Ahoy! June 2023

MERRY FISHER 795 SPORT S2

FROM EURO 1,528,100.00

FROM EURO 952,800.00

HKD$1,300,000.00

HKD$945,000.00

CHINA SEA RACE 2023

please refer to the Club Directory on page 37.

www.rhkyc.org.hk

Vice 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 Chu; Rowing Captain Judy Chan. For other Club contact details

St. James's Place Sunset Series

Commodore’s Message

Despite the Club's annual pilgrimage to Tin Hau Temple the day before the BMW Spring Regatta, the weather gods didn't grant us the conditions to be able to hold the races as planned on 13 and 14 May and so my congratulations to the winner will have to wait until the next issue of Ahoy as we must get to print.

Looking ahead we have the St. James’s Place Sunset Series and best of luck to the sailors and shark squads taking part in overseas events this summer.

Over at Shelter Cove, the realignment of the day pontoon is complete and it is now easier to berth alongside.

Last month our rowers took part in an overseas regatta for the first time in over three years; some 30+ rowers headed to Tokyo for the Toda Masters Regatta and by all accounts, had a very good and very successful time.

This month we are again hosting the Kellett Island Cup for dragon boats. This is an explosive, short course sprint event so if you’re looking for excitement, mark your diaries for 10 June. This year, local schools from the Wanchai District will be joining, which is great to see. And of course with it happening in the Western Basin right off Kellett Island, the action is going to be right up close!

I would like to encourage everyone to explore the member section of the website where you will find all manner of interesting things. Here you will find any Special Announcements right on the member home page and on the left is the navigation menu for the member section. Feel free to use the online suggestion book, check your own profile and statements, learn more about the Club, its members and about how committees work. Under Documents you will find more information on various Club policies, summaries of Town Halls, or forms from different departments including the all-important Bye Laws.

The Electoral General Meeting on Thursday, 8 June at 1830hrs. As always we are expecting a large turnout and I hope to see many of you there.

即使本會在「寶馬春季帆船賽」前往天后廟參拜天后，天后娘娘卻未有在5月13及14日「寶馬春季帆船賽」舉行的大日子眷顧大家，令賽事未能如期 舉行。賽事勝出者可要等到下期Ahoy!才可以見到賽事報告了，畢竟本會趕著把今期Ahoy!排版後前往印刷。

展望本月賽事，「St. James’s Place 黃昏系列帆船賽」即將展開。先祝所有參選這個系列賽事的帆船運動員及在海外參與賽事的鯊魚競賽隊員順利。 在西貢白沙灣會所方面，浮橋已進行調整，相信現時停泊帆船會較為容易。

上月，本會逾30位賽艇運動員參與了自三年以來，第一場的海外的賽艇比賽；眾人前往東京出戰「Toda Masters Regatta」，眾人都享受比賽， 同時渡過了一個美好的時光。

本月，我們再度舉行「吉列島盃龍舟賽」。此為一場集爆炸力與刺激於一身的短途賽。因此，如果你想尋求刺激感，不妨考慮參與6月10日的「吉列島 盃龍舟賽」。今年，很高興見到灣仔區的本地學校亦有報名出戰賽事。賽事將於灣仔「水上運動及康樂主題區」舉行，賽場毗連吉列島會所，比賽上 演時場面它必非常震撼。

在此，我鼓勵大家多瀏覽本會網頁的「會員版面」(member section)以了解不同事項。在這裡，你可以找到「特別通知」(Special Announcements) 而左面則可尋找不同的選項。歡迎大家使用網上的會員意見書、查看個人資料及賬單、了解本會、會員以及不同委員會的運作。在「Documents」的 版面，你更可以找到不同的香港遊艇會政策、公聽會內容摘要、各部門的表格以及所有重要附例。

「周年會員大會」將於6月8日(星期四)下午6時30分舉行。一如以往，我們知道大家都會踴躍投票，我期待見到大家。

Trip to Tin Hau

On the 23rd day of the third lunar month which is the birthday of Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea (this year falling on Friday 12 May) we went on our annual pilgrimage to the Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay to pay our respects and to seek her blessings for a prosperous and safe year ahead for all.

Commodore Lucy Sutro

The Bridge

General Manager’s Message

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend that comprised both the One Global Tomes Cup and Nations’ Cup – writeups for both will appear in the next issue. Congratulations also to Mike Burrell / Impala 1 for ending the 2022–2023 sailing season as Top Dog!

This month we have lots of events on to keep you occupied whilst you are not out on the water sailing, rowing or paddling.

We start with the summer edition of Paint and Wine programme on 6 June on the Main Lawn, a few days later and to celebrate Pride Month, we are organising our first Pride Party at Middle Island on Saturday 10 June. Full details are available on page 34. In the ongoing series of movie nights, we have two ever popular musicals for you to enjoy and sing-a-long to this month. First up it’s the turn of Mamma Mia, we’re showing that on the Main Lawn on Monday 12 June, followed on 24 June by The Greatest Showman, also on the Main Lawn.

One that’s not to be missed is an extremely indulgent Caviar and Champagne Masterclass, which is taking place on Tuesday 13 June which we are hosting in conjunction with the Royal Caviar Club and

Perrier Jouet champagne. A couple of days later, and quite possibly the longest event name we have had in a while, is the Yamagata Masamune

山形正宗 (Mitobe Sake Brewery 水 戸 部酒造 ) Sake Dinner which is being held on Thursday 15 June in the Compass Room. There will be a bilingual introduction to this top-rated brewery, in both Japanese and English, followed by a fabulous menu and sake pairing dinner.

With summer holidays just around the corner, there are a couple of children’s events on too this month including a DIY Friendship Bracelet Workshop on 11 June and a showing of the movie How to Train Your Dragon on 16 June.

At the end of month, we bring you a wine dinner featuring the renowned Chianti Classico wines of Barone Ricasoli. Incredibly, the history of the Ricasoli family can be traced back to 1141! In 1872 Baron Bettino Ricasoli originated the formula for Chianti wine, now called Chianti Classico. This is surely a Tuscan wine dinner that is not to be missed. For details on all of the above events, please look at pages 32 to 36.

Last but not least, this month is when we celebrate Father’s Day so please join us for something special in the Bistro and Compass Room on Sunday 18 June. Please look on the Club website and weekly emails for full details.

Don’t forget the Club’s Electoral General Meeting takes place on Thursday 8 June from 1830hrs.

I look forward to seeing you at the Club.

General Manager Mark Bovaird 總經理布馬克

9th ICOYC European Conference

WORDS:

Held from 9 to 11 March and hosted by the Gstaad Yacht Club together with the ICOYC European Vice President Goncalo Esteves, the three-day event was attended by 50 delegates and 10 partners from 28 clubs across 20 countries. RHKYC was represented by Past Commodores Denis Martinet and Inge-Strompf Jepsen who initially expected to be observers in this European event but did however quickly get roped in to presenting in three of the 14 themes on the agenda.

Needless to say, one of the first presentations was titled “Why a Yacht Club without waters in the Mountains?” garnered a lot of interest amongst the participants!

Commodore Manrico Iachia and Managing Director Cindy Schoenrich explained the concept of “A Global Unique Yacht Club” that was established 25 years ago with a vision to “create a unique global yacht club away from the waters, instead of another local club by the waters”. The club’s current membership totals 400 hailing from 35 different nations!

The cabin-style clubhouse is like any other yacht club and is the focal point for likeminded sailors. International nautical themed lectures and presentations dominate club life. Sailing activities at club level take place thanks to invitations from the Yacht Club de Monaco, which invites the GYC to regattas in the Mediterranean and has now led to numerous other yacht clubs in the region doing the same.

A youth sailing programme introduces the next generation to sailing via Optimist courses pm Lakes Thun and Lac Leman. The results have led to GYC sailors representing the club in the Olympic Games since 2004.

Theme 1 of the conference was the introduction of five new clubs to ICOYC membership; Monte Real Club De Yates De Baiona, Spain; Coral

INGE STROMPF-JEPSEN | IMAGES: GSTAAD YACHT CLUB

Reef Yacht Club and St. Petersburg Yacht Club both from Florida in the USA and Salinas Yacht Club in Ecuador introduced themselves to the conference delegates as did the Cruising Club of America. CCA has 1,500 members and is one of the biggest clubs in the USA but interestingly it does not own any facilities nor clubhouses but operates in the virtual world of communication and in the real world of organised cruises.

Counting these new clubs, the ICOYC now has

a total of 47 member clubs – a very impressive increase from the 12 founding member clubs which banded together to establish the organisation in Hong Kong in 2006.

The remaining themes of the agenda were replete with topics relating to the running and managing of yacht clubs, including how to cope with inflation, the future of sponsorship, media, communication, and operating software. How do we keep our coaches and staff in a highly competitive employment market and how do

we broaden our membership base were all items discussed at length.

Financial implications in regard to facility upgrade projects, changes required and challenges to be faced caused concern among most of the attending clubs.

Sailing related discussions focused on the pathway to the Olympics, how do clubs support their hopefuls and who is paying for the campaigns? What will the boat classes

of the future be? Sailing versus foiling? What equipment and boats does Race Management need for running of races on the water?

Sustainability was split into two themes as they looked at it both from an environmental and a social aspect. It was agreed a lot of work has still to be done!

Other very interesting issues presented and discussed covered: How to prepare the club for emergency situations? Both material damage as well as cost of life scenarios were highlighted and having good insurances and emergency plans in place is an absolute must.

Further details of the ICOYC (International Council of Yacht Clubs) can be found at www.icoyc.org

ICOYC Mission and Vision

The International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC) is an association of the world's leading yacht Clubs, founded in 2006. With events and opportunities for club members, leadership and professional staff, the Council exists to promote so each can be empowered to improve their home Organisation collaboration among these clubs while positively contributing to yachting worldwide.

Themes of the Conference

Theme 1: New Members – Introducing New Clubs

Theme 2: Cruising Club of America

Theme 3: Open Panel – Olympics 2024 / Junior class/ Sailing vs. Foiling – what is more interesting for the next generation.

Theme 4: Maintenance of boat parks. Replace committee Boats and what is the next Junior class – Which boats are more interesting for kids?

Theme 5: Open Panel – How are we going to live with inflation?

Theme 6: Partners and Commercial aspects

Things are getting more expensive – how do we keep up with Fundraising and Sponsorship management / alternative sources.

Theme 7: Facilities – Chances and Challenges, how to develop its arena?

How to bring your club to a new level with new premises and extension – How do you plan for increased turnover and activities when building a new Clubhouse – How you get the money for the change? Could you anticipate the money that banks would give you?

Theme 8: How to prepare the club for emergency situations?

Theme 9: Media & Communication in the club. Real-life vs. Digital life – we cannot escape the trend / ICOYC website Communication.

Theme 10: Social Sustainability

In the US, yacht clubs have no technical or legal responsibility to act as a charitable (do-good) organization; they are social clubs. Yet pressure exists for more from without and within. This pressure varies from community to community, country to country. Can it be ignored? Should it be? This topic will explore what a yacht club is required to do, what it does, why it does something different than required, and how the environment has changed over time.

Theme 11: How do you broaden the membership = attracting new member through new “water”.

Theme 12: Sharing experience: Handling Facilities

CRM systems and club software – Is the software we are using still sustainable for the club?

Theme 13: How can we keep our coaches and staff and not lose them to international associations or other Commercial entities?

Theme 14: Sustainability: Evolution vs. Revolution

ICOYC Member Clubs

Annapolis Yacht Club

Chicago Yacht Club

Clube Naval De Cascais

Coral Reef Yacht Club

Eastern Yacht Club

Göteborgs Kungliga Segels ӓllskap/

Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club

Gstaad Yacht Club

Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub/

Royal Danish Yacht Club

Kongelig Norsk Seilforening/

Royal Norwegian Yacht Club

Kungliga Svenska Segel Sallskapet/

Royal Swedish Yacht Club

Long Beach Yacht Club

Monte Real Club De Yates De Baiona

Newport Harbor Yacht Club

Norddeutscher Regatta Verein

Nylandska Jaktklubben/Njk

Real Club Nautico De Barcelona

Real Club Nautico De Palma

Republic Of Singapore Yacht Club

Royal Canadian Yacht Club

Royal Cape Yacht Club

Royal Cork Yacht Club

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

Royal Lymington Yacht Club

Royal Malta Yacht Club

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Royal Perth Yacht Club

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Royal Southern Yacht Club

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

Royal Thames Yacht Club

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

Royal Varuna Yacht Club

Salinas Yacht Club

San Diego Yacht Club

San Francisco Yacht Club

Sandringham Yacht Club

Seattle Yacht Club

Societe Nautique De Marseille

Southern Yacht Club

St. Francis Yacht Club

St. Petersburg Yacht Club

The Cruising Club of America

Verein Seglerhaus Am Wannsee

Yacht Club De Monaco

Yacht Club Italiano

Yacht Club Punta Del Este

Little Life Warriors Easter Egg Hunt and Beach Day

WORDS: ELITA SEOW, JESSAMINE YIU AND BONITA LEUNG

The RHKYC’s Charity Foundation has long partnered with the Little Life Warriors Society (LLWS), a charity that works to support children with cancer and those who have undergone a bone marrow transplant, by hosting events at the Club to provide some joy to the Little Warriors.

On April 2 the Charity Foundation once again had the opportunity, with the support of some wonderful Club members from the rowing and paddling section, to host the Little Warriors at Middle Island for a longawaited beach day. This beach day had been in the works since before Covid, and the volunteers were excited to finally be able to plan an event for the Little Warriors that would come to fruition!

with ages ranging from 4 to 15 years old and accompanied by family members. Once everyone was changed and ready, we distributed the very cute collection baskets that LLWS had kindly organized and started the egg hunt. When “GO!!” was yelled, the Little Warriors and their siblings sprinted in every which direction collecting eggs – at light speed! It was pure joy seeing how happy they were and to be honest, we’ve never seen children run so fast with such intent and focus! Although we had originally planned for a 20-minute egg hunt, the Little Warriors totally outsmarted us so that what actually transpired was an epic 5-minute sprint and grab fest full of giggles and ecstatic squeals.

An exciting morning was planned for the Little Warriors, starting with an Easter Egg scavenger hunt and followed by water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding activities. On the week leading up to the event, we were praying that the weather would change as we had a rainy cold front come in that week.We were thankful the day arrived without rain but remained cloudy and cool. The volunteers had not only spent the early morning setting up kayaks and paddle boards, but more importantly they had hidden over 500 Easter eggs spanning from the boat shed and amongst various nooks and crannies of rocks, canoes, sailing boats, dragon boats all the way across the hardstand.

We were met with 35 very extremely enthusiastic Little Warriors literally leaping off the sampan in their wet gear ready to hunt for eggs. These amazing Little Warriors who came to Middle Island are true survivors,

Once the egg loot was safely stowed away, beach activities commenced. We found out that it was the first time for many of the Little Warriors to experience paddle-boarding and kayaking. Although they had not experienced it before, it was heart warming to see how brave these little warriors were to just jump on a board or kayak and request that the volunteers (in bunny ears to lend a hand to the Easter Bunny!) take them out for longer paddles away from the beach. Despite the cooler weather, most of the Little Warriors were reluctant to leave the beach or water when it was time to get ready for lunch.

The day wrapped up with a hearty buffet and the Little Warriors were gifted Easter gift baskets from our volunteers. It was a fantastically fun day for both the Little Warriors and our volunteers, with smiles to last for miles! Many thanks to all our volunteers, Club staff, and the Charity Foundation for giving us the opportunity to share a fun Beach and Easter Egg Hunt Day with the Little Warriors!

An Evening 10 Years in the Making

WORDS: DENIS MARTINET

Whilst a lot of water, and no doubt copious volumes of alcohol too, has flowed since the 26 November 2022 when our Club celebrated the RHKYC Charity Gala dinner, we feel it is important, and well overdue, to give all of you all an account of that evening and what was achieved.

In his infinite wisdom our Chairman and past Commodore, Ambrose Lo, decided to thrust upon your scribe the supervision of such an event, last held over 10 years ago in the Compass Room. Ably assisted by Club management and specialist company WeRaiseHK, the date was barely announced that all spaces were booked within a matter of hours. Were people that eager to contribute? Well one would certainly want to hope so! However more prosaically I must admit, our announcement of that event coincided with some social distancing relaxation and offered a ball and a chance to dress up, something that had not happened in our Club since 2019, or in other words, not for eons! Ergo, the 150 places were snapped up and demand was such that we decided to offer a cheese and dessert ticket for those slightly slower on the uptake but still ready to pa… give generously.

The event comprised three stages –

First pre-dinner drinks were had on the rooftop, delicious champagne complemented by a variety of amuse-bouchées, from freshly shucked oysters to satays. Elegantly attired members and guests contributed to set a memorable scene, with glimmering Hong Kong in the background. One could be forgiven for thinking that all was normal or at least getting back to some normality.

Now the real crux of the evening was about to happen, the one when we asked people to dig deep into their pockets and give for great causes that the Club and its charity have been supporting for the last decade!

Second stage – Down to the Regatta Rooms did everyone go, found their seats at finely decorated tables, tucked into some superb food and accompanying wines. People had barely started when the master of ceremony, Anthony, proceeded with gusto to pry these much-needed dollars from our members and guests’ pockets.

And boy did they all rise to the occasion!

You see, we are very fortunate to have individuals among us always prepared to give, either financially or in kind. And true to form they certainly did not disappoint! Items on offer went beyond traditional auction fare of signed t-shirts and sports memorabilia. Silent auction items ranged from stays in exotic locations to original experiences on well-known junks and yachts! Numerous bids were drawn to “name your own cocktail”, fueled by intense competition. And yes I did lose and “honey bobo” is now on offer at the Main Bar. I recently sampled it and it does pack a punch!

The live auction was a clear favourite where only 8 eithitems attracted 20% of all funds raised.

Beyond generously donating a case of excellent claret, our Commodore Lucy Sutro put her reserved parking slot up for grabs. Naming rights for the new electric Sampan was also very popular.

Unlike previous years or more to the point, technology having progressed by leaps and bounds since, we no longer had raffle tickets but a live electronic pledge system. This was a scene of intense competition as names and amounts donated started scrolling on screens as new ones superseded them in a frenetic bid to become one of the top donors. A third of all monies was raised with this new and very frantic yet fun tool.

To finish off the evening, all moved to the rooftop once more to dance the night away, well not quite as a curfew was still in place, while nibbling on cheese and pastries.

So what was the result I hear you say – Well thanks to all donations and auction items, the Club was able to raise just short of HKD 800,000, monies that will be put to good use by the RHKYC Charity foundation to assist and help the individuals and organisations we support.

So if you want to help too, visit https://www.rhkyc.org.hk/club-facilities/charity/ charityfoundation or simply scan this QR code

Or wait for the next Charity Gala dinner, hopefully you won’t have to wait 10 years!

Great thanks to all that contributed to the success of this very special fund-raising event, especially our sponsors and donors:

DONOR LIST

Alpha Lau

Ambrose Lo, Chairman RHKYC Charity Foundation

Anna Fisher

Antony Wood

Bonita Leung and Mark Brady

Chris Botsford and John Scott

Claude Wong

David Leung

Denis Martinet

Drew Taylor

Geoffroy Wallier

Joseph Chu

Judy Chan

Lena Chi

Lucy Sutro, Commodore RHKYC

Majid Khan

Ray Yip

Tina Wong

Anthony Tong

Urs and Doris Hess-Rosenburg

SPONSOR LIST

Bryan Bachner – FC Barcelona APAC

Georges Nony – French Reserve Distribution Ltd.

Jonny Hodgson – Hokkaido Resorts Group

Andreas Buchenthal – Mercedes-Benz

RHKYC Dragon Boat Section

Richard Allen – Simpson Marine

Selway Au-Yeung – Shout Gallery

Alison Yeung – Sun Hung Kai & Co

ROLEX CHINA SEA RACE 2023

Race Chairman’s point of view

The 2023 Rolex China Sea Race will go down as one of the more challenging editions. Competitors were to face it all, with a day beating upwind, a day becalmed and finally two days of full-on downwind surfing conditions.

The first offshore race Hong Kong held since 2019, got underway at 1120hrs on 5 April in the misty weather and a southerly breeze of 3 to 5kts, taking competitors 565nm across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines; considered a real test of sailing skill, energy, persistence and team spirit.

After a slightly tricky exit out of the harbour in light winds, yachts were faced with a 24hr upwind leg with winds from the south east. The first major decision was whether to take the more northerly route looking for stronger winds, or the more direct rhumb line route. With lighter winds

forecast for day two and then filling in strongly from the northeast on day three, the northern route looked more favourable. However, as the race progressed into the second day, some decided to change tactics and take a more southerly route, hoping for more consistent winds. The majority of the fleet in the northern route went north of the Pratas (Dongsha) Atoll and proceeded to park up for about 24hrs. Those that took the southerly route continued to make slightly better headway. The exception was Standard Insurance Centennial 5 (Rachel Pugh 75) that used its length

WORDS: CAMERON FERGUSON | IMAGES: ROLEX / DANIEL FORSTER GUY NOWELL VIVIAN NGAN

to get winds not available to the rest of the fleet, making consistent and significant strides straight towards Subic Bay. The second day was to prove very long and frustrating with yachts making minimal headway and even going backwards at times as it turned into a glass-out. However, the promised strong winds did materialise on day three and yachts were off again. From the race beginning it looked like a small boat race and so it proved to be. With the winds filling in on the third day there was a race restart, but the higher handicapped yachts were now effectively miles behind on corrected time of the smaller yachts.

As the race progressed into its third day, the winds continued to increase and peaked in the 30kt range. The sea turned from a flat calm and built up to heights that were enough to induce some exhilarating surfing conditions. It was now all fast downwind sailing to Subic Bay with crews deciding on how hard to push themselves and their yachts. Things got particularly tricky early on the fourth night with the moon not

coming up until a couple of hours after sunset. It was pitch black and rather unnerving surfing along in excess of 18kns on Neo One knowing there was nets and fishing barrels all around. The moon’s appearance was welcomed by all and finally we could see something of the way ahead. For those who took the more southern route, unfortunately their gamble did not pay off as well as they hoped, as they picked up the stronger winds later than the more northern yachts.

Up front for eventual Line Honours was the all-Philippine crew skippered by Ernesto Echauz on Standard Insurance Centennial 5 , the first Philippine yacht to achieve this honour. On winning Line Honours a jubilant Ernesto Erchauz said “It’s very historical! It’s the first time that a Philippines boat has won Line Honours at the Rolex China Sea Race. It’s such a prestigious race for us. In the 2008 edition when we won IRC Overall, the advice we had been given ahead of the Race was that if we don’t go south of the rhumb line right away, there will be a large hole. So this year again that’s what we did and as soon as we had the opportunity we worked on the VMG and right away headed south. Then we went east to take advantage of the north-easterly along the Luzon coast. But entering Subic you can’t do anything about the lack of wind so we got stuck and you just do your best but overall we’re happy with our strategy. There was also some luck for us. Thank you to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club for organising this event, this is the best offshore race in Asia.”

Three TP52s continued fighting it out with Happy Go getting the better of Rampage88 by taking a more offshore approach to Subic Bay. But it was Standard Insurance Centennial 3 skippered by Emerson Villena that won the TP52 battle on handicap with a final day push to catchup the leading pair.

On approaching Subic Bay, it was as tricky as ever with the northerly gradient wind being replaced by local effects off the high mountains.

Considerable patience was required as yachts went through bands of very light winds and the last 40 miles seemingly taking forever, once into Subic Bay the winds were more consistent. Further back in the field there was more action unfolding with the smaller yachts well ahead on corrected time battering it out for IRC overall. The J109 Whiskey Jack , skippered by Nick Southward was in a tight battle with the two-handed father and son duo of Cosmas and Philippe Grelon on their Figaro 3 Simpson Marine and Andrew Pidden’s J99 Juice also in the running.

When Whiskey Jack hit the dock in Subic Bay they found themselves as the IRC Overall winner, after just over four days of racing at 15h 02m 11s HK time.

Owner/skipper Nick Southward was greeted with applause at the dock and said “it feels absolutely amazing, seriously I can’t believe it. I mean we’ve won this race! We’ve been right at the back of the fleet. We had a wild last 24 hours it was just wild; we could not have pushed it harder. But we stayed in one piece, everyone’s here and it just feels amazing to be here.”

The smallest boat in the fleet, Andrew Pidden’s J-99 Juice finished almost 3.5 hours after Whiskey Jack , earning them 3 rd IRC Overall as well as 2nd in IRC 1. An exhausted Andrew commented after docking “This is my first Rolex China Sea Race and it was a wild ride, from no wind at all to loads of wind, so it was quite crazy but it was a lot of fun and great to do it with my two sons and my regular crew as well.” Andrew was sailing with sons Matt and Tom and joked about

the family pressure “I was pretty nervous because their mother was telling me we had three fifths of her entire family on one boat and if I sank it, she was going to be very angry but they are great sailors and it’s always good to be out with them.”

The father and son double-handed team of Philippe and Cosmas Grelon on board Figaro 3 Simpson Marine finished sailing in 94h 47m 10s, taking double-handed 1st place and IRC Overall 2nd place. Describing their journey as exhausting, thanks in part to the loss of their autopilot which “was man overboard at the Pratas” according to Cosmas with Philippe adding “It’s very difficult because when you leave the tiller, the boat is like a dinghy, so you can’t do anything. You always have to have a guy on the tiller. That was very, very hard." Other notable results being the China entry Tong Ran skippered by Yong Yao winning the IRC Premier division and Eddy Lee winning the HKPN division on his Sense 46.

With such a long race, at one point it looked like the Sunday afternoon prize giving was in danger of being a rather slim affair. Thankfully, with a few hours to spare, more than half the fleet did make it to the Subic Marina in time for the event with prizes being awarded by Brahim Drissi, the Rolex Philippines General Manager. More crew then managed to join for the evening party at the Lighthouse Marina Resort. It’s a tribute to all competitors, that their yacht and crew preparations were up to the challenges faced in this very testing edition of the Rolex China Sea Race, with all yachts making it safely to Subic Bay.

Adding their praise to the race, competitors shared their sentiments on competing. Tiger Mok, Happy Go ’s navigator said that the Rolex China Sea Race is “one of the most challenging offshore races you can ever get. I loved it and hopefully we can come back and do another one next time!”

Having taken part in his first China Sea Race as a 19-year-old in 1986, Albert Altura Skipper of the Philippines entry, Hurricane Hunter, came back as a skipper in 2023. Altura had great admiration for the race saying said he would definitely be back, “I think I will join in every edition of the race until I can’t race anymore.”

Now with the RHKYC having kickstarted its offshore racing program again, we hope to welcome more entries for our future races. The next is the 673 nautical mile Hong Kong to Vietnam race starting on the 25 October 2023, which is also a qualifier for the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.

Rolex China Sea Race 2023 Wednesday 5 April 2023

The Club wishes to express its sincere gratitude to our Title Sponsor Rolex for their unwavering support and commitment to the Rolex China Sea Race 2023. This was the first offshore race to be held in Hong Kong since 2019, despite the challenging times for sailing, and we would like to thank Rolex for its continued support and dedication to this event. The contribution they have made to this prestigious event has made it one of the most anticipated and celebrated events in the sailing calendar. We are grateful for their generosity and dedication, and we look forward to their continued support in the years to come.

With thanks to our volunteers including Race Officer David Norton and his team of Bonnie Cheng, Lindsay Lyons and Shelia Chan. On the safety team: Barry Truhol and Niclas Rydin.

One Global Tomes Cup 2023

The final constituent event of the Top Dog Trophy Series, the One Global Tomes Cup, was held on 29 April in an easterly breeze of 4 to 5kts. 61 boats turned out to compete to be crowned the most successful boat of the season.

In this pursuit-style race, the Pandora fleet set off first at 1400hrs, followed by other faster classes with staggered start times to chase down the front runners before the projected target finish time of 1630hrs. Race Officer Gareth Williams set a start line just off Hung Hom and sent the fleet off for two and a half laps between Tai Koo Shing and Hung Hom before finishing at Kai Tak. The wind held and slightly built up during the start sequence before the rain arrived towards the end of the race.

A valiant effort was made by Pandoras Windfall and Solstice as they led until the third rounding of the windward mark at Tai Koo Shing. Impala, Impala 1, chased steadily behind, eventually overtaking both Pandoras on the final upwind leg taking the finish gun at 16:36:23, followed by Pandora Windfall in 2nd place and Solstice in 3rd

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

One Global Tomes Cup 2023 Saturday 29 April 2023

Top 10 Top Dog Trophy Series 2022–2023

Impala 1 skipper Mike Burrell gave credit to his amazing crew “Impala 1 has altogether 300 years of sailing experience, and there’s a very well-known situation that when we win, it’s always the crew and when we don’t win, it’s always the skipper. We had the crew working very hard today and so we won. As the skipper, I just sat there and drove the boat; it was all

the crew’s work. We were very lucky today because it was light wind and it favoured the Impalas, so the fast boats did not catch us up quite as fast and we were very lucky because the whole series was with light winds.”

The win not only guaranteed that Mike Burrell lifted the Tomes Cup, but it also ensured Impala 1 ’s name will be engraved on the Top

Dog Trophy for the second time, followed by Henry Wong’s Footloose in 2nd place and Chair Kui Wang’ on Solstice in 3rd place. Burrell was delighted to lift-up Top Dog Trophy again 12 years later since he first took it in 2011 “It feels good to know that there’s still life in the old dog! Maybe we should plan to win it again in 2035!”

The One Global Tomes Cup, the final constituent event of the Top Dog Trophy Series has been a great success. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to our title sponsor One Global, Partner Peroni and Sail World for their long-term support to the event. Being valued partners of the Club, their support has allowed us to create amazing sailing events. We are truly grateful and look forward to their continued support in the years to come. The club would like to thank the fabulous volunteers who ran the racing on the day, Race Officer Gareth Williams and his team of ever skillful assistants Anty So, Brent Cottingham, Clare Skinner, Di Williams, Jacky Lam, Jason

Lam, Jenny Kende, Laibond Cheng, Mona Lai and safety team of Jimmy Pon and Philip Lee.

Yacht Racing Sub Committee (YRSC)

WORDS: CAMERON FERGUSON, CHAIRMAN

On the 27 April, the YRSC hosted a drinks evening to update members on the workings of this new committee. For those unable to attend, here are the highlights from that event.

The YRSC reports to and is chaired by a member of SailCom. Its responsibilities cover all IRC and HKPN yacht racing for the Club, including inshore, coastal and offshore. Committee members must be approved by GenCom. As we near the end of another committee year, this is the ideal time to express an interest in joining the committee via the form on the Committee Interest area in the RHKYC website Members’ area.

To support the main committee, an Inshore Racing Working Group (IRWG) has been formed to focus on the inshore responsibilities of the YRSC due to its wide ranging scope. The IRWG can co-opt anyone into the group without formal approval and will make recommendations to the YRSC. If you are interested in joining the IRWG please use the email address below to express an interest.

To better communicate with those members interested in IRC/HKPN yacht racing, there are a number of new channels you can use.

• RHKYC All Sailors (IRC/HKPN), WhatsApp group. This is open for all sailors to join to receive and discuss events being run by the YRSC.

• RHKYC Yacht Owners (IRC/HKPN), WhatsApp group. This is a restricted group for yacht owners/skippers. Those seeking to join the group will be reviewed before gaining access. Only YRSC administrators can post to this group and those in the group can only respond to polls. Hence, it is a group mainly to receive information and not for group discussions.

• For those wanting to discuss topics directly with the YRSC, please use our new email yrsc@rhkyc.org.hk. These emails will be received by a committee member and passed onto the person responsible to deal with the topic.

During the April event, we canvassed those attending on a number of topics on how we might improve the events run under this committee. We will be working on this feedback in the new committee year and will be using the above channels to communicate progress.

This is your committee, so please do lend your support and get involved so we can deliver the events you wish to see.

Oarsome Rowing Event

WORDS: JUDY CHAN

The ‘Oarsome’ rowing event took place in the Regatta Rooms in the evening of 20 April and aimed to bring fine rowers and coastal rowers together to celebrate our achievements and look forward to the upcoming races in 2023. ‘Oarsome’ was the name of the circular for the rowing section dating back to 2003, and it was meaningful to name the event by linking the history, meaning and people together.

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

After the introduction of the committees, the presentation continued to highlight staff from the rowing office. Coaches and staff introduced themselves and also what they do in their role. It was great for members to be able to see staff members from the rowing office; some of whom had joined during the pandemic and as such, had not had an opportunity like this to meet members. Our Rowing and Paddle Sports – Assistant Manager – Admin, Ellen Leung who has worked at the Club for 7 years, indicated that she’s the only staff member who joined pre covid, and this gathering has forced her to show her face, as her name should be memorable because at some point, she has reminded everyone for fee payments!

The presentation ended with answering pre-submitted Q&A and wrapping up with a group photo, coordinated by our coxswains.

It was a wonderful night hanging out with people who share the same passion of the sport and wishing everyone to continue to stay active and stay Oarsome!

There were over 60 people in attendance, and it was great to see familiar faces from different sections and some visitors who happened to be in Hong Kong. Special mentions to Kai Ramming, who rowed with the Hong Kong squad and for the Club in the 80s to mid-90s and to Jackie Chiu Hin Chun, our current Hong Kong National Team rower who just came back from a training camp gearing up for the Asian Games in September this year. He had only a few days off but still made the effort to come. A big thank you to these special guests for attending Oarsome!

The evening started with a half hour of drinks and mingling, followed by a presentation that introduced the structure of the Rowing Section of the Club. People in the room who are currently members of the Rowing Committee, Fine Rowing Sub-Committee, Coastal Rowing SubCommittee and the Youth Rowing Development Sub-Committee were highlighted, thanking them their immense contributions and for newer members to match the names to all the faces.

St. James’s Place 7th Harbour Regatta

WORDS:GARY MEACHAM | IMAGES: PANDA MAN

The St James Place 7th Harbour Regatta was held on Sunday 19 March in the harbour off Kellett Island. This event is a hybrid of fine rowing and coastal rowing, so it is a very unique event. It was a windy, chilly, miserable overcast day that presented the event with challenging conditions, which some crews had never experienced before. The whole day was brightened up and given a warm feel due to the standard of racing that we saw from the competing crews.

The event which took place on a 650m course saw the crews racing away from Kellett Island towards the Wanchai Star Ferry, making racing turns around two buoys before racing back to the start/finish line at Kellett Island. The event saw 72 crews taking part in 58, twoboat races between 0800hrs and 1700hrs. Of these crews, seven were from Mainland China, with the remainder being Hong Kong based. Despite the challenging conditions, thanks to everyone taking part, the whole event ran

pretty well to time. This number of crews sees us running to our capacity with the event in its current format.

In the morning racing we saw eight races with verdicts of less than 10 seconds, including two of one second and one of two seconds. It is quite unusual to see so many close races in this event. The highlight of the morning racing was when in Race 3, William Vanbergen of RHKYC capsized his single scull and before anyone could react to the situation, he was back in the boat and racing, but unfortunately could not recover the deficit. Mention should also go to a young lady from EDU Hong Kong who found

the conditions incredibly difficult, but she persevered and eventually managed to finish the course safely.

In the afternoon sessions, we saw another six races with verdicts inside of 10 seconds with two of these races being declared as one second. In the late afternoon, we saw 14 finals being raced, with five wins for RHKYC, three wins for Lantau Boat Club, two wins for YDP, two wins for City U Alumni, 1 win for a Poly U / City U composite crew and one win for Lok Tsui Rowing Club. The crews that competed in the Finals returned to the Boating Area to the sound of bagpipes which all added to the atmosphere of the event.

In the evening there was a Harbour Regatta Dinner held on the Main Law. This was mainly attended by the visiting crews from Mainland China, who found the whole event very different and despite the weather, incredibly enjoyable. They are already looking forwards to next year’s event.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that these events would never happen and be successful without the many volunteers who assist on the day. Without mentioning any individuals, I would like to thank all the people who were volunteers in the lead up to the event and on the day.

2023 Hong Kong Indoor Rowing Championships

WORDS: MICHAEL JOHNSON | IMAGES: HKCRA | WAN NG, PINKY

TSE

Agonising pain, strained muscles, a thirst for air, voices shouting in your head to stop, to keep control, to keep going and to push harder – all at the same time. That's the horror of the 2,000m ergo test. It really isn’t fun in any normal sense, but in the world of competitive rowing, it’s the closest you can get to the physical and psychological torment of a real rowing race – and we LOVE it!

To broaden appeal, the first day featured 500m sprint races, with the full 2k held the following day. 500m sounds easy, but having done it, those metres / seconds seem to tick by in slow motion, and when your body realises the shock of what is happening, everything gets very intense very quickly and you are literally gasping for air and muscles fully drained… with likely 150m still to go… surprise surprise, it’s still not fun.

If you prefer intense suffering – the 500m is for you. If you want that suffering to linger and crescendo to the ultimate in exhaustion, nothing beats the 2k. Better still, do both!

The Hong Kong Indoor Rowing Champsionships is open to all, so as well as local and some international rowers, there were gym junkies from various clubs and schools as well as pros from the Fire Services and Police.

To keep things fair, there were numerous age categories from juniors up to the wisest of the ancients. With medals for gold, silver and bronze, it

DATE 25 March

EVENT HK Indoor Rowing Champs (Day 1)

• Men 40–49 years old – 500m

◦ G old, William Vanbergen

◦ Silver, Wan Ng

• Men 55–59 years old – 500m

◦ G old, Michael Johnson

• Women 30–39 years old – 500m

◦ G old, Anna Fisher

◦ Broke the HK indoor local entry record

RESULT

◦ Broke the HK indoor all participants entry record

• Overall Women 500m champion

◦ A nna Fisher

26 March

was another winning day for the RHKYC rowing section, with a haul of medals and many outstanding achievements.

Special mention to Anna Fisher, who set new Hong Kong women’s records in both the 500m (1m 41.2s) and also the 2,000m (7m 28.8s) events. Fantastic!

Five team members were also awarded special medals for achieving within 83% of the 2000m world record for their age category –Anna Fisher, Vivian Leung, Richard Wilson, Michael Johnson and Mark Welles.

Congratulations to all who took part, endured the suffering and had fun. See you next year!

HK Indoor Rowing Champs (Day 2)

• Men 40–49 years old – 2000m

◦ G old, Jonathan Witts

◦ Silver, Rowan Cook

• Men 55–59 years old – 2000m

◦ G old, Michael Johnson

• Men 60–64 years old – 2000m

◦ Silver, Mark Welles

• Men 70–74 years old – 2000m

◦ G old, Ian Brownlee

• Women 30–39 years old – 2000m

◦ G old, Anna Fisher

◦ Silver, Vivian Leung

◦ A nna + Vivian both broke the indoor record for their age group (HK local participant record)

• Men 30–39 years old lightweight – 2000m

◦ G old, Richard Wilson

• Men Sports Clubs / Societies Team Relay 4 x 500m

◦ 6th out of 11th groups

◦ Wan Ng, Mark Welles, Vincent Lo, Dan Chan

• Highlighted crews also won another medal for achieving 83% of the world record for their category (shown below)

Anna Fisher – enjoying her time on the way to a Hong Kong record! Ian Brownlee – erging in style to win gold in the age 70+ category

Ahoy from the Boatyard

The yard had a very busy start to the year with the competing boats readying themselves for the Rolex China Sea Race. For most of these vessels it was the first time going offshore in many years. The Club requires boats racing offshore to pass a Category 1 inspection which involves the checking of safety equipment, hull structure, including rudders, and keels. This work is carried out by an authorised marine surveyor in conjunction with the Boatyard.

These inspections have highlighted a number of problems and one in particular are corroded rudder stocks, with the yard placing orders for four rudders in the space of two days back in January, and a total of fourteen rudders in the past twelve months. Given the number of rudders that we see with badly corroded stocks it is important to have them inspected when your boat comes out for antifouling as it would be a very unpleasant experience to be sailing along and have your rudder shear off at the waterline.

We also found a number of vessels with delaminated keel grids. This is generally caused through grounding your vessel but can also be due to poor construction methods or materials used during production. Bulkheads are another area that seem to get neglected and require inspection to ensure they are not delaminating or rotting. Rotten bulkheads are particularly common on older vessels and is prevalent in Hong Kong due to our high humidity and rain fall.

The Boatyard is often asked “is this bulkhead structural” and the answer is yes. All bulkheads fitted to a vessel be it fore and aft or athwart ships are structural to varying degrees and when they are all bonded to the hull, they are creating the complete vessel structure. If an area of the vessel structure is rotten or delaminated then it will allow the hull to twist and move, resulting in poor performance and added stresses to the hull.

If you are unsure of the condition of your vessel or are planning on heading offshore, then please call the Boatyard as we are always happy to assist.

Ship Shop

RHKYC Sail Racing

Bowman Logo Tee

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$420

Outils Océans Racing Winch handle Holders P+S

Reinforcement on opening, Quick attach system. Body in polyester peforated coatde Pvc 2 sides, Reinforcement in polyethylene 18/10 ème, Border in belt polypropylene (dark grey).

Bottom and back in openwork polyester coats PVC (precontraint grey)

$599

Navisafe® Navisafe-305 – Portable Tri-Color LED Light

The Navilight Tricolor 2NM – US Coast Guard approved for 2 nautical miles includes a green light to be shown at the starboard side and a red light to be shown at the port side. In addition, it includes the white Sternlight, to be used at the stern. It is battery operated, uses super bright LED light, is water proof, floats and attaches almost anywhere through its double magnetic mounting system.

The green as well as the red lights show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112,5 degrees. The white Sternlight shows an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees. All lights work independently, in a combination of all three or red/green together.

$1,190

HAD Coolmax Next Level multifunctional headwear

The H.A.D. Coolmax® Next Level is a cooling and lightweight multifunctional cloth for warmer days and sweaty activities. Thanks to the special fibre cross-section of the Coolmax® EcoMade fibre (made from recycled PET), sweat is transferred particularly quickly from the skin to the textile surface, where it can evaporate quickly and create the wellknown cooling comfort effect. In combination with its 4-way power stretch, antistatic and odor-inhibiting properties, the multifunctional H.A.D. Coolmax® Next Level tubular scarf is the current non-plus-ultra in the field of multifunctional headwear for the summertime.

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50" Nautical Tube Inflatable Water Float

Oversized 50" tube float design big enough for adults with a reinforced cup holder. Created by FUNBOY, the global leader in luxury floats. Reinforced cup holder. Keep your beverage in place while floating. Age 14+

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Zhik 25L Dry Bag

This light-weight dry bag has been designed to keep your essential items dry, organised, and safe from sea spray. Our new built-in device/ phone pocket features a touch sensitive screen to use your phone in wet conditions. Small and packable, this drybag can be stored in minimal space and used when you really need it. With a simple roll top opening and clips to seal it is easy to fill and secure.

$290

Tales of Two Cities By Chris Howard

Fast paced and funny, Chris Howard's tales of a medical life make great reading. The book starts in the 1960s Liverpool of the Beatles, where Chris, still a wet-behindthe-ears medical student throws himself into university life, politics and sailing. He describes the ups and downs of student life; the exams passed and failed, of learning to examine and treat patients and how to deliver babies.

After a decade in Liverpool as student and junior doctor, he moves with his young family to the Far East, to Hong Kong, joining a charismatic surgeon and together, through ups and downs, their practice grows and changes.

These are tales of life and death, of love and loyalty. A roller-coaster ride of long hours in maternity hospitals and clinics; of travelling in China and Asia, of sailing the South China Sea. These are stories guaranteed to keep the reader hooked to the end.

$138

Grangers Performance Repel Plus 275ml

This durable spray-on waterproofing treatment ensures you’re ready for every adventure! Nobody likes to get caught out in the rain and let’s face it, getting wet when you’re outdoors can make you pretty miserable. We want to make sure you can enjoy the outdoors, whatever the weather, and that’s why you need this spray-on companion. Performance Repel Plus is there to protect your gear against the elements by restoring the water-repellent finish found in all technical gear.

It’s simple to use and harmless to the environment and your lungs; all you do is spray on, allow to dry and you’ll be fully protected from the outdoors once more. So, what are you waiting for? Ensure you're protected against the elements with this easyto-use, spray-on protector. It also comes in our new 100% PostConsumer Recycled (PCR) bottle, so you're safe in the knowledge that you're helping to protect the world we all love to explore.

$138

Marine Business Water Glass Happy 6pcs

Cheerful set of unbreakable water glasses from the HAPPY collection in different colours. This set of water glasses is made from BPA FREE MS, an unbreakable material ideal for outdoor activities.

These unbreakable glasses are also stackable, taking up minimal space. Perfect for use on boats, sailing boats and yachts thanks to their extraordinary durability. It is recommended to wash them by hand.

$540

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Kellett Golf Society

WORDS: CHRIS LI

On 11 April the Kellett Golf Society (KGS) held its monthly golf tournament at the KSC South Course. It was a great day for golf, with 24 players participating in the event. The tournament was played in the Stableford format, which is a popular scoring system used in golf.

After a competitive day on the course, the winners of the tournament were announced. Patrick Pender emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 46 points. Tom Tam and Andrew Wong also played a great game, finishing in second and third place with 42 points and 36 points respectively.

When it came to longest drive, and nearest to the pin, the winner were to Will Hornby, Amr Elhenawy and Steve DeKrey.

The KGS monthly tournament is a great way for members to come together, enjoy a day on the course, and compete in a friendly and supportive environment. With different formats and courses each month, the tournaments offer a fun and varied experience for all players. Congratulations to all the winners for an impressive performance at the April tournament!

We also had the pleasure of being invited to compete against the Hong Kong Football Club Golf Society (HKFCGS) in a golf match at the beautiful Macau Golf and Country Club. The match was played in the very exciting 4BBB format, with each team consisting of 12 selected players. The KGS team was led by our captain, Rene Theil, and we were determined to win the competition.

The match was highly competitive, The KGS team got off to a strong start where David Leung and Chris Li won the first match and we managed maintain our lead throughout the game. We won four out of the six matches played, securing a 4-2 victory over the HKFCGS. This was the first time that the KGS had won against the HKFCGS since 2014.

Overall, the KGS vs HKFCGS was a successful event and it was a pleasure to see the golfers from both societies come together and enjoy the game of golf, we look forward to more friendly matches in the future.

If you are interested to join the KGS, please email us by golf@rhkyc.org.hk

11 April in KSC South Course

The Winning Team – KGS

The KGS Team in Macau

Snooker – We Entertain USRC

WORDS: GORDON ROBINSON | IMAGES: BILLY CHOW, CLUB STAFF

We entertain USRC

On 27 April we entertained, for the first time, the USRC (United Services Recreation Club) to a very enjoyable snooker social evening at Kellett Island. Our young visitors showed us how to play on our newly-reclothed table by winning 4-2. For the Club CK Chan won his frame by amassing 66 points, and David Fan also won his. For those of you who may not feel able to meet the standard for these friendly competitions, note that David’s best break of just 13 was the highest of the evening! Vincent Li, USRC Convenor kindly presented us with a souvenir plaque after the match. We look forward to visiting USRC later in the year for a return match. On 17 May we visited HK Cricket Club for another friendly snooker evening. Report next month.

To get involved in snooker, please email the Snooker Convenor, Gordon Robinson snooker@rhkyc.org.hk

new

Monthly Wine Fairs

Kellett Island, Wednesday 7 June, 1830hrs to 2030hrs

Shelter Cove, Friday 9 June, 1900hrs to 2100hrs

David plays the

baize

Pong (USRC), CK Chan, Vincent Li (USRC), Vincent Law (USRC), Billy Chow, David Fan, Amos (USRC), Ray Chui, and souvenir

Established in 1898, this prestigious brewery is located in the Yamagata Prefecture, regionally famous for its sake making. Yamagata Masamune sakes are brewed with hard water that results in a crisp, sharp finish. In 2018, a rice-growing company, “Mitobe Inazo” was incorporated, allowing them to brew the sakes with their own rice.

PRE-DINNER TASTING

Yamagata Masamune Inazo Junmai Ginjo Dewa Sanna from Tendo (in-house cultivated rice)

MENU AND WINES

Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Butter Sauce, Fresh Oyster, Cold Soba Noodles with Sesame Dressing

Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Sake Mirai Raw

Yuzu-marinated South African Abalone, Pomelo and Sea Grape Salsa

Yamagata Masamune Junmai Ginjo Omachi

Roasted French Chicken Breast Wrapped in Prosciutto, Apple Slaw

Yamagata Masamune Marora Junmai Ginjo

Yamagata Prefecture Dewa Kantan

Char-grilled Beef Rib Eye, Duck Liver Crust, Bone Marrow Aioli, Broccolini, Prune Sauce

Yamagata Masamune Koji Dust Junmai Daiginjo

Yamada Nishiki from Akitsu, Hyogo

Plum Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream

Yamagata Masamune Torottoro plum wine

Coffee or Tea

This prestigious brewery is owned by 5th generation toji Tomonobu Mitobe. He wants his sake to have a good umami and also a good kire (clean finish) such as that of a Masamune traditional Japanese sword – sharp, rich and clean. Mitobe-San uses mostly local sake rice but also has a passion for exploring rice terroir. He has been working on growing Akaiwa Omachi rice in the Okayama prefecture, which has taken over 10 years to get right – just one of the many examples of this brewery being committed to excellence and pursuing the highest standards of sake quality.

Pre-dinner Tasting 190 0hrs

Dinner 1930hrs

Price $8 48 per member and $948 per non-member

Speaker Mr.水戸部 朝信, with a Japanese to English Translator

Reservations

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

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

VEGETARIAN MENU

Asparagus with Butter Sauce, Bean Curd, Cold Sobo Noodles with Sesame Dressing

Yuzu-marinated Vegetarian Abalone, Pomelo and Sea Grapes Salsa

Roasted Pumpkin Wrapped in Eggplant, Apple Slaw

Portobello Mushroom with Baby Spinach Ravioli, Broccolini, Black Truffle Sauce

Plum Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream

Coffee or Tea

Compass Room and Steakhouse | Thursday 15 June

Caviar and Champagne Masterclass

Steakhouse | Tuesday 13 June

The Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club, Royal Caviar Club and Perrier Jouet are delighted to introduce you to their exclusive Caviar and Champagne Masterclass.

Indulge in the luxurious world of fine dining and experience the pairing of two of the most exquisite delicacies in the world. Two Brand Ambassadors will guide you through a journey of taste, texture, and aroma as you savour the delicate flavours of Royal Caviar Club finest caviars and the smooth, effervescent bubbles of Perrier Jouet champagne range.

Throughout the masterclass you will learn about the history, origin, and production of caviar and champagne, as well as the art of pairing and serving these delicacies.

You will be able to experience three of Royal Caviar Club signature caviars – Royal Cristal, Imperial Ossetra and Premium Baerii - paired with three emblematic Perrier Jouet champagnes – Grand Brut, Blanc de Blancs and Blason Rosé.

Whether you are a connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of gourmet food and wine, this masterclass promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the finer things in life.

Price $3 88 per person

Time 19 00hrs to 2000hrs

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Pride Party at Middle Island

Middle Island | Saturday 10 June

Father’s Day Promotion in the Bistro and Compass Room

Bistro and Compass Room | Sunday 18 June

Special Father’s Day menu available in the Bistro and Compass Room. Check the website for further details.

Pride month is here, and we are celebrating diversity at Middle Island! Everyone is welcome for a fabulous and exciting evening. We are doing rainbow everything! Come enjoy a full buffet with four-hour beverage free flow together with the most enchanting performances by famous drag queens. Ms. Stephanie Slack and Ms. Coco Pop will rock your night with fun drag bingo and more!

Don’t miss out on a fun night, come in your best rainbow costume and party away!

Price $3 88 per person for buffet

$228 per person for 4-hour beverage free flow $148 for rainbow shots

Time 19 00hrs to 2300hrs

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Paint and Wine – Summer Edition

Main Lawn | Tuesday 6 June

Summertime paint and wine! Join us for another round of fun and relaxing paint night with 2-hour free flow beverages. Paint all the summer activities and beaches this evening.

Price $198 per person including a canvas and 2-hour beverage free flow

Time 18 30hrs to 2030hrs

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Barone Ricasoli Wine Dinner

Compass Room and Steakhouse | Thursday 29 June

Ricasoli is the most representative wine producer in the Chianti Classico area. The history of the Ricasoli family has been linked to wine since 1141, when there is written testimony attesting that the Ricasoli family already possessed Brolio Castle, which is located within the town limits of Gaiole in Chianti. In 1872 Baron Bettino Ricasoli (1809 – 1880) originated the formula for Chianti wine, now called Chianti Classico. Since 1993, the current owner and President, Baron Francesco Ricasoli, has been guiding this central Tuscan company in innovative challenges and generated new ideas and concepts to render the vineyards sustainable. The ongoing study of soil types and the clonal selection of the Brolio Sangiovese are among his greatest passions.

Today, Barone Ricasoli is the largest winery in the Chianti Classico area. Located in the communes of Gaiole and Castelnuovo Berardenga, it

PRE-DINNER TASTING

Ruggeri, Prosecco DOC Argeo Brut (JS90)

MENU AND WINES

Char-grilled Octopus and Blue Prawns, Cinnamon Pineapple, Citrus Salad

Barone Ricasoli, Torricella Toscana IGT 2019 (JS91)

Pork Belly and Wild Mushroom Cannelloni, Ragù Sauce

Barone Ricasoli, Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG 2020 (WS90/JS92)

Slow-cooked Lamb Shank, Mixed Herb Pearl Barley

Barone Ricasoli, Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2019 (WS93/JS92)

Osso Bucco, Ratatouille, Olives

Barone Ricasoli, Casalferro Toscana IGT 2018 (WS92/JS95)

Barone Ricasoli, Roncicone Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2019 (WS94/JS98)

Cannoli, Berries

Coffee or Tea

is surrounded by 1,200 hectares of valleys, hills, forests of oak and chestnut trees, 235 hectares of vines and 26 hectares of olive groves, all bathing in the changing weather and beauty of this central Chianti Region.

Francesco Ricasoli, Bettino’s great-grandson and 32nd Baron, has been at the helm of the family business since 1993, renewing the quality and personality that made Brolio wines famous by making the most of the land’s unique history. With many award-winning wines renowned worldwide, Barone Ricasoli’s research and exploration continue, as new labels are continually being developed that reinvent the culture of winemaking and the art of drinking.

Pre-dinner Tasting 190 0hrs

Dinner 1930hrs

Price $8 88 per member and $988 per non-member

Speaker Mr. Roberta Picco, Brand Ambassador Reservations

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

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

VEGETARIAN MENU

Artichoke with Citrus Salad, Cinnamon Pineapple

Wild Mushroom Cannelloni, Chanterelle, Pomarola

Roast Asparagus on Mixed Herb Pearl Barley

Crispy Cheese Risotto, Ratatouille, Olives

Cannoli, Berries

Coffee or Tea

Monday Movie Night – Mamma Mia

Main Lawn | Monday 12 June

Family Movie Night – The Greatest Showman

Main Lawn | Saturday 24 June

One of the Broadway’s favourite musical turns movie! Come join us this Monday night for some singing and dancing alongside the movie. Featuring the fabulous Meryl Streep, this night filled with ABBA songs will definitely help to kick away the Monday blues.

Price Free Screening. Optional 2-hour beverage free flow at $180

Time 18 30hrs for registration. Screening at 1900hrs

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Kids Events at the Club

Another great family movie for the summer. The Greatest Showman is an original musical following the story of P T Barnum, who becomes a worldwide sensation in the show business. His imagination and innovative ideas take him to the top of his game.

Kids’ Movie Night – How to Train Your Dragon

Rooftop | Friday 16 June

Long ago up North on the Island of Berk, the young Viking, Hiccup, wants to join his town's fight against the dragons that continually raid their town. He becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.

Price Free screening with F&B Cinema Menu available

Time 19 00hrs for registration, 1930hrs for screening

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Price Free screening with F&B Cinema Menu available

Time 19 00hrs to register 1930hrs for screening

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

Kids’

Workshop – DIY Friendship Bracelet

Main Lawn | Sunday 11 June

Our Club Events Manager will teach kids how to make friendship bracelets for their best buddy! Come to this workshop and create the best bracelets for the best of friends!

Price $8 0 per kid

Time 14 00hrs to 1500hrs

Reservations Please book via the Club website.

CLASS SECRETARIES

Sailing Secretary

Dennis Chien sailing.secretary@rhkyc.org.hk

Yacht Racing Sub Committee(IRC/HKPN) yrsc@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

Pandora Joseph Wong pandora@rhkyc.org.hk

Ruffian Paul Oen ruffian@rhkyc.org.hk

Sportsboats Rob Stanley sportsboat@rhkyc.org.hk

SPORTS CONVENORS

Bowling Convenor Frank Yam bowling@rhkyc.org.hk

Golf Convenor Chris Li 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 Fa x: 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

Ms Leigh Enee Vivien

Mr So Hing Lun

Ms Weng Ching

Mr & Dr Au Wai Yin Ivan

Mr & Ms Christian Burghardt

Mr & Ms Cheng Siu Wai Jonathan

Mr & Ms Hui Yiu Kwong Chris

Mr & Ms Szymon Wojciech Jozefkiewicz

Mr & Ms Kong Carey Kar Ming

Mr & Ms Ahmose Shahab Nassim

Mr & Miss Gerald Thomas Nixson

Mr & Ms She Kevin King Hang

FULL MEMBERS

Mrs Marina Barnard

Mr Choi Yu Hin

Mr Michael Anthony Johnson

Mr Christopher Sinclair Knollman

Mr Lawrence Anthony Terzo Salibra

CHANGE FROM JUNIOR TO ORDINARY MEMBERS

Mr Isamu Kendal Sakai

JUNIOR MEMBERS

Mr Thomas Armistead

Mr Chan Koon Sing

Miss Lee Chee Ling Rachael

Miss Leung Wing Tung Maggie

Mr Lin Chun Tung

Mr Louie Elliott Donald

Mr Iori Matsumoto

Miss Tsang Karee Alyson

Miss Yeung Hon Kiu Natalie

INDIVIDUAL DEBENTURE MEMBERS

Ms Ye Zhiping & Mr Li Ching Kin

CORPORATE NOMINEE SUBSCRIBERS

Mr & Mrs Marcus Hilton-Smith

JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Managing Director

CADET MEMBERS

Au Yeung Karl Jankin

Peregrine Beardson

Isabella Fei

Isadona Fei

Timothee Franses

Lu Ho Cheong Jayden

She Nathaniel Tyler

Wong Fei Wan Summer

Adriana Zhu

CADET MEMBER SPONSORED BY A MEMBER

Chong Yung

Mak Ho Yin Raphael

STUDENT USAGE CARD

Chan Ching Yan Yanice

– Chinese University of Hong Kong

Chan Ching Yi Joey – Hong Kong

University of Science and Technology

Cheng Yi Lam – Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Wong Wing Yi Francesca

– University of Hong Kong

INTRODUCTORY SCHEME CARD

Incoming

Ms Mehak Chawla

Dr Cheng Ngai Shing

Mr Alistair Hugo Holroyd

Ms Law Hoi Mei

Ms Moon Sun Young

Mr Gregory Alexander Robinson

Mr Wan Kai Yin

Outgoing

Mr Chan Kwok Wai

Mr Cheung Sin Hang

Long Service Awards

5 Years’ Awards

May 2023

Mr Brent Allen Cottingham

Mr Fung Wah Fuk

Mr Frederick William Goforth

Mr Nicholas Hon

Mr Lee Ka Hin William

Miss Suen Yue Man Karen

Mr Wang Zengrang

Ms Wong Pik Ha Mirenda

ABSENT MEMBERS

Mrs Fiona Clair Beardson

Mr Christian John Constantin Brun

Mr Gregory Roger Downes

Mrs Elena Lange

Mr Jean-Marc Partice Nosbusch

Miss Fiona Ruth Siddall

Mr Wong Ching

Ms Elizabeth Wright

Mr & Dr Ashley Ian Alder

Mr & Mrs Stephen Andrew Jones

Mr & Mrs Johnson Kan

Mr & Mrs John D S Knox

Mr & Mrs Mark Graham Shipman

RESIGNATION

Mr Nicholas Ross Ison Gordon

Mr & Mrs Coen Petrus Maurice Dingemans

Mr & Mrs Stuart George Harding

Chan Chun Pei George

Chen Yin Jade

Isabelle Kaili Faiola

Kwok Hong Wang Russell

Lamb Jane Manila

Law Tsz Ki Casey

Brandon Schuyler O

Pang Tsun Wang Morris

Natasha Kitten Pizzala

Tristan Mark Surgenor

Sze Nga Wing

Xavier Alexander Carey

Yu Ka Wai

Stanley Zheng

Staff Service Awards

Obituary

In loving memory of Raymond Lai 22 November 1948 – 25 September 2022

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the RHKYC staff and community who knew Raymond, for making the Yacht Club a weekend haven over the years where many beautiful memories are held for late Raymond and his family, friends, squash mates and bar mates.

Jacqueline and Jasmine Lai

Calvin Hung, Pastry Senior Cook A

Yu Hon Kit, Sous Chef

Kid Wong, Bar Captain

Wong Chun Fat, Boat Handlers Supervisor / Mobile Crane Operator

AMENDMENT OF BYE-LAWS

General Committee at its meeting on 30 March 2023 approved the following amendment of Bye-Laws:

4.14 PORTABLE TELEPHONES/AUDIBLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Except where they are audible only to the user through earphones, the personal use of radios, tape recorders, music players, musical instruments, portable phones, laptop computers, pads or any other device to watch movies, listen to music or play video games, etc. is forbidden in any part of the Club premises unless the use thereof has been approved by the General Manager.

The use of electronic equipment for the purpose of voice communication, including but not limited to portable phones, audible pagers and laptop computers is not permitted within the Club premises except in:

a. the designated area within the Children’s playground alongside the waterfront railing.

b. the landing outside the lift of the staircase from the Bistro to the Chart Room.

c. the outside corridor adjacent to the Ladies’ changing rooms.

d. the landing of the white metal staircase from the hardstanding to changing rooms and on the outdoor landing between the changing rooms and the gymnasium.

e. the lift lobby next to the Club Room (the location of the former Geoff Edmonds Room).

f. the Poolside semi-circle covered table area.

g. the walking balcony between the Gun Room and the Ward Room.

h the Club Room.

i. the car park and hard stand areas.

In the Compass Room, the use of electronic equipment, larger than pocket size, is permitted only when the room is in use for a private function.

4.18 SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in the areas stated in these ByeLaws. For avoidance of doubt, smoking including electronic cigarettes is prohibited in any area that has not been mentioned in these Bye-Laws.

At Kellett Island, smoking is only permitted in the following areas:

a. the balconies of the Chart Room and Main Bar.

b the Main Deck (in the designated smoking area).

c. the Sun Deck.

d open areas of car park, boatyard and pontoon.

e. the walking balcony between the Gun Room and the Ward Room.

16.8 SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in the following areas at Middle Island:

a. Level 2 Terrace (outside changing rooms).

b. Level 3 Terrace (in the designated area outside the Minnitt & Sedgwick Rooms).

c. Level 4 seating area under the flagpole.

d open areas of hard standing and pontoon.

e. Beach.

16.10 PORTABLE TELEPHONE/AUDIBLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Except where they are audible only to the user through earphones, the personal use of radios, tape recorders, music players, musical instruments, portable phones, laptop computers, pads or any other device to watch movies, listen to music or play video games, etc. is forbidden in any part of the Club premises unless the use thereof has been approved by the General Manager.

The use of electronic equipment for the purpose of voice communication, including but not limited to portable phones, audible pagers and laptop computers is not permitted within the Club premises except in:

a. Level 2 Terrace (outside changing rooms).

b. Level 3 Terrace (in the designated area outside the Minnitt & Sedgwick Rooms).

c. Level 4 the designated area of the corridor to the bathrooms.

d. open areas of hard standing and pontoon.

e. Beach.

17.4 PORTABLE TELEPHONES/AUDIBLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Except where they are audible only to the user through earphones, the personal use of radios, tape recorders, music players, musical instruments, portable phones, laptop computers, pads or any other device to watch movies, listen to music or play video games, etc. is forbidden in any part of the Club premises unless the use thereof has been approved by the General Manager.

The use of electronic equipment for the purpose of voice communication, including but not limited to portable phones, audible pagers and laptop computers is not permitted within the Club premises except in the designated area in front of the Of ficial Notice Board, car park and hard stand areas.

17.8 SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in the following areas at Shelter Cove:

a. open areas of car park, marina and pontoon.

b. designated area in front of the Official Notice Board.

What ChatGPT thinks of our Club Sports

BY HUNG YI JI, AGE 12 USING CHATGPT

Can AI help sailing?

Yes, AI can help sailing in a number of ways. Here are a few examples:

1. Navigation: AI can be used to analyze weather patterns, ocean currents, and other data to help sailors plan their routes and avoid dangerous conditions.

2. Autopilot: Advanced autopilot systems that use AI can help sailors steer their boats more efficiently and accurately, reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Performance optimization: AI can be used to analyze data on sail trim, boat speed, and other factors to help sailors optimize their performance and get the most out of their boats.

4. Safety: AI can be used to monitor the health of the boat and its systems, as well as to detect potential safety hazards such as collisions or grounding.

Overall, AI has the potential to significantly improve the safety, efficiency, and performance of sailing.

That’s wonderful. How about dragon boating and rowing? How AI can be helpful?

AI can also be helpful in dragon boating and rowing in a number of ways. Here are some examples:

Dragon Boating:

1. Stroke Analysis: AI can be used to analyze the paddling technique of individual paddlers and the team as a whole, providing insights on how to improve their technique and timing.

2. Predictive analysis: AI can be used to predict the performance of a dragon boat team based on various factors such as wind speed, water currents, and the physical condition of the paddlers.

3. Coaching: AI can assist coaches in creating personalized training plans for each paddler based on their strengths, weaknesses, and individual progress.

Rowing:

1. Stroke Analysis: AI can be used to analyze the rowing technique of individual rowers and the team as a whole, providing insights on how to improve their technique and timing.

2. Performance optimization: AI can be used to analyze data on rowing technique, boat speed, and other factors to help rowers optimize their performance and get the most out of their boats.

3. Safety: AI can be used to monitor the health of the boat and its systems, as well as to detect potential safety hazards such as collisions or grounding.

Overall, AI has the potential to significantly improve the performance, safety, and coaching in both dragon boating and rowing.

Middle Island Big Day Out

Ocean Sensory Bin