HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and facilitated by the Hong Kong Sailing Federation, the three major sailing clubs in Hong Kong worked together to host a three-race HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup (HKSAR 25ASC) with RHKYC hosting the first event on Saturday 11 June, delivering a spectacular celebration of sailing within Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour.

Amid heavy rain, 89 boats participated in the commemorative event, each displaying a special HKSAR 25th Anniversary battle flag on their backstay. They were joined in the celebrations by throngs of spectators who packed the city shoreline to watch the spectacle.

To further expand the festive atmosphere and city-wide participation of the event, each boat signed up to represent one of the 18 districts of Hong Kong. Yachts nominated to race under the categories of IRC / ATI or HKPN Divisions and were split into six starts at 10-minute intervals based on their RHKATI or HKPN ratings. Three HKPN divisions started off first, followed by the three RHKATI divisions.

Anniversary Sailing Cup WORDS: VIVIAN NGAN | IMAGES: GUY NOWELL | VIVIAN NGAN

Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Honourable Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, GBM, GBS, JP, President of the Legislative Council, Mr. Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, JP, Legislative Council Member and Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, Mr. Philip Chen Nan-lok, GBS, JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr. Vincent Cheng Wingshun, MH, JP, Legislative Councilor and Mr. Ivan Wong Wang-tai, MH, Chairman of Wan Chai District Council.

In his speech, The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club for their exceptional efforts in organising this race. He further said “It was indeed a fitting way to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Sailing is a sport that requires strategy and teamwork, sailors must be united and with no fear of the elements. This exemplifies the spirit of the Hong Kong people who have helped each other over the past 25 years and echo’s the theme of the 25th anniversary – A New Era – Stability. Prosperity. Opportunity.”

Ms. Cheung Mei-Han, President of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation (HKSF) said in her welcoming speech that the HKSF was honoured to take the lead in organising this first sporting event to be officially accredited by the Government of the HKSAR as a celebration event

Commodore Denis Martinet, noted in his welcome speech that “it was very fitting to witness over 500 people from all walks of life, some experienced, some novices on 89 sailing vessels big and small, competing in this iconic setting, but more importantly celebrating 25 years since the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He added that when spectators face this breathtaking scenery and witness the fun these participants are having, it is easy to understand why sailors are so passionate about our watersports – but equally importantly passionate about sharing this with our community. The HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup is a fitting example of that.”

The start was set just off the Kellett Island Clubhouse and The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po was on hand to start the first fleet at 1405hrs, suitably waving the flag of the HKSAR as the horn sounded, at Feature |

which time the heavens opened and a heavy downpour ensued.

Each of the next five starts were presided over by an officiating guest and the yachts were sent off in a south-westerly breeze of around 10 to 12kts with varying degrees of rain. By the end of all six start sequences, a severe squall hit the harbour bringing with it gusts up to 30kts resulting in some yachts retiring from the race.

Race Officer Barry Truhol sent the fleet up the harbour to Admiralty, across to Tsim Sha Tsui, downwind to Kowloon Bay before heading back to the Club finish line. Members of the public were treated to a stunning display of Hong Kong yachting at its best, as they gathered in the newly developed East Coast Park Precinct, Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

Karl Chan’s Hobie 16 Big Car representing Southern district took 1st overall in IRC/ATI division while Hui Chak Hei’s Baring Asia 2 representing Tai Po district was crowned HKPN overall winner.

Race Officer Barry Truhol was honoured to be part of this amazing event, commenting” The wind started off very light and built up towards the first start and a squall came through just as the horn sounded, which might have shaken the will of some of our sailors, however the 2nd to 5th start went on without much issue. Another ripper short squall came through during the start for the TP52s and the fast boats resulting in a few split spinnakers, but most sailors did very well in handling the challenging situation. It was a very demanding day for the sailors with some quite intense bad weather patches, but it was fun and I hope all sailors had a good time”

The HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup (HKSAR 25ASC), coordinated by Hong Kong Sailing Federation and with Hong Kong Jockey Club as exclusive sponsor, was the first sailing event conducted across multiple waterways in Hong Kong. The three races hosted and co-organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Aberdeen Boat Club and Hebe Haven Yacht Club were sailed successively on Victoria Harbour, the Southern Island District on 19 June and in Sai Kung on 25 June.

When the final results were in, Juice was crowned IRC/ATI overall winner followed by FreeFire in 2nd place and Team Victory lol in 3rd Place. For HKPN division, Minnie the Moocher took 1st overall with Triple A in 2nd place and Pepper and salt took 3rd place.

RHKYC 25A Race 11 June 2022

RANK YACHT NAME IRC/ATI Division

1st 2nd 3rd

Big car Curry Juice

HKPN Division

1st 2nd 3rd Baring Asia 2 Black Pearl Momentai

CLASS

Hobie 16 Hobie 16 Big Boat

J/80 Big Boat Big Boat

SAIL NO.

114822 112240 HKG2559

HKG1299 HKG2568 HKG2190

SKIPPER DISTRICT

Karl Chan Brian Tsang Andy Pidden Southern Eastern Southern

Hui Chak Hei Tai Po

Otto Chan

Yau Tsim Wong John Woo / Jonathan Chan Wan Chai

25A Race Overall

RANK YACHT NAME SAIL NO SKIPPER

IRC/ATI Division

1st 2nd Juice FreeFire HKG2559 HKG2283 Andy Pidden Sam Chan

3rd

TEAM - Team Victory lol HKG696,731,1832 Janice Yeung / Janet Lau, K K Lee, Lowell Chang

HKPN Division

1st 2nd 3rd Minnie the Moocher HKG201 Triple A Pepper and salt HKG2569 2092 Bridget Chan Andy Leung Paul Lam

R1 (Adjusted) R2 (Adjusted) R3 (Adjusted) Total

3.8 6.4

10.3 7.1 12.1 4.5 19.2 8.6 8.9 21.3 22.9 36.8

5.9

3.6 11.8 6.4 13.7 10 8.7 3.6 2.2 18.21 21.75 25.9