and with the expectation that we will start to see more international teams coming back to race in Hong Kong; we’re looking forward to more teams and bigger race events next year. This month is a chance to take stock and carry out repair and maintenance work on our now sizeable fleet of Rowing boats, Outrigger canoes and Dragon boats so we’re all set for 2023.

I would like to wish the RHKYC Charity Foundation at very happy 10 th Anniversary. A special celebratory and fundraising event to mark this milestone was held at the end of November and I can share how successful the Foundation was in next month's Ahoy. Since its inauguration, the RHKYC Charity Foundation has helped over 3,000 underprivileged children, youth and old needy old mariners. It has provided financial and intangible support to 43 charitable organisations and engaged over 100 RHKYC members and staff volunteers on various charitable activities. Support is offered through various initiatives, be it through fundraising for donations to causes or delivering positive experiences to those less fortunate either on or off the water. My thanks to the RHKYC Charity Foundation Board, volunteers and all members who have contributed financially or with their time in this very worthwhile endeavour.

Remembrance Day Observances

To solemnly mark the sacrifice made by Club Members during the war the Club observed Remembrance Day on 11 November at 1100hrs when Commodore Lucy Sutro fired the cannon at the Turning Circle to signal the start of two minutes’ silence and fired a second cannon to signal the end.

Then at the official Remembrance Sunday Ceremony at the Cenotaph on 13 November, the Commodore laid a wreath on behalf of the Club.

Commodore Lucy Sutro

General Manager’s Message

This year Christmas and New Year's are back with a vengeance! At long last we feel like we have returned to some semblance of normalcy. Back is the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Back is the Christmas Eve Carols... and the team have added in even more events to keep you entertained this year.

The Bridge

General Manager Mark Bovaird 總經理布馬克

The Festive season celebrations have already begun. By the time you read this we will have already hosted several of our new events - an Upcycled/Recycled Christmas Decorations Workshop and we will have taught you how to make your own version of traditional favourites, Mulled Wine and Salmon Gravlax. Santa will also have popped in, before his schedule got too busy, so that you and your family could take a family photo with him in Santa's Grotto.

With those out of the way we have another 29 Festive events to see you through the end of the month and that doesn't even include all of the Christmas-themed set lunches and dinners in the Compass Room, the Bistro lunch and dinner buffets on offer starting on 5 December up to the 23rd nor the set lunches and dinners available at Middle Island and Shelter Cove from 5 to 26 December. It’s going to be a wonderful atmosphere at the Club over the entire festive period culminating with the Commodore seeing in the New Year with the traditional firing of the Club cannon at the turning circle.

We are absolutely thrilled that our classic traditional events are going ahead. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was only in its infancy as an annual treat when it went on hiatus thanks to Covid. We recall the very first one when around 16 people came and I'm delighted that at the time of writing, over 120 people are joining us which is a new record. The Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve is back too! This is one of the most magical events of the Festive Season as we all gather as a Club community around our huge Christmas Tree in the Turning Circle and sing a selection of traditional carols, including the Yacht Club’s own version of 12 days of Christmas.

Some other new events we have this year are the Paint and Wine on Monday 12 December, a 'Tis the Season Festive Quiz on Thursday 15 December, Christmas Jazz on Friday 16 December and three movie nights Under the Stars on Saturday 17, Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 December.

But first... how about a long lazy lunch at Shelter Cove? Join us for a special lunch with Lawson's Dry Hills Wine on Thursday 8 December.

And if you are travelling to see family and friends this Christmas, here's some news for you. As part of the ongoing development of the Club’s website, members may now obtain a Letter of Introduction to our reciprocal clubs by using the Member log-in section of the Club’s website. The e-letter of introduction will then be sent to the respective club directly with a copy to your email address. We would however also remind you to always have your membership card with you during your visit. Enjoy your travels and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2023!

總經理的話

本會的副贊助人Robert Wilson 於今年11月4日與世長辭，實在令人悲痛不已。Bob

生都在推動賽艇運動發展，貢獻良多。Bob 有一句人生格言“Sports must be an enjoyable social activity that brings people together to enhance their lives”(意譯：體育必須是能結集大眾的社交活動，從而令 大家的生活更見豐盛)，而這金石良言在今日社會更變成至理明言。由Mike Tanner撰寫的敬辭可見於內頁。 「2022-2023 Coastal Race 系列賽事」將於12月9日星期五展開，此賽事為港內賽。當本會掌握更多天氣資 訊時，將告知大家有關賽事的賽道。「Swiss Re 母校盃帆船賽」將於12月18日上演，執筆之時，本會的青年會 員委員會努力地宣傳賽事，希望達至50支帆船隊伍報名的目標。

香港中華廠商聯合會青年委員會「中途島盃龍舟賽」已於10月30日舉辦，並圓滿結束。見到更多大學及本地隊 伍參賽，令人欣慰。此外，賽事獲香港特別行政區民政及青年事務局副局長梁宏正先生BBS JP出席，令賽事 更見圓滿。衷心感謝參與其中的每一位，有關賽事的內容可見於內頁。

剛從繁忙的九月回過氣來，但賽艇及划槳運動部已整裝待發，為2023年迎接更多國際隊伍來港參賽作好準 備。明年，我們期待有更多隊伍參與本會賽事，令賽事更見規模化。為了準備迎接2023年的到來，本月是修復 會內的賽艇及懸浮獨木舟的好時間呢！

在此，我祝願香港遊艇會慈善基金會(下稱基金會)十周年快樂。11月下旬，基金會舉行了一場籌款活動，以慶 祝基金會的里呈碑。我將於下期的Ahoy!與大家分享基金會的成果。自基金會創立以來，已協助逾3000位低 收入家庭的小孩、青年、長者及年長的水手。 基金多年來為他們提供協助，不論是財政上或其他無形的協助， 基金都不遺餘力地向43個慈善組織及招募逾100位香港遊艇僧會員、職員及志願工作者為他們提供協助。 基金會提供協助的方式不同，有提供財政資助的，亦有為受惠機構提供不同的水上或陸上體驗活動。衷心 感謝基金會一眾董事，義工及所有會員，不論你曾捐款或貢獻私人時間為基金會服務，我們都非常感激。 在生活逐漸重回正軌的情況下，本年與聖誕節及新年相關的慶祝活動將強勢回歸。慶祝活動如聖誕節亮燈儀 式及平安夜報佳音等載譽歸來，本會更為你帶來更多活動，務求令你投入熾熱的節慶氣氛。

相關的節慶活動其實早已展開。當你收到今期Ahoy! 時，我們已舉辦了數項新活動，包括升級再造聖誕裝飾 品工作坊及香料酒和醃漬三文魚製作班等。聖誕老人更會登門造訪，在他未是最繁忙的時間，不妨與家人到 聖誕老人屋與他拍照呢！

上述節目為節慶活動打響頭炮，我們尚有29項節慶活動隨之而來，一直到月尾，可謂精彩紛呈呢！大家可別遺 忘了在Compass Room中午及晚上均有聖誕節套餐，在Bistro內的午餐及晚餐自助餐由12月5日開始供應， 一直至12月23日。中途島及白沙灣會所提供中午及晚上的套餐由12月5日起開始供應，一直至12月26日。屆 時，本會將充滿節慶氛圍，會長亦會依據傳統在除夕夜於迴旋處嗚炮。

我們很高興一些傳統的節慶活動可以繼續舉行。由於新冠肺炎肆虐的緣故，聖誕樹亮燈儀式停辦數年，今年 再度亮相尤如新舉辦的活動一樣。猶記得首次舉辦時只有16人出席，而在執筆之時，刷新紀錄有逾120人與我 們一同出席亮燈儀式。平安夜報佳音同樣強勢回歸。這可是其中一項最奇妙的活動，因為可以讓本會的會員聚 集在迴旋處的巨型聖誕樹下一同報佳音，當中包括「香港遊艇會版」的「12 days of Christmas」呢！ 今年我們仍有一些新的活動，包括12月12日(星期一)舉辦的「Paint and Wine」活動、12月15日(星期四)舉辦

的「Tis the Season Festive Quiz」活動、12月16日(星期五)舉辦的「Christmas Jazz」以及三場「Under the Stars」電影夜分別於12月17日(星期六)、12月21 日(星期三) 及12月22日(星期四)舉行。 儘管如何，不妨考慮於西頁白沙灣會所享用一個悠閒的午餐。12月8日(星期四)出席我們舉行的「with Lawson's Dry Hills Wine」午宴吧！倘若你會外遊或到外地探訪家人，請留意以下消息。會員可以透過本

be a good

Robert L. (Bob) Wilson MH (1938 to 2022) Vice Patron

Robert Wilson, a Vice Patron of the Club, passed away peacefully in Portugal on 4 November 2022 with his partner Ulrike by his side.

Bob was recently interviewed as a part of the Club’s series of video interviews of key members who have contributed significantly to the Club over many years. The video will be released shortly and will provide a fitting record of Bob’s enthusiasm and dedication to the interests of the Club and its members as well as to his related activities in sports development in Hong Kong. His untimely death has demonstrated the value to the Club of the making and maintaining such historical records.

Member since 1966

Commodore 1978-1980

Rear Commodore 1974-1978

General Committee 1967-1972, 1974-1983

Rowing Captain 1967-1971

Balloting Committee 1968-1972, 1973-1974

Rowing Committee 1967-1975

Planning Committee 1975-1976 (Chairman)

Vice Patron in 2010-2022

One of Bob’s guiding principles was “If elected or appointed to serve an organisation it is insufficient to merely maintain the status quo, there must be progress and at the end of the term of office the organisation must be in better shape than at the beginning”. The successful development of rowing in Hong Kong and the development of dragon boating from a purely annual Chinese festival into a global year-round sport for millions are rewarding outcomes of his involvement. He had a similar impact on the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and on other organisations with which he was involved. In many ways he applied this principle to life itself and to his place in the world.

Bob was always very generous with his time. He was a positive person with a strong belief that nothing was impossible – he just had to find a way to bring it to fruition. During the formation of the Rowing Association in the late 1970s, sceptics said that Hong Kong youth would not be interested in sports and particularly rowing, but Bob believed otherwise. He has since been proved right many times over – he anticipated the changes in society which would make sports a more and more important activity for young people to balance their busy Hong Kong lifestyles. Bob understood the attractions and benefits which sport can bring to all communities.

In 2019 Bob and Ulrike, his partner in life, business and historical research, made a second home in northern Portugal, close to the Minho river, on which they enjoyed sculling as well as cycling and walking on the Ecovia alongside the river.

Bob is survived by Ulrike and his three children by previous marriage David, Andrew and Julia.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a future date to be announced.

In the space available here, it is very difficult to properly record Bob’s many contributions to the Club and to Hong Kong over more than 50 years and to do full justice to his life and achievements. The following record will inevitably have some omissions. Many of us will have our own memories and stories of Bob and his exploits and it is hoped to provide a future opportunity for these to be shared by Club members.

Arriving in Hong Kong at the end of 1965 to work with Olivetti (HK) Ltd., Bob coincidentally made his first

Feature | Robert L. (Bob) Wilson MH (1938 to 2022) Vice Patron

WORDS: MIKE TANNER

Noel Croucher Award 1998

2009 gathering of Rowing Captains past and present; Back row: Chris Hanselman, David Clarke, David Sorton, Nick Southward, Robert Stoneley, Martin Reynolds, Geoff Booth; Front row: Bob Wilson, Patrick Talas, Mike Tanner

home in Cannon Street, overlooking Kellett Island and the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter. In 1968 he joined the Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, later Manulife, with which he spent the remainder of his working career.

Bob joined the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in January 1966. As an experienced rower, he was keen to pursue his rowing activities and began immediately by representing the Club in the Far Eastern Amateur Rowing Association (FEARA) annual regatta in Manila that year, winning the single sculls and being a crew member in the winning double sculls and coxed four events. It was an auspicious start to his time with the Club.

His love of rowing had begun at Kingston Grammar School and continued with Molesey Boat Club in the UK where in 1963 he stroked the winning senior eight in a field of 30 crews at the Marlow Amateur Regatta, then the second most important regatta in the UK after Henley Royal Regatta. He was elected Vice-Captain of Molesey in 1964 and became Captain in 1965 and, although moving to Hong Kong he maintained his membership

and close association with Molesey Boat Club all his life.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Bob’s record as a member of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is long and outstanding. He was Rowing Captain from 1967 – 1971. In 1968 he broke the record for rowing around Hong Kong Island in a coxed pair with Des Robinson (they repeated the feat in 1978). He won FEARA Championship single sculls in Singapore (1970) and Brunei (1971) and then in 1972 with RHKYC as host, he organised the FEARA Championships in Hebe Haven. In 1973 he took up sailing, racing the Club Bosun dinghies and one of the first Lasers in Hong Kong. He also crewed on Ron McAulay’s Mamamouchi before eventually returning to rowing.

Bob continued as a General Committee member after his tenure as Rowing Captain and in 1974, he was elected Rear Commodore with specific responsibility to form and chair a Planning Committee and prepare a development plan for the Club’s first serious upgrade since the Club resumed occupancy after WW2. The Preliminary Development Plan

was approved by Members in October that year and from 1975 to 1978 Bob oversaw the redevelopment works which modernised the Club’s facilities, providing the Bistro, Compass Room, Gun Room, Ward Room, swimming pool, workshop building, travel lift and the merger with Shelter Cove Yacht Club.

Bob was elected Commodore in 1978 and during his 2-year term he succeeded in introducing the Electoral General Meeting and the Nominating Committee. In this period he represented the Club on the HKYA Council.

He was a recipient of the Noel Croucher Award in 1998.

In 2011 he was most deservedly appointed a Vice Patron of the Club.

In recent years, assisted by his partner Ulrike, Bob devoted time to researching the history of rowing in Hong Kong and Asia and, as a contribution to the Club’s history, had written more than 40 biographies of its former Commodores and Rowing Captains. His broader research into the history of rowing in the region will be made available to the

Feature | Robert L. (Bob) Wilson MH (1938 to 2022) Vice Patron

From top left Clockwise: 1966-02 Winning Feara Four in Manila – Brandwood, Platt, Dunkerley, Wilson; 1968-69 RHKYC 1st Four M.G.Brandwood, R.B.M. Nicholas, R.L. Wilson, M.C. Hill; Bob Wilson (left) and Des Robinson back at Middle Island after their record-breaking row around Hong Kong; Rowing through the harbour, with support boat in attendance

| Robert L. (Bob) Wilson MH (1938 to 2022) Vice Patron

Club. Bob was very keen to ensure that these documents be maintained as a permanent, easily accessible record. It would be his wish that the Club continues to update and preserve such records into the future.

Sports Promotion and Organisation in Hong Kong

Outside of what was already a life-time of commitment to the Club, Bob took an active and enthusiastic interest in promoting sport to the community. He understood the power of sport to change lives and the need for Hong Kong’s crowded urban environment to offer opportunities for people of all ages – but especially its young people – to be involved in a sport of their choice.

He also felt that major sports Clubs, including the Yacht Club, had a responsibility to promote sports to the community.

His contribution was wide ranging, visionary and enthusiastic, firstly in rowing, but also in dragon boating and through serving on a range of government and quasi-government committees and organisations.

(1) Rowing – Sport for the Community and a Hong Kong Rowing Team

The promotion of rowing had been a primary object of the Club since 1905 when the Club had merged with the Hong Kong Boat Club, a rowing club. But by 1978 there were only some 25 rowing members, all expatriate and there were no local rowers in Hong Kong.

In May 1978 Bob and six other members founded the Hong Kong Amateur Rowing Association (HKARA) with the objective of making rowing available to the general public. Bob became its President, in which position he served until 2015, guiding and encouraging the Association throughout this time to maintain high expectations and sound sports policies. He was appointed Honorary Life President in 2016.

The Club strongly supported HKARA in its very early years providing boat storage space at Middle Island and the first local rowers were very quickly recruited to the sport with Club members providing coaching and encouragement. But at the time of the HKARA’s foundation rowing was virtually an unknown sport in the wider Hong Kong community and the Association had no facilities, no boats and no money and one of its founding principles was that its officers and council members would not be expected to donate anything to the Association apart from their time and expertise. Developing rowing looked to be very challenging, but in June 1981 the Association published ‘A Comprehensive Development Plan for Rowing’, mostly written by Bob, proposing the construction of district rowing centres. The plan received warm support from the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose and other senior government officials.

The first such district centre was to be in Sha Tin. Bob was instrumental in obtaining land

and Hong Kong Jockey Club funding for the Association’s first (temporary) rowing centre in 1982. This was quickly followed by plans for the permanent Sha Tin Rowing Centre which, again with Jockey Club funding, opened in 1985 with the hosting of the 1st Asian Rowing Championships. This event marked a full circle for Bob’s involvement in Asian rowing – the Asian Rowing Federation (ARF), which awarded these 1st Championships to Hong Kong, had been formed 3 years earlier, and was born out of the many years of Interport regattas in which Bob had been a regular and very successful competitor around Asia. The Club’s rowers had always been loyal participants in these events and played a key role in the formation of ARF.

In 2000, a second rowing centre was constructed at Shek Mun, again with Jockey Club funding, to support the growing number of rowers and rowing activities. The Association has since its formation introduced tens of thousands of people to the sport of rowing from all sectors of the community.

Rowing was added to the sports of the Jubilee Sports Centre (later the Hong Kong Sports Institute) in 1986. The Hong Kong Rowing Team, which for many years now has almost wholly comprised local athletes who have come up through the Association’s school development programmes, has had consistent success in Asian Games and several medals at world level and has been represented at every Olympics since 1992. Many people have

Eight rowing around Deepwater Bay – Bow: Charles Hill, 2: Paul Widdowson, 3: Des Robinson, 4: Lewis Rutherfurd, 5: Nick Platt, 6: Roger Dains, 7: Rory Nicholas, Stroke: Bob Wilson

contributed to these achievements, but much of it comes back to the vision and initiative of Bob Wilson, who was always of the view that “of course it can be done”.

Bob was a great believer in the value of Clubs, whether large or small, as the key to successful sport promotion. Putting this belief into action, in 2010 he founded with Ulrike and others the Lantau Island Rowing Club (later merged with the Lantau Boat Club), now an active and successful coastal rowing club in Discovery Bay.

Any record of Bob’s extensive contribution to rowing in Hong Kong would not be complete without mentioning his initiative to explore the potential for coastal rowing, using boats which allow rowing in off-shore waters. A popular part of rowing in France and Spain, the World Rowing Federation had seen the value of coastal rowing for many countries where the standard flat-water 2,000m course was not available or realistic. Bob recognised at an early stage that Hong Kong had excellent conditions for coastal rowing (it might have had a lot to do with his own record of rowing around Hong Kong Island!) and in 2004 he recommended to the Club to invest in coastal rowing boats, which were introduced at Middle Island and more recently allowed rowing to return to Kellett Island and the harbour. Bob’s recognition of the suitability of coastal rowing for Hong Kong waters was proven when in 2019 the HKCRA organised the World Rowing Coastal Championships in Hong Kong Harbour with the Club hosting the event and providing logistic and equipment support and expertise to make the Championships a massive success for all involved.

(2) Dragon Boating – from Hong Kong to the World

In 1978, following a regionally televised confrontation between crews at the first Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, Bob Wilson saw a major opportunity for Hong Kong and approached the organiser – the Hong Kong Tourist Association – to offer the expertise of HKARA officials to organise the following year’s races. The offer was accepted and Bob, recognising that the races had to be run as serious competitive events if they were to be a success, drafted rules of racing and went on to lead the same group in managing the races until 1997, in which time the event grew to be the biggest of its kind in the world and dragon boating flourished to become a major international sport in its own right. Bob chaired the foundation meeting of the International Dragon Boat Federation in Hong Kong in 1991 and served as its President until 1994. In 2022, the IDBF named Bob to its Hall of Fame.

(3) Hong Kong Sports Promotion

Bob began his contribution to general sports promotion in Hong Kong with his membership of the Council for Recreation and Sport (CRS), a government body, from 1985 to 1989. In this time, he chaired the Committee on Safety in Outdoor Pursuits. He was appointed as a Board Member of the Jubilee Sports Centre in 1987 and served in this role for 9 years.

Always alert for new ideas and better ways of doing things, Bob drafted and submitted a paper to the Chief Secretary in 1986 proposing the creation of an independent executive sports council to replace the CRS. His initiative

resulted in a government consultancy, “The Way Ahead”, which led to the establishment of the Sports Development Board (SDB) in 1989.

Bob went on to serve as a Board member of the SDB from 1989 to 1996 in which time he chaired the Hong Kong Coaching Committee and introduced the Hong Kong Coaching Awards. He was also on the Committee of Trustees and a member of the Sports Development and Planning Committee. In each of these roles he was an active and contributing member, always taking his responsibilities seriously and always looking for ways to improve strategies and policies for the benefit of the eventual participants and the overall development of sport.

(4) The Hong Kong Water Sports Council (HKWSC)

Bob saw that the potential for water sports in Hong Kong was under-recognised by government and felt that a centralised voice was needed to raise their profile. In 2013 he was instrumental in setting up the Hong Kong Water Sports Council (HKWSC), an umbrella organisation composed of water sports associations, to coordinate and promote water sports. He served as its Chairman until 2015.

Serving the Community

One other interest of Bob’s, away from sport, should be mentioned here. From 1978 to 2010 Bob was a member of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong South, serving as its President from 2000 to 2001. As a Rotarian, in 1982 he helped establish Watchdog Limited, a charitable organisation whose objective was to provide early education for children with intellectual disabilities, particularly those suffering from Down’s syndrome. He drafted the Memorandum and Articles of Association and wrote the successful funding application to the Hong Kong Jockey Club that allowed Watchdog to begin operating.

Government Recognition

In 2013 the Government awarded Bob the Medal of Honour (MH) in recognition of his valuable contribution to the promotion of the development of rowing.

Bob will be very sadly missed by the many people who had the good fortune to know him, both within the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and elsewhere. He will be celebrated for his many achievements. His contributions will also be anonymously recognised by those tens of thousands of people, young and old, who never knew him but have had, or will have, their lives significantly changed for the better by opportunities given to them through rowing and other sports by the vision, belief and work of Bob Wilson. He will be very well remembered.

Wan Ng, Bob Wilson, John Woo and Mike Tanner at the 2018 Around the Island Race

Feature | Robert L. (Bob) Wilson MH (1938 to 2022) Vice Patron

30th China Coast Regatta

All IRC racing divisions were predominately sent on three windward-leeward races comprising of a three-lap 1.1nm long course. Although the breeze softened to around 11kts with a flattening sea as the day progressed, the fleet continued to enjoy great sailing conditions with sailors returning home exhausted after the intense day on the water.

Race Officer David Norton was pleased with racing on Day 1 commenting, “The conditions were much better than I had expected; there was great wind for the first two races and the wind shifted right and dropped to 6kts at the end, but I think we made the most of the day. Although all boats had to work very hard in challenging conditions, we are one race ahead of schedule and well set for tomorrow.”

Day 2 was in complete contrast to Friday’s perfect conditions. Although clear sunny skies prevailed, there was a measly 6 to 8kts of northeasterly breeze to start the day. Eight entries from the HKPN division

WORDS: VIVIAN NGAN | IMAGES: GUY NOWELL | VIVIAN NGAN | 小四哥

The 30 th edition of China Coast Regatta got underway on 14 October in ideal conditions across the racetrack, with blue skies and a solid 16 to 18kts north easterly breeze on a lumpy sea. 21 boats took to the racetrack, which was located southeast of Hong Kong’s Lamma Island.

| 30 th Chin a Coast Regatta

China Coast Regatta

joined the racing, including Niccolo Manno’s Trimaran Carbon 3 Recently returning to the racing scene she was unfortunately unable to show off her full potential and spectacular speed due to the lack of breeze.

Race Officer David Norton set a 17nm islands course for IRC Race Divisions 0 and 1 that took the competitors to round Po Toi and Sung Kong before finishing off at Stanley Peninsula, whilst the route for all other divisions was reduced to 10nm around an ocean mark and Beaufort Island before ending off Stanley.

With a significant drop in the wind to around 3kts during the race, the race management team was forced to shorten the HKPN division to

finish within the Beaufort Channel, seeing two boats unable to meet the cut off time limit and opting to retire.

The breeze returned for Day 3, with the strong monsoon signal hoisted prior to racing, bringing with it the promise of champagne sailing conditions. The day kicked off in 8 to 10kts of a north-westerly breeze at the southeast of Lamma Island race area.

Almost all IRC racer divisions were sent on three two-lap windward/ leeward courses (with Div 0 completing one more lap in Race 6) and the HKPN division were given one windward/leeward followed by an 11nm island course, taking them around Po Toi and Sung Kong before finishing off Stanley.

Celebrating 30 years of competitive big boat racing in Asia

2022 marked the 30 th edition of the China Coast Regatta. Based out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre; 29 boats competed in a variety of windward/ leeward, geometric and island courses in the waters south and east of Hong Kong Island, in the most superb sailing conditions that Hong Kong has to offer.

China Coast Regatta was introduced in 1993 by Steve Ellis as a replacement event for the China Coast Cup, which had been broken up due to the re-scheduling of the China Sea Race to Easter. The new format event would be held annually during the month of October, an ideal time of year for sailing in Hong Kong with the onset of the northeast winter monsoon. Ellis planned the event with the ambition of becoming part of the Asian Circuit along with Raja Muda Regatta and King’s Cup, and the Singapore Straits Regatta, for which it successfully achieved.

Reminiscing on the 30-year anniversary of China Coast Regatta, Steve said “I’m in Sydney reading with enormous envy of the fun everyone appears to be having sailing in the 30 th running of this event. Who would have thought that this regatta would last as long as it has?

This regatta as you know replaced the China Sea Race Series which was traditionally run over or near the Easter week break. It catered for offshore capable yachts only which meant that it excluded most of Hong Kong’s keelboat sailing fleet such as the smaller X Yachts, Beneteau’s and the like.

The principal objective of the China Coast Regatta was to create a format of racing which would include all types of keelboat and stage it at a time of year which was better suited to competitive and exhilarating sailing. To get back to my original point of the longevity of the regatta I think this is the principal reason it has lasted so long. It caters to all classes of keelboat and not just to the select few. Also, the appeal of sailing has spread to a much broader market bringing with it a high level of competition and quality of yacht. It has grown well beyond my original vision and I cannot be more pleased.”

th China Coast Regatta

A steady increase in both wind and sea state saw the third race for all IRC fleets culminate in 15 to 20kts of breeze under a sunny blue sky –the ultimate conditions in which to conclude the regatta.

At the end of three days of racing, having completed their scheduled seven races, all IRC divisions enjoyed one discard. With tight racing for all IRC Racer divisions, IRC Racer 0 comprising of four TP 52s and Marcel Liedts’ Ker 46 Zannekin, saw a new leader every day of the regatta. Amongst the five strong giants, the boats yo-yoed up and down the standings. Sam Chan’s FreeFire took two firsts to give him the overall lead at the end of Day 1, however Noel Chan’s Rampage88 put in a massive chase in the final leg of Island course, setting them up for the top spot at the end of Day 2. Shawn Kang’s Alpha+ spurred on by the close competition rallied on the final day, taking two bullets and the overall divisional trophy, only one point ahead of Noel Chan’s Rampage88

IRC Racer Div 1 was the largest fleet with eight entries, including an impressive variety of new lightweight yachts including: Andrew Taylor and Denis Martinet’s newly imported Cape 31 Capitano, which made the journey to Hong Kong just in time to compete against other strong local contenders of Glenn Smith’s Grand Soleil 44 Wild Card, Eddy Lee’s full carbon Neo Roma 430 Next and Dennis Chien’s Mat 1245 Arcturus+

However, it was to be 2021 division winner Nick Burns’ Witchcraft who took three bullets on Day 1, setting her up for the title again in 2022.

Witchcraft successfully defended her lead on the final day by only one point after a tight tussle with Capitano, who had taken the win in the Island Race on Day 2, and two more bullets on the final day. Third place overall went to Albert Cheung’s Full Tilt

In the IRC Racer 2 fleet, there was neck-to-neck competition between Stephen Jones and James Verner’s Nightshift and Nicolas CohenAddad’s Jinn throughout the regatta – they were both tied in Race 5 with exactly the same corrected time, however in the end it was Nightshift who took the overall win – two points clear of Jinn

Competition was also tight in ICR Racer 3 among the three strong teams of Dexter II, Admiralty Harbour Whiskey Jack, and Juice. At the end of day two, the three yachts held an extremely tight score card with only one point separating each of the teams. Skipper Simon Wong took Dexter II to an impressive win in the final race, securing 1st place overall, and with one discard in effect, was three points clear of Nick Southward’s Admiralty Harbour Whiskey Jack

HKPN division comprised of many recognizable names from recent editions of the regatta such as Blowers Daughter, Jibulai, Scintila and Lisa Elaine participating in the action. Niccolo Manno’s Carbon 3 stole the show with a massive lead in the Day 3 Island race, finishing one hour ahead of the other competitors and taking one bullet in the final day of racing to put them in 2nd overall, three points behind Sunny Leung’s Jibulai

Attracting More Young People to the Nautical World

Feature | Attracting More Young People to the Nautical World

To most of the youths who visited the 40’ cruiser Lion Rock on a sunny day in October, it was their first time on board a sailing boat. Excitement was felt as quick steps were made all around the deck and into the cabin. On the bow of the boat, one of them was found making the Titanic movie “I’m flying” pose. There was a moment of delight as the group gathered to hoist a set of nautical flags sending

out a message, not through texting, saying: “W are 4 Scout”– “We are 4th Scout Group”. Earlier that morning, the scouts had learned about international nautical flags and how to use them for signals and messages. This colourful set of flags now flying on the cruiser was the one they had put together.

The visit was one of the activities organised for the recently revived 4th Hong Kong Sea

Scout Group (4th HKSSG). While scouting generally offers opportunities for young people to engage in outdoor activities and pick up necessary skills along the way, sea scouting has an emphasis on water-based activities and skill sets.

The 4th HKSSG is a public sea scout group that meets regularly at RHKYC Kellett Island Clubhouse. Its scout leaders are volunteers who are Club members or non-members who are active in its sailing or rowing activities.

“There is so much for young people to enjoy and explore engaging in water-based activities by becoming a sea scout”, said John Woo, 4th HKSSG Group Scout Leader.

“RHKYC clubhouses and facilities are right on the waterfront. This makes it easy for organising water-based activities for the scouts against the beautiful backdrop of the Victoria Harbour where East meets West. This is one of the reasons why it is a bi-lingual and multi-cultural Scout Group.

“We are thankful to the Club for supporting such a local community programme as it may encourage more young people to develop interests and skills about the nautical world,” he added.

The 4th HKSSG is now actively recruiting scout members. Young people (aged 11 – 16) from the public are welcome to join, no matter if they are members or non-members of the Club. To join or contact 4th HKSSG, please scan the QR Code or write to 4thHKSSG@gmail.com.

The second part of a three-part series featuring RHKYC’s support to scouting activities in Hong Kong

WORDS: VIRGINIA CHI, 4 TH HONG KONG SEA SCOUT GROUP COUNCIL

Sail To Change

AND IMAGES: SAIL TO CHANGE WORKING GROUP

Sailing A

big thank you to fellow members for your generous donations and for believing in our mission!

Sail To Change (STC) was put forward as one of the Club’s initiatives in 2019 with the objective to use sailing as a platform for character building and to nurture personal development for underprivileged youth in Hong Kong, to better prepare them for future life while learning how to treat our oceans with more care.

Sail To Change's mission is for Hong Kong youth to build lifelong skills and let them be the protectors of the ocean. With perseverance, our Sail To Change programme finally started last November 2021 with six youths from Hong Kong Sea School who joined our pilot scheme!

As we continue to gather interest from members who would like to mentor our STC kids, our pioneering Sail To Change mentors were happy to share their experiences during Sunset Series 2022.

Everyone had fun and they showed team spirit, determination to do better, dealt with the unpredictable yet familiar Harbour and summer conditions – way too hot, strong tide, light wind, sudden wind gust! They also gained more confidence and were comfortable in engaging with Club members. Plus, they all want to continue with our Year 2 STC programme!

Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation to SailCom and Middle Island’s Sail Training Team’s support as well as Sail To Change Workgroup’s teamwork and tireless efforts that made this programme finally come into fruition! We are really happy with the way the programme is going!

Once again, Thank you all! Sail To Change Workgroup

WORDS

29er Worlds Championships

WORDS: TOMOE THIRY

ue to the Covid pandemic, this was the first time in three years that Hong Kong’s best 29er sailors competed in the 29er World Championships. There were more than 240 entrants from over 25 different countries. The championships were held in the Club Nautico El Balis, near Barcelona.

Oriane Voets, Sorcha Whyte, Bertille Voets and I arrived in Mataro, Spain on 23 July. This meant we had plenty of time to get familiar with the conditions. With six days of training, medium wind conditions, the team made the most of our time on the water training the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) sailors as well as the Australian and Spanish sailors doing practice races in which over 20 teams competed at times. Having sailed the boat together for less than three months, our team goal was to have a good time and not put any

pressure on our results as well as gain the most experience we could get from the event.

Onto the racing. The conditions were not optimal as the wind ranged from 4 to 8kts over the six days of racing, with choppy waves and a strong current, which took some getting used to. This resulted in long hours waiting on the hardstand for the AP flag to come down so we could get racing. Nevertheless, the races themselves were fun, as they helped us learn how to start in a big fleet unlike the fleets we raced against previously in Hong Kong, whilst working on our tactics and we enjoyed our time on the water and the valuable experience we gained from it.

The racing was split into three qualifying days and three finals days with six fleets competing over three courses. Each fleet had 40 boats which resulted in crowded starts and high competition, a fleet racer’s dream! The course

was a simple upwind, downwind course with two laps that tested the competitors with the challenging conditions. On the first day, Sorcha and Oriane were put into the red fleet whilst we were in the green fleet meaning we raced on the same course and were able to see how we were doing against familiar competition.

The competition ended with Sorcha and Oriane finishing 161st whilst we finished 230 th Although we didn’t get the results we were hoping for in the end, we still gained extremely valuable experience from the competition, and we were able to see how we compared against the best 29er sailors in the world despite only having sailed the boat for three months. This fills us with a lot of hope for our future in the fleet and we would like to thank the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club for making this experience possible for us through their amazing support throughout the entire event.

Sharks do RHKYC proud at HKODA National Championships

WORDS AND IMAGES: LUKE VAN DER

The Hong Kong Optimist Dinghy Association held their annual National Championships over the weekend of October 1 and 2 out of Clear Water Bay Marina. Whilst

KAMP there were doubts whether the event would go ahead due to a typhoon predicted during the lead up week, the weather gods smiled on the kids providing blue skies and fair winds. With

the wind, came the big swell that provided and extra element of fun for the sailors (and the extra element of discomfort for the race management team).

Race Officer Sean Taylor got the fleets off racing with gusto early on Saturday recognizing sailors and race officials did not enjoy sitting around bobbing in large waves. Amidst VHF calls from race official boats asking for seasickness tablets to be shared, the fleet charged up the beat often losing sight of the top mark as the waves were higher than the sailors horizon view. A massive effort from the race

management team led by HKODA President Peter Davies, including a very rocky start boat, constantly busy mark laying boats and a tippy finishing boat (albeit one that skipper Nick Rydin still found it easy to have naps on in between races…) meant that eight races were completed without hiccups.

The RHKYC Sharks entered the largest team at the event with 18 sailors including Samuel Fong and Alix Nguyen-Minh making their HK Opti regatta debuts being selected from the club’s intro to racing Gold Squad off the back of some strong club racing performances. On the water, the Sharks led the way with a great showing of team comradery and sportsmanship supporting each other throughout the event from the slipway to the finish line. Sharks sailors got some great results including Alexandra Jill Yam finishing 3rd girl, Sienne Thiry finishing 4th in the 12 and under division, Jai Mutreja finishing 3rd boy and Marcus Li finishing 3rd overall in the intermediate fleet.

The biggest result for the club though came from Zi Han Helen Liu who took home the trifecta of 1st in the 12 and under division, 1st in the girls division and the overall regatta win. Congratulations Helen, the club is proud to

Impala Open Day

None of this would have been possible without the help of a large team behind the scenes supporting the sailors. This is of course the

parents who helped out with moving boats to and from Clear Water Bay, volunteering at the regatta as mark layers, race management team, results officers, slipway marshals and PVOL holders for coaches. Thank you!

Lastly, a special mention for Anouska Mutreja, the outgoing HKODA Secretary and Sharks parent who put in the most work of anyone to make the event happen. Anouska has worked tirelessly for HKODA to organise the event, liaise with Clear Water Bay, help all the clubs and teams with the event admin as well as managing entries, registrations and results. The entire Sharks team wishes to thank Anouska for all her hard work as HKODA secretary over the past years!

RHKYC Sharks team members at the HKODA Nationals:

Zi Han Helen Liu Kai Storey

Alexandra Jill Yam Marcus Li

Jai Mutreja Caleb Pang

SIenne Thiry Oliver Aitken

Zi Xi Huang Xin Ran Audrey Liu

Sveva Amadei Felix Worthington

Jorge Wong Timothee Franses

Louis Polson Samuel Fong Penelope Wilde Alex Nguyen-Minh

The Impala Fleet, working in conjunction with the Sailing Office, held an Open Day on 8 and 9 October. 10 boats from the fleet hosted 22 sailors who have taken their Level 1 and 2 courses either at the Club or at ABC/ HHYC/LCSD and the Open Day enabled them to experience keelboat sailing and hopefully we'll see these sailors out racing with RHKYC classes in the future. Thank you to the Impalas for sharing your time and experience with the community!

see another talent from Middle Island crowned National Champion!

The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong Youth Committee Middle Island Cup 2022

WORDS: JANICE LAM | IMAGES: STANLEY LAM AND MIKE LAW

Rowing

dragonboat@rhkyc.org.hk

rganised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and sponsored by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong Youth Committee (YCMA), the YCMA Middle Island Cup was held out of Middle Island on Sunday 30 October.

The race was divided into two groups: ‘Small Boat’ (10 paddlers) and ‘Standard Boat’ (20 paddlers). Each group included Women’s,

Open and Mixed categories. In addition, the Small Boat group included a ‘Junior’ and ‘YCMA 25th Anniversary Race’ categories.

The 1km long racecourse was set in the channel in front of the Middle Island clubhouse. The race attracted 35 teams from local sports clubs, universities, youth organisations and corporations with over 400 paddlers competing. Racing was conducted in a knock-

out format with two teams taking part in each heat. The winning team from each heat then progressed to the next round of the event until a Champion was crowned for each of the categories. In addition, and based on overall scores, the Middle Island Cup was awarded to the team with the best score – and in the end it was the Leung Fook Hing Tong dragon boat team that came out victorious.

An eye dotting ceremony was held at 1200hrs. Amongst the invited dignitaries and officiating guests were Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr. Leung Wan Ching, Clarence, BBS, JP; President, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA), Dr. Shi Lop Tak Allen, BBS, MH, JP; CMA Legislative Council Representative the Hon Jimmy Ng Wing Ka, BBS, JP; Commodore, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Ms. Lucy Sutro; Executive Vice President, CMA, Dr. Lo Kam Wing, JP; Chairman of CMA Testing cum Vice President of CMA, Mr. Lok Pak Keung Robert; Chairman, YCMA, Mr. Howard Wong; and Executive Vice Chairman, YCMA, Mr. Kenneth Shi.

In her welcoming remarks, Commodore Lucy Sutro said that the Club shares the same commitment as the HKSAR Government in promoting sport to the community, in supporting elite sports and in developing Hong Kong as a prime destination for hosting major international sports events. The Club has been working hard to promote sailing, rowing and paddling to the wider public and was very pleased that the event drew competitors from all walks of life. Ms Sutro also noted in particular that the partnership with the YCMA had further strengthened the Club’s connection with local youth committees and this has resulted in new teams joining to experience this great event.

President, CMA, Dr. Shi Lop Tak Allen remarked that sponsoring the Middle Island Cup is another initiative of YCMA to inspire youth. Dragon boat racing is a symbol of energy and vibrancy and an opportunity to build team dynamics that

strengthen perseverance. What’s more, it is a spiritual code of Chinese culture that stimulates a person’s national identity. This is undeniably crucial in youth development.

Chairman, YCMA, Mr. Howard Wong said in his speech this year marks the 25th Anniversary for YCMA and the dragon boat team has always been the heart of the association. The YCMA has always worked closely with different youth groups in Hong Kong encouraging positive energy and building confidence through exchanges with industry leaders, sports, and culture.

Some of the competitors who took part today treated the Middle Island Cup as a warmup for the Asian Dragonboat Championships in Thailand where they will be competing in November. These athletes Tam Tsz Wai, Cheung Chung Ho, Wu Cheuk Wai are members of the female team, Lau Wing Kee Fei Dragon, and Lau Chin Ho, Hung Tsz Hin and Mak Tik Wang are members of the male team, Shan Liu Village Leung Fok Hing Tong. Today they both clinched the Champions in their own categories.

The event saw different teams representing various universities and youth organisations. They included University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Education University of Hong Kong as well as the YCMA, the Y. Elites Association and the

Hong Kong United Youth Association. These teams competed in the special YCMA 25th Anniversary Race and the Hong Kong Baptist University Dragon Boat team crowned the Champion in YCMA 25th Anniversary Race.

A massively fun element to the racing was that given the event was held on the eve of Halloween, many of the teams turned up in costumes! On the day, we had teams of Wonder Women, ghosts and ghouls and [*]. Our RHKYC men putting in a strong performance for contender of the ‘Best Dressed’ award by coming as Spartans. Even Buzz lightyear from Toy Story showed up to steer one of the teams. Other steers included a pumpkin and a Spanish flamenco dancer with skirt in full flow behind her!

Huge thank you to our title sponsors The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong Youth Committee (YCMA) and to our partners, Peroni and Kimbo Coffee. Also to the The Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association who sanctioned the event. Last and certainly not least to all of our RHKYC volunteers who have been giving us a great support and back up to make the event was so successfully and smoothly run. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year in this event.

CONTACTS

Rowing Manager rowingmanager@rhkyc.org.hk

Coastal Rowing coastalrowing@rhkyc.org.hk

Shatin Men’s Racing shatinrowingmen@rhkyc.org. hk

Shatin Women’s Racing shatinrowingladies@rhkyc.org.hk

Rowing

RHKYC at the World Rowing Championship

WORDS: EKATERINA LUKYANETS | IMAGES: WRC

n September, two of our Junior members, Lam, San Tung Peter, and Chiu, Hin Chun

Jacky raced in the 2022 World Rowing Championship in Racice, the Czech Republic, representing the HKSAR and their results were impressive:

Lam and his partner Wong Wai Chun, Jack, ranked 17th (Final C) in open men’s pair – the highest achievement ever for Hong Kong in the men’s open race in World Championship.

Chiu and his partner Chan, Chi-fung ranked 26th in lightweight men’s double sculls. Chiu is the winner of the ATIR 2021 mixed double with Winky Hui in 3 hours 38 minutes.

We have invited them to share their journey leading up to the 2022 World Rowing Championship.

Lam, San Tung Peter

This was our first attempt as open weight rowers and we ended up 17th in the world. We don’t feel upset because it is an opportunity for us to know ourselves better.

Looking back to 2019, it was a year of disappointment and I thought it was the lowest of my eight-year rowing career: I missed my shot at the Olympic Qualifiers and our training plans and road map were massively affected by COVID-19. Everything caught up to me and I felt like nothing was under my control. I couldn’t help but think that my career as a rower was over. I felt there was nothing left to give. With a heavy heart, I reflected and

asked myself “Is there another way out? What if I try something else?” I asked myself and evaluated all possible options. One of the most challenging options is to row in the open category, since there are fewer lightweight rowing seat available at the Olympics. Although I understood that high stakes come with high rewards, I couldn’t deny that the stakes were even higher for me to make that decision. It was also because no one has ever done this before in Hong Kong. I was determined to make a change. After months of discussion,

my partner (Wong Wai Chun, Jack) and I discussed with the coaches and agreed it was worth a try. With the coaches’ support, we began to train in the men’s pair. We trained almost every day, rain or shine. We also went through the altitude training programmes and overcame many challenges on my way to become an open weight rower.

Fast forward to September 2022, Jack and I arrived at the World Championships venue in Racice, Czech Republic. It was a whole new world and different playing field as it was our first time competing as an open weight rower. Before our heat race, we came across rowers from other countries and realised we are 20cm shorter in height. It was intimidating and a bit overwhelming, but we quickly adjusted our mindset and were determined to do our best despite the shortcoming. We decided to treat the championship as an opportunity to assess our progress and show people what we’ve got. We were very excited and crossed the finish line in third place at our first heat race. It was not only a pleasant surprise for us, but also a surprise for the commentators, as they didn’t even call out our boat during the entire race. I received tons of messages from the RHKYC rowing team before my race – I was very happy by the support. It was great motivation for us because knowing people give their support by watching the race on livestream. Our objective

Chiu Hin Chun and partner

was to compete for a place in the world’s top 12. In the end, we were 3 seconds short to miss out on challenging a higher world ranking.

We finished the final in 06:48.35 and placed us at 17th this time. I have no doubt we will reach a higher ranking in the future because we are determined and will persevere!

Chiu Hin Chun

From 8 to 15 September my partner, Chan Chi-fung and I participated in the World Rowing Championships (WRC). It was surreal to be able to row alongside top rowers from other countries. We had a tough time trying to keep up with the international standards because training and competition plans in the Hong Kong team have been disrupted by COVID-19. It was wonderful to see many friendly faces in the Labe Arena and it filled me with joy knowing that the rowing community stays well, active and safe despite the pandemic.

The racing experience was overwhelmingly remarkable. I was looking forward to it so much and I needed the adrenaline rush. The tension, the wind, and current all made me feel alive. In the past two years, being confined to training on our own, I felt lost from time to time when the training got rough and showed little progress. The WRC delightfully reminded me of my love for rowing- it’s my sport and my passion!

My partner and I trained hard to prepare for the lightweight men’s double sculls events. We wanted to test whether we are training efficiently and to locate room for improvement so that we can be better prepared for the Asian Games next year in Hangzhou. We felt that our performance in the WRC was not our best, and there is still more in our barrels to give! We now know what we can improve and will put our mind to it to perform stronger.

The experience in the WRC interestingly resembles how I feel when I row in the Shing Mun River in Hong Kong. The thrill, the sensations, and the heart that beats so fast, are strikingly similar. Not to mention, the race preparation and hard work too. I think the true competition lies within ourselves. It is the self-doubt we must conquer, the pain and injuries we must endure, as well as managing the hopes and expectations on us. I always am grateful for the trust from the coaches and support from my teammates. I give my very best in races so that I do not to let anyone down.

A special thanks to our fellow members at the Club, for cheering and supporting me and my partner Chi-fung Chan, Peter Lam and his partner Jack Wong, and the ladies in the team: Sheung Yee Wong, Winnie Hung Wing Yan, and Wing Wun Leung, who represented HKG in the women’s events. I look forward to seeing you cycling along the river or shouting from the pontoons! It would be even better if we could row together someday.

As the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going”. It is not always smooth water that we row on, what matters is that we keep rowing. I’ll see you on the water!

Around Lamma Island Race

WORDS: EKATERINA LUKYANETS | IMAGES: AMY DE VERA

The beginning of October traditionally brings one of Hong Kong’s most challenging and exciting outrigger races of the year. On Saturday, 8 October, Hong Kong paddlers tested their endurance and paddling skills in the Around Lamma Island competition hosted by Lamma Paddling Club. This year, RHKYC entered 8 OC6 crews – setting a record for the highest number of entries from a single club in the history of the race!

Despite the strong competition and unusually hot weather for the time of year, RHKYC’s outrigger paddlers triumphantly brought home five sets of medals in multiple categories: three Gold, one Silver and one Bronze.

The race started at Power Station beach and headed clockwise around the picturesque Lamma Island, ending back where it started some 24 kms later. The races were split into two heats, with slightly more breeze in the morning and more prominent ama side waves in the afternoon. Part of the course took racers straight under the power station's loading facility, with only a couple of metres between the bridge's supporting structure, greatly testing steerers' focus and skills under pressure.

In the first heat of the day the Standard Men and Unlimited Men’s crews took 1st and 2nd place in their respective categories. In the afternoon, the Standard Mixed crew was awarded a Bronze medal and the Women's Unlimited team won Gold whilst also setting a race record for their category (previously held by RHKYC and set in 2017).

A second record was broken on the day by the Gold winners of the Unlimited Mixed team beating the previous record by more than 5 minutes. All in all, the 2022 Around Lamma Island Race was a very successful day for the Club’s Outrigger section!

Men Unlimited

Eastern District Dragonboat Races

WORDS: RUSS AUSTIN AND GIANNI APREA | IMAGES: ROYAL X

races with high-volume commentary blaring from speakers throughout the day – especially for those, like Royal X, whose marquee was adjacent to loudspeakers.

Royal X entered two boats in the mixed standard category with 24 teams competing: Both Royal X Blue and Yellow crew made perfect starts in their first heats of the morning with convincing wins. In the second heats Royal X Blue finished an impressive 2nd place and Royal X Yellow placed 4th among strong competition. Consequently, Royal X Blue reached the Gold Cup final whilst Royal X Yellow proceeded to the Gold Plate final.

The final races in the early afternoon were very close and it was a commendable achievement for both Royal X boats to make the podium, finishing 3rd place in their respective finals with Royal X Blue narrowly missing 2nd place. After collecting trophies and medals many Royal X participants retreated to Kellett Island for some

well-deserved refreshments, reflection and team bonding.

Whilst the results may not have reached the high expectations of continuing our streak of 4 consecutive overall victories in Chai Wan, it was a great day of racing and invaluable experience. This was especially true for many new paddlers who joined the team this year, some of whom had not previously raced in the heavier fiberglass and wooden boats. The experience and lessons learned proved to be great preparation for subsequent races. Evident throughout the day was the excellent teamwork and positive spirit of the entire Royal X team. Thanks, as always, must go to the coaches and captains for ensuring the team was well prepared after many weeks of rigorous training and for the smooth race management on the day. Royal X look forward to returning to the Chai Wan races next year –we’ll remember to bring ear plugs!

efore 0800hrs on Sunday 25 September, excitement was building in Chai Wan as hundreds of paddlers arrived at the Cargo Handling Basin for a welcome return of dragon boat races. Often referred to as ‘the favorite races in an industrial estate’ with its distinctive setting, the Club’s Royal X dragon boat team was delighted to participate again after a three-year hiatus.

It was pleasantly surprising to see the water in the basin appeared largely clear of debris and the warm sunny weather with light breeze made for excellent race conditions. The Chai Wan event is a colorful spectacle and highly competitive with many excellent local teams racing over 40m. In addition to the standard dragon boats with 22 paddlers, seeing the long boats with 50 paddlers compete further adds to the atmosphere. The event also won the accolade for being the loudest dragon boat

Wise Boat Hoist!

The Boatyard purchased a Wise Boat Hoist back in 2015 from the UK manufacturer and it is one of only four boat hoists in Hong Kong. This hoist is a complex piece of machinery that is driven by remote control, it has four digital load cells to measure the weight exerted on each lifting wire, giving a total boat weight. The winches used for lifting the boats are a combination of four failsafe hydraulic drums that work independently giving the hoist its 50-tonne capacity.

Like all heavy lift equipment, the hoist must be kept to very high standards and pass annual inspections in order to remain certified for operation.

Our hoist has recently undergone its fouryear service and certification. This involved replacing all the lifting wires which needed to be imported from overseas, testing the winch drum systems, inspecting, and replacing wire sheeves and carrying out a maximum load test. In order to carry out the test it required two truckloads of weight certified concrete blocks which were then lifted by our hoist to test its capacity and ensure that the load cells were reading correctly. Due to continual maintenance by our lifting team the Hoist passed its certification without any problems.

The Boatyard is fortunate to have a very experienced boat lifting team headed by Ah Yam who has been with the club for over 20 years. Ah Yam has a wealth of knowledge covering many aspects of the marine industry which he has gained through his years working in the yard and his prior experience as a Fitter and Turner. He leads his team by example who include Wan Yiu Fai, Yan Ming Fai, and Kwok Wan Ho. Ah Yam is always happy to share his knowledge with the team or anyone else seeking advice about their boat. Please feel free to come and see us at anytime if you have questions.

Ship Shop

Steiner Navigator Open Hinge 7x30 Binoculars

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All models are reliable under the most adverse weather conditions and keep the promise of legendary Steiner ruggedness.

$3,900

Nauticalia Brass Greenwich Pocket Sundial 7cm

The brass pocket sundial is a completely self-contained portable instrument, with a compass for alignment and velvet carry pouch for protection. The gnomon is set for latitudes around 50 degrees North, so will be most accurate in the south of England, northern Europe, Canada and so on. At these latitudes this is a functioning time indicator (in as much as sundials ever were!) diameter 3”, height 1”. Made from chunky solid brass.

West Marine Coastal Waves 60" x 70" Deck Blanket

This luxurious throw blanket is soft, warm, and the perfect companion to snuggle up with anytime. Blanket reverses to sherpa and the nautical designs are complementing to any home décor. Machine washable. $360

Book – Undamaged

“Undamaged” on sale now – the story of Ben Kende, Peter Kende’s son, who became quadriplegic while playing for Hongkong. This is a psychological study of resilience and a positive guide of hope for those suffering hardship.

If you buy this book, 100% of sales go direct to the Yacht Club Charitable Foundation. $160

LotusGrill XL

LotusGrill is a smoke free charcoal grill, invented and designed in Germany for the use in the garden, on balconies, for camping and for ships and boats. The LotusGrill is a unique table barbecue – even if knocked over, no embers or coal can escape from its container. All materials on LotusGrill are recyclable and all components can be found as spare parts. By proper use and care the LotusGrill escorts you for many years to come.

$2,990

Musto Dynamic PRO II Adapt Sailing Shoes

Racing boats keep getting lighter, faster and stronger; your equipment needs to evolve in pace. The Dynamic Pro II is the ultimate in innovative performance footwear. The gilly lacing system, the TPU welded overlay in the upper for lateral support and the shock absorbing heel cage ensure a secure and durable Dynamic Fit. A mono mesh construction provides ventilation, drainage and rapid drying time. Musto's lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole works with enhanced Grip Deck II rubber and Grip Flex tread to give exceptional, multi-directional traction on deck. This unique sole also features XPL drainage to prevent water pooling inside the shoe. $1,290

RHKYC Sail Racing Junior Bowman Zip Hood

Junior Bowman Zip Hood in cotton and polyester. Hand pockets and ribbed cuffs at bottom and at sleeve ends. Sail Racing vertical embroidery at chest pocket and a bloc embroidery at the top of the hood. Adjustable hood from size 150-170. With RHKYC Embroidery Logo. $760

RHKYC Jigsaw Puzzle

We have a range of Club jigsaw puzzles available, either 500pcs or 1,000pcs. There are so many benefits in doing a jigsaw puzzle and you can do them on your own or with friends and family. Take one on your next weekend cruise!

0235 2.22 1002 0.81 1758 1.79 2114 1.64

THU 0408 2.05 1053 0.91 1828 1.91 2308 1.48

FRI 0529 1.90 1136 1.01 1858 2.03 3 SAT 0209 0.87 0852 1.63 1319 1.26 2016 2.35 6 TUE 0255 0.73 0949 1.58 1346 1.32 2041 2.42 7 WED

0119 1.06 0750 1.69 1249 1.19 1952 2.26 5 MON 0835 0.81 15 THU

0021 1.27 0642 1.78 1214 1.11 1926 2.15 4 SUN 0009 2.01 0919 0.88 16 FRI

0339 0.63 1037 1.55 1404 1.36 2106 2.46 8 THU 0422 0.57 1121 1.52 1403 1.38 2131 2.47 9 FRI 0503 0.56 1203 1.49 1421 1.38 2107 2.45 10 SAT 0544 0.58 1248 1.46 1448 1.39 2126 2.41 11 SUN 0624 0.63 1338 1.45 1517 1.40 2158 2.35 12 MON 0706 0.68 2235 2.27 13 TUE 0750 0.75 2317 2.15 14 WED

0144 0.86 0832 1.56 1238 1.23 1915 2.40 21 WED

0120 1.85 1002 0.95 1745 1.75 2217 1.55 17 SAT 0413 1.69 1044 1.02 1757 1.89 2343 1.36 18 SUN 0549 1.61 1123 1.09 1818 2.04 19 MON 0051 1.12 0720 1.57 1201 1.16 1845 2.22 20 TUE 0233 0.61 0935 1.56 1315 1.27 1950 2.57 22 THU 0322 0.42 1034 1.55 1352 1.30 2035 2.69 23 FRI 0412 0.30 1128 1.53 1432 1.32 2128 2.75 24 SAT 0502 0.26 1219 1.51 1518 1.32 2222 2.74 25 SUN 0553 0.29 1309 1.50 1612 1.33 2315 2.65 26 MON 0643 0.39 1359 1.52 1711 1.35 27 TUE 0009 2.49 0730 0.53 1451 1.57 1812 1.38 28 WED

0106 2.27 0815 0.69 1545 1.66 1921 1.42 29 THU 0216 2.01 0857 0.85 1639 1.77 2056 1.42 30 FRI

0344 1.76 0938 0.99 1728 1.89 2253 1.31

Kellett Golf Society

WORDS: CHRIS LI

The Kellett Golf Society is enjoying a fabulous season. We enjoyed an awesome September game with an exciting team matchplay at the Kau Sai Chau South Course. 24 players came out and enjoyed the event. Daniel Lau won the Champagne donated by Andrew Chan for the Longest Drive Champion Award.

Then on 14 October, many members players competed in a challenging Stableford tournament at the historical HKGC Old Course. We had 24 people take part in this event and Andrew Wong won the Black KGS Polo with Highest Stableford Score of 38.

By the time you read this we will have hosted a YMC Golf Sim Night and have played at the KSC Mixed North & South course. We will give you a report in a future issue of Ahoy.

This month we have the KGS Year End Game followed by a Christmas Party at Shelter Cove on 6 December and we are expecting 24 players to turn up for that.

Our society is growing and events are very popular, if you are interested in joining us, please send an email to social@rhkyc.org.hk or more details. Fore!

KSC Longest drive Champion Daniel Lau Champagne prize donated by Andrew Chan

KSC Match Play Winning Team

HKGC Eden course

KGS in the Hong Kong Golf Club

KDS at the Annual AFCD Reef Check

WORDS AND IMAGES: DON DAY, SCUBA CONVENOR

Events

Promotions

embers of our Kellett Diving Society for the first time represented the Club in the annual AFCD reef check which is undertaken in conjunction with major universities in Hong Kong. Our assigned dive site was way up in Double Haven, on the north side of Crooked Island. We thus teamed up with another group to share logistics.

A small group of KDS, together with our assigned superstar Marine Scientist, went and participated in a test run in September to help out the other group. Afterwards we had a great beach BBQ and camped on an amazing beach, falling asleep under the stars and to the sounds of the waves. The next day we went to dive site Breaker Reef and that’s where above dialogue took place between our Marine Scientist who had jumped in first, and literally everyone still on the boat. We had 25+m visibility and could have been anywhere in South-East Asia. The water was a mesmerizing blue, the topography of the dive site very diverse, and marine life amazing. Simply stunning, and the best visibility I have had in 13 years diving and teaching in Hong Kong.

Our “real” reef check took place a few weeks later, when eight5 KDS members ventured back to Crooked Island. Our Marine Scientist conducted a very thorough dive briefing, explaining to look out for fish, invertebrates, and coral, and how to account for them.

Underwater we split into three teams and started a few minutes apart to minimise the effect of disturbing marine life. It was a very different, but

no less interesting, dive, gliding very slowly along a 100m line, recording the marine life we encountered.

We did fun dive on the same day, and then went back to Wong Shek Pier by pre-arranged speedboat. We have submitted our data to the AFCD, who have been very grateful, and confirmed that we will be able to again take part next year.

This was a very different and very interesting dive. We learned “citizen science” scientific methods of underwater research, got to know more about the marine life in Hong Kong and how it changes, and contributed to the AFCD’s tracking of the health of Hong Kong’s marine life. Definitely a very satisfying, well-spent day!

We also encountered a ghost net, but at that point could not remove it. But ghost net is the right keyword – stay tuned as we will be organizing events around ghost nets.

Additionally, now that travel restrictions have largely been removed, we will definitely start planning trips – both short and longer ones. Please get in touch! And if you want to brush up your skills, or maybe learn new ones like how to go deeper, or stay longer using Nitrox, please get in touch.

Keep blowing bubbles.

“I think I can see the bottom from here.” – “No, you must be wrong” – “Seriously, I can see the bottom!” – “LET’S GO!!!!” This conversation wouldn’t be unusual in the Philippines, Malaysia, or in Indonesia. But this was Hong Kong.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Wine Long Lunch at Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove | Thursday 8 December

Lawson’s Dry Hills is a member of the ‘Family of Twelve’ – an alliance of family-owned New Zealand wineries, renowned for their high quality.

“An outstanding winery producing exemplary Wines” – James Halliday Ross and Barbara Lawson have been growing grapes since 1980 and founded Lawson’s Dry Hills on their Alabama Road vineyard in 1992. Lawson’s Dry Hills produces a range of wines that offer the quintessential essence of Marlborough; elegant and fruit focused wines, with strong varietal characters that are both expressive and unique.

Pre-lunch Tasting 1300hrs

Lunch 1330hrs

Price $498 per member and $598 per non-member

Speaker Mr. Clive McLaughlin

Reservations Please book via the Club website. Priority booking available to Kellett Wine Society members only

Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

PRE-LUNCH TASTING

Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2021

MENU AND WINES

Crispy Lump Crab Cake, Green Herb Salad, Guava and Citrus Dressing Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Smoked Salmon Fillet, Green Apple and Asparagus Lettuce Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2019

Baked Veal Cheek Cannelloni, Mushroom Cream Sauce Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2020

Char-grilled Australian Lamb Chop, Dark Cherry Compote Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Pinot Noir 2019

Violets Wild Berries Pavlova

Coffee or Tea

VEGETARIAN MENU

Crispy Avocado, Green Herb Salad, Guava Dressing

Roast Pumpkin, Green Apple and Asparagus Lettuce

Baked Zucchini Cannelloni, Asparagus, Mushroom Cream Sauce

Grilled Asparagus and Capsicum, Dark Cherry Compote

Violets Wild Berries Pavlova

Coffee or Tea

Events

Promotions

Middle Island Christmas Party

Middle Island | Friday 23 December

Who’s been naughty or nice? Doesn’t matter because all are welcome!

Join us at Middle Island for an evening of Festive celebrations. Included in the price is free flow drinks and festive buffet with items such as Assorted Sashimi, Brussel Sprout Salad, Scallop Skewer, Roast Whole Turkey and Carvery, Yule Log, Christmas Pudding, and many more. How can it be called a party without music? Live DJ will definitely be here to give you the vibe! Festive dress highly encouraged!

$698 per adult.

Time 1900hrs to 2300hrs

Price $698 per Adult Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Paint and Wine

– Festive Edition

Main Lawn | Monday 12 December

Come let your creativity loose on the canvas. Have some more wine if further creativity is needed! This casual event on the Main Lawn includes two-hour free flow wine, paint, and a canvas for you to create your own Festive themed masterpiece.

Price $198 per Adult

Time 1830hrs to 2030hrs

Location Main Lawn Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Christmas Wreath Workshop

Regatta Room | Sunday 4 December

Bring the family and customise your own Festive wreath whilst making happy memories at the same time.

$160 per wreath

*For Members only

Time 1000hrs to 1200hrs

Location Regatta Room

Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

‘Tis the Season Trivia Quiz

Sports Bar | Thursday 15 December

Just how much do you know about Christmas? Get your team of 4-6 together and join us as we get competitive for four rounds of Christmas questions and free flow mulled wine!

There’s a team prize for first place and runner up!

$498 for a team of four, $150 for additional team members, maximum team size of six.

*Maximum 2 teams per membership account

Time 1930hrs to 2130hrs

Location Sports Bar Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Middle Island Countdown Party in White

Middle Island | Saturday 31 December

Middle Island New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet is here, this intimate setting overlooking the sea offers you a Feast and free flow drinks package this year with Live DJ. Wear white for a dazzling and luminous evening with unlimited offering of Foie Gras Pâté, Prawn Cocktail with Caviar, Sautéed Mussels and Prawns, Roast Beef and Lamb Rack, Duck Confit, French Cheese, desserts and more. Join us with your friends and loved ones in this romantic White Party to see 2021 out and welcome 2022.

All white dress code.

$798 per Adult

$558 per Child (9 to 12 years old)

$399 per Child (5 to 8 years old)

Time 1930hrs to 2230hrs

Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386

Christmas Jazz

Main Lawn | Friday 16 December

Sip the night away as live Jazz plays and settle in for an evening of Festive drinks and nibbles.

Free with food and beverage on chit signing basis.

No reservation required.

Time 1900hrs to 2200hrs

Location Main Lawn Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Events

Promotions

‘Home Alone’ Under the Stars

Rooftop | Saturday 17 December

Come watch this classic Christmas film under the stars with us!

Family friendly. Free admission.

Free flow popcorn at $68 per person with a soft drink or $88 per person with a glass of wine.

Time 1900hrs for registration. 1930hrs to start

Location Rooftop

Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

‘The Grinch’ Under the Stars

Rooftop | Thursday 22 December

Free admission.

Free flow popcorn at $68 per person with a soft drink or $88 per person with a glass of wine.

Time 1800hrs for registration. 1830hrs to start

Location Rooftop Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

Wine of the Month – December

Familia Torres, Pago del Cielo 'Celeste' Verdejo 2021, DO Rueda, Spain

‘Love Actually’ Under the Stars

Rooftop | Wednesday 21 December

Free admission.

Free flow popcorn and a glass of wine at $88 per person.

Time 1930hrs for registration. 2000hrs to start

Location Rooftop

Reservations Please book via the Club website. Enquiries Call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

A potently aromatic nose displaying varietal notes of fennel and green almond with white floral undertones. Silky and firm on the palate, with fine, elegant acidity conferring great length. A perfect match for seafood, fresh or fried fish, and goes wonderfully with salads.

$308 per bottle.

Familia Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2018, DO Catalunya, Spain

Delicate floral and cherry notes are joined by a fascinating balsamic note. Intense and expressive on the palate, with elegant tannins framed by toasted oak. Ideal with red meats and creamy cheeses. $328 per bottle.

Available in all F&B outlets.

Wine Box Set of the Month – December

La Rioja Alta Box Set

Ranked #4 in “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” by Drinks International 2022

La Rioja Alta, S.A., Lagar de Cervera Albariño 2021, D.O. Rías Baixas, Spain [JS91]

La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Alberdi Reserva 2018, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain [JS93]

La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2015, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain [JS96]

La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2014, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain [JS96]

La Rioja Alta, S.A. Gran Reserva 904 2011, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain [JS96]

La Rioja Alta, S.A. Gran Reserva 890 2010, D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain [JS97]

Gift box packaging

$3,288 per set.

For enquiries, please call the F&B Office on 2239 0386 or email events@rhkyc.org.hk

CLASS SECRETARIES

Sailing Secretary

Dennis Chien sailing.secretary@rhkyc.org.hk

Big Boat TBC cruiser@rhkyc.org.hk

Dinghies Oz Wilde dinghies@rhkyc.org.hk

Dragon Josephine Cheng dragon@rhkyc.org.hk

Etchells Elizabeth Wai etchells@rhkyc.org.hk

Flying Fifteen Tim Roberts flyingfifteen@rhkyc.org.hk

Impala Patrick Kwan impala@rhkyc.org.hk

J/80 Steve McGill J80@rhkyc.org.hk

Match Racing Seah Chin Yew matchracingsec@rhkyc.org.hk

Pandora Joseph Wong pandora@rhkyc.org.hk

Ruffian Paul Oen ruffian@rhkyc.org.hk

Sportsboats Rob Stanley sportsboat@rhkyc.org.hk Youth Sailing Class and 29er TBC ysc@rhkyc.org.hk

SPORTS CONVENORS

Bowling Convenor Frank Yam bowling@rhkyc.org.hk

Golf Convenor Patrick Sherriff golf@rhkyc.org.hk

Snooker Convenor Gordon Robinson snooker@rhkyc.org.hk

Squash Convenor Francis Longuepee squash@rhkyc.org.hk

Diving Convenor Donald Day diving@rhkyc.org.hk

CLUB CONTACTS

General Manager Mark Bovaird 2239 0300 mark.bovaird@rhkyc.org.hk

Executive Secretary Polly Lee 2239 0301

Financial Controller Fred Wong 2239 0315

Membership Manager Tracy Leung 2239 0371

Head of PR & Communications Koko Mueller 2239 0342

PR Manager Janice Lam 2239 0340

Head of Sponsorship and Corporate Partnerships

Nadia Cuvelier 3958 3222

Marine Manager Alan Reid 2239 0308

Boatyard Manager Dean Burrell 2239 0311

Sailing Manager Ailsa Angus 2239 0395

Club Operations Manager Peter Murray 2239 0338

Sailing Coordinator Gloria Yeung 2812 7063

Assistant Manager | Sailing Iris Yang 2239 0314

MI Sailing and Marine Manager Luke van der Kamp 2812 0172

Assistant Manager | Regattas and Events Nikki Claringbold 2239 0363

Rowing and Paddle Sports Manager Justin Murray 2239 0322

Boatyard Office Manager Connie Chan 2239 0304

Facilities & Technical Manager Raymond Ng 2239 0303

Human Resources Manager Susanna Chung 2239 0310

Ship Shop Manager David Ho 2239 0336

Assistant Marine Manager Joanne Ho 2239 0309

House Manager Lorence Leung 2239 0352

ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB

Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, SAR

Kellett Island Tel: 2832 2817 Fax: 2572 5399

Middle Island Tel: 2812 7202

Shelter Cove Tel: 2792 2744

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

Membership Movement

ORDINARY MEMBERS

Mr William King

Miss Wong Chung Ying

Ms Wong Yuen Ling

Mr & Ms Stewart Joseph Borg

Mr & Ms Pierre Henri Boutot

Dr & Dr Chow Tsz Fai

Mr & Mrs Amr Wafik Mohamed Elhenawy

Mr & Ms Fung Chu Hee Andrew

Mr & Ms Le Hong Quang

Mr & Mrs Lester George Sly

Ms Christina So & Mr William Ma

Mr & Mrs So Wing Yiu

Mr & Ms Vi Cuong Truong

Dr & Mrs Wai Tak Shun Dustin

Mr & Ms Yuen Lai Him

CHANGE FROM JUNIOR TO ORDINARY MEMBERS

Mr James Malcolm Betts

Mr Lok Chun Chung John

Mr Ng Pak Lin Eugene

Miss Suen Lok Ting Maria

JUNIOR MEMBERS

Mr Lam Hei-yiu Marty

Mr Johnnie Yeung

Mr Wong Samuel De Hoi

SHORT TERM MEMBERS

Ms Aya Asanuma

INDIVIDUAL DEBENTURE MEMBERS

Mr & Mrs Liu Hei Wan

CORPORATE NOMINEE SUBSCRIBERS

Ms Nam Siu Wai Sylvia & Mr Wong Chi Hung

Richemont Asia Pacific Limited, Regional CFO, APAC

Mr & Ms Thomas Richard Walsh Clifford Chance, Solicitor/Partner

CADET MEMBERS

Michael Alexander

Avery Ettinger Barth

Stella Maree Borg Chai Rei Brady

Fok Shun Hei Alex

Fok Shun On Ana

Isla Nancy Grainger Jiang Jiaxuan

Lau Ching Him Janelle

Lee Fei Bridget

Lee Yao Xi

Ling Ho Hin Adrian

Lo Regina Jane Isabella

Ma Man Ting Sophie

Ma Pui Yu Charlotte

Mang Ching Yuet

Rebecca Maria Tocco

Wing Yik Kwan

Wong Heng Yi Hailey

Wong Tin Yan

Yuen Jonathan King Cheung

CADET MEMBER SPONSORED BY

A MEMBER

Miss Chan Wing Hei Hailey Miss Megan Lam

INTRODUCTORY SCHEME CARD

Incoming

Mr Chak Chung Thomas

Mr Chan Dickson Cheung Chun

Dr Rowan Matthew Cook

Mr Jeremy Nathan Aubrey Grinsted

Letter of introduction

Mr Guo Guanhong

Mr Ho Tik Lun

Mr Leo James Harrington Kitt

Ms Lau Hai Suen Alpha

Ms Law Wai Shan Deanna

Mr Lee Chun Bon Benneth

Mr Lee King Yuen Jonathan

Mr Lee Kwan Chak

Mr Theodore Frederick Lee

Mr Steven David Lewis

Mr Lo Ka Lai Celine

Ms Lo Wai Ting Ada

Mr Ng Chung Yan Ernest Mr Ng Tsz Shun Rodney

Mr So Wan Mr Tan Wenqing Mr Tsui Kwan Kam

Mr Wong Wing Cheung Dennis Mr Yu Shiqian

Mr Yuen Wai Keung Miss Zhang Wenwei

Outgoing

Mr Iain Michael Clayton

Mrs Kong Toi Ling

Mr Wong Chi Kin Mr Jamie Thomas Wood

ABSENT MEMBERS

Mr Jeremy M Barr

Mr Chan Kwok Biu

Miss Cheung Kwok Woon

Mr Paul Anthony Hurlow

Ms Lo Oi Lam Irene

Mr Ng Tin Yau Alexander

Mr Gerardus A J Sonnemans

Mr & Mrs Chu Kee Duen

Mr & Mrs Alexander Edward Dickinson

Mr & Mrs Roger Turner Dunn

Ms Stephanie Heung & Mr Kelvin Kwok Mr & Mrs Hui Chi Tat Joseph

Mr & Mrs Peter Machin Lake Mr & Mrs Martin Peter Leese Mr & Mrs Poon Ho Wing Dr & Mrs Alan Tang

Mr & Mrs Tse Kwan Hap Paul Conrad Kwok Elizabeth Marguerite Leese Taber Mark Douglas Leese

RESIGNATION

Mr Chan Wan Chit Ms Chong Kou Li Mrs Lam Choi Wah Shirley Mr George Williamson Long Mr Alexander Edward Currier Swan

Mr & Mrs Au Yeung Eddie Pak Hung Mr & Mrs Ho Hau Hay Hamilton Mrs Catherine Martin & Mr Peter Martin

Oliver Chaplow Emily Jada Chui

Zara Alexandra Heslop Law Ping Yin Derek Thomas Lee Man Ho Brennan Rex Colin Lee George Edgar Thomas Martin Qian De Yi

Imogen Salmon Jack Kelly Seymour Tomoya Taniguchi

Ting Yat Sau Nicole

Benjamin Christopher Hamilton Walsh Sebastian Jonathan Charles Walsh

As part of the development of the Club’s website, Members may now obtain a letter of introduction to our reciprocal clubs by using the Member log-in section of the Club’s website https://www.rhkyc.org.hk/member/letter-of-introduction. The e-letter of introduction will then be sent to the respective club directly with a copy to your email address. We would remind you to always have your membership card with you during your visit.

Club Lines

Anthony Francis Hill (Clem) passed away in Hong Kong on 26 September 2022 at the age of 73. Clem was an integral part of the Club for the best part of 40 years, racing in the Etchells fleet and participating in numerous offshore yachting events as part of the ‘Mandrake’ team. He was Honorary Secretary of the Club and on the Balloting Committee from 1992 to 1996. Clem was a single child and spent his formative years in Sydney, Australia. His father worked for Qantas stationed around Asia and Clem spent much of his time away from them and as a

Gorgeous Hong Kong

result came to rely on a close circle of friends in Australia, a trait that he repeated when he came to Hong Kong in 1984. He surrounded himself with a close “family” of friends to whom he was a catalyst of fun. His love of life and enjoyment of close loyal friendships was a key part of his and many people's lives and he would never let them down. One of his closest friends said “apart from all the bravado, beers and the outrageous shenanigans, Clem was one of the smartest, most well-informed people she ever met. He had a forensic level of insight and knowledge into many different subjects. As a lawyer, he also supported his friends through their difficult times, divorces, arrests in Wanchai, etc., often at no cost.” Many will remember his words of advice. “If you want to walk, don’t talk!” Clem will be missed but will live on in the numerous unforgettable stories of exploits and fun that have enriched the lives of so many close friends.

The Club and the Harbour were picture perfect on 11 November when Martin Wu captured this scene from the World Trade Centre

Long Service Awards

He Zhihui – Canteen Cook

Lung Hin Fung – Senior Cook B

Vanessa Cheung – House Supervisor

Carmen Hau – IT Manager

Gavin Cheung – Houseman

Dickey Choi – Service Manager – Steakhouse

Ho Wang Kei – Houseman

Kids Only

My Memories of the Yacht Club

WORDS: BRADY CHAI

The Yacht Club is one of my favorite places. My father has been bringing me to sail since I was young. We would usually head off into the middle of the harbour and coast in circles along with his friends. Sometimes, they let me use the rudder to steer the boat when it was safe. Once, I almost fell off thanks to a prank my dad played on us. He was being goofy and pretended to throw me overboard. We were with his friends and we were going along at around 10kts, the boat was leaning towards the port side and the lower half of my body was submerged in the water.

Besides sailing, usually during special occasions such as after swimming competitions or school assessments, my parents bring the entire family to the Bistro at Kellett Island to celebrate. The first thing we do when we arrive is to visit the sea turtles. My siblings and I have been visiting them since we were babies, and we have to make sure they are well every time we go to the Club.

The one item we enjoy the most at Bistro is their dessert. You can make your own cake at the Bistro if you want to. They would separate the cake and the toppings, and you can decorate it yourself. My sister once made a smiley face sponge cake for me. Everything tastes better with whipped cream and sprinkles!

I think the Yacht Club is a fantastic place for our family. Besides the food and sailing, we also enjoy activities hosted by the Club such as Beach Clean Up and decorating Gingerbread House during Christmas. All in all, I think that Yacht Club is a great place for both adults and kids, and I can’t wait to bring my friends there when I turn 12.

RECENT KID FRIENDLY EVENTS AT THE CLUB!

Kids Fitness

Pooch Party Movies Under the Stars

Scavenger Hunt