Going Faster and Further

WORDS: COASTAL ROWING SUB-COMMITTEE | IMAGES: COASTAL ROWING SUB-COMMITTEE AND JULES FISHER

HKYC rowers participated in many coastal racing and touring events over the last few months, including the Harbour Regatta (see separate article), Tolo Harbour Regatta and Victoria Recreational Club (VRC) Race Series.

Despite a few hiccups, our rowers performed well at the Regatta, which was organized by the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association at the Jockey Club Shek Mun Rowing Centre. Over 150 participants from all age groups belonging to 10 different local rowing clubs entered. The 3.7km technical course included 4 navigable buoys and other stationary hazards. Although a few RHKYC crews had some drama with the buoys, our successes included winning races as follows: Women’s Open Double (C2x), Mixed Open Double (C2x), Men’s Open Quad (C4x+) and Men’s Open Double (C2x). Special thanks to Chris Knollman and Anna Fisher for coordinating the RHKYC entries.

Each race in the VRC Series, a monthly event raced close to Middle Island, has a different course with options for long (15km) or short distances (7km), and are open to different boat class: coastal rowing, outrigger canoe, and surf ski kayak. At the Race #3, RHKYC entered 4 coastal rowing quads (C4x+) to race the short course: Ferrari 20, Gin&Tonic4, Velocity, and Rebel Pirates. Ferrari 20 triumphed but only by a whisker from Gin&Tonic4. Velocity came third but Rebel Pirates failed to finish due a technical issue. Special thanks to Tat of the VRC for her organizing skills.

The Easter holiday staycation allowed for some excellent local coastal touring opportunities, such as the Middle Island to Kellett Island (18km), Kellett Island to Island Resort (18km), Discovery Bay to Peng Chau (10km), Kellett Island to Tung Lung Chau (32km), and Kellett Island to Central evening row (9km). That’s 87km of rowing altogether.

The Peng Chau row was hosted by the ever-welcoming Lantau Boat Club (LBC) in a very picturesque setting. The after-row dinner and drinks were so well received that we are planning a monthly TeamSnap event at the LBC. The Tung Lung Chau row included rowers from both RHKYC and LBC, using three quads, one double and one single. The 32km course included varied conditions, with challenging waters north of Tung Lung Chau. Well done Isa for doing the whole course in a single! The row involved a beach stop and a Raymond-Lau-organised lunch at a unique ‘local’ restaurant. For those interested in a new rowing experience, consider Tung Lung Chau! Finally, the regular Wednesday evening Kellett Island to Central row is usually attended by 30 participants, culminating with food and drinks in the Main Bar Terrace. Special thanks to the Club for providing safety boat cover, Jocelynn Chu for some great night-time photos, and Rachel Humphreys for organizing the LBC rowing crews to participate.

Coastal Rowing is thriving during the Pandemic and we hope to see many more of you soon!