Sunset Series Races

WORDS: WALLIS CHA

The Sunset Series is a bi-weekly course of friendly races for sailors, paddlers (dragon boat and outrigger canoes) and rowers held from June to September every year in the Victoria Harbour – right in front of the Kellett Island Clubhouse.

Although they are friendly races, we are still very competitive on the water with teams giving it their all and shouting in unison with a beautiful sunset backdrop. As the sun goes down, the city lights spark up, allowing you to see the city in all its glory from the harbour. Once the races are over, all sailors, paddlers and rowers gather together on the Club’s Rooftop to grab a bite, share their experiences and bond over a few (or many) beers.

For one of the races, we invited Disneyland's dragon boat team, Team Mushu, to compete against us for the Sunset Series race. Team Mushu is well-trained and equally competitive compared to us, so competition was fierce. Both teams gave it their all and many of the races resulted in a tie. As a first-year paddler, I'm extremely proud to be paddling for the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s dragon boat team, Royal X. The Sunset Series has given me the chance to bond with my teammates and experience a race environment. To me, Sunset Series has not only been about the races and who wins, but about the friendships and bonds we built along the way.