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Steve Cornwell

A lovely 10 to 12kts north easterly breeze made for an exciting start to the  Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club ‘s Rolex China Sea Race 2024. All 21 boats got off to a clean start today at 1120hrs in the stunning Hong Kong Victoria Harbour.

The fleet gathered before the start at RHKYC’s Kellett Island Clubhouse for a lion dance to wish the competitors a safe journey across the ever-challenging South China Sea.

rolex yacht race hong kong

Three of the top contenders in IRC Racer 0 Class, R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V, along with two TP52s; Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial III were in a close tussle at the start line but it was Nie Hua’s Happy Go which hit the line first at full pace at the sound of the horn. She led the fleet up to Kai Tak from where larger rival Standard Insurance Centennial V overtook her.

First through the Lei Yue Mun Gap (the narrowest part between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon) was R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V, helmed by two-time China Sea Race Overall winner Ernesto Echauz. They were followed shortly after by TP52s Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial III.

After the fleet passed the sheltered harbour, they were greeted by big swells of up to 2.5m. Soon Zoe was the first retirement of the Race.

rolex yacht race hong kong

Of the six international entries, two Filipino boats are in the leading pack. Mainland of China entries, Seawolf and Tong Ran, are looking good in the early stages and the same goes for the first-ever Chinese Taipei entry, Mondher Latiri’s Gutsy and the first-ever Korean entry, Hojun Song’s Random().

As of 1600hrs, Happy Go is at the front of the fleet travelling along at around 8.6kts, followed by the two Standard Insurance team boats, Centennial V and Centennial III.

As the competitors make their 565nm journey across the South China Sea to Subic Bay, they will enjoy the first night reaching down towards the Philippines. A southerly airstream is forecast to fill in by Thursday so the fleet will be beating upwind towards the Philippines.

Race action is being tracked by  Yellowbrick Tracking  and is being shown live at  rolexchinasearace.com  – the Race can also be followed on the YB Race Viewer App.

For more information about Rolex China Sea Race 2024, please visit  www.rolexchinasearace.com .

  • Rolex China Sea Race

Steve Cornwell

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62nd ANNIVERSARY OFFICIAL SITE OF THE  ROLEX CHINA SEA RACE Starts Wednesday 27 March 2024 2024年3月27日星期三开赛  

Rolex china sea race: asia’s classic offshore race.

rolex yacht race hong kong

The Rolex China Sea Race will start on 5 April 2023 in Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour and take competitors 565-nautical miles (1,046 kilometres) across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Rolex has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s. Close support of pre-eminent yacht clubs and first-class events has been the cornerstone of this partnership.

The Rolex China Sea Race and its organisers the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC); one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong, have been supported by Rolex since 2008, when Rolex became the title sponsor of this biennial race. The 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race is run under the auspices of Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

First held in 1962, this year marks the 61st anniversary of this offshore classic, the oldest blue water race in Asia; and after five years of absence, the Rolex China Sea Race celebrates its 30th edition. Many of the world’s best-known sailors and yachts have tried to master the race and the 565-nm offshore course is considered a real test of sailing skill.

While the majority of the fleet are Asian-based, sailors from around the world have been drawn to participate by the race’s elevated standing as well as the stringent examination of skill and endeavor it presents, its underlying Corinthian spirit and traditions.

Lucy Sutro, the RHKYC Commodore, recognizes the characteristics that make the race so significant:

“We are honoured that this Asian blue-water classic is part of Rolex’s distinguished portfolio of international offshore races. After five years of absence, we are delighted to see both local and international entries coming back to this iconic race.

For several decades Rolex has cultivated close associations with the best-known yacht clubs and organisers of major events in the world of sailing. We are proud that this Race was the first Asian sailing event sponsored by Rolex and that, with their support, the Race continues to arouse attention within the international yachting fraternity.”

Over the years, overall winning yachts have represented Hong Kong, The Philippines, Singapore, Japan as well as Australia, the United Kingdom and France.

There are two main prizes at the Rolex China Sea Race. The most coveted accolade is the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy for the overall winner under IRC time correction (handicap). The first boat to cross the finish line on real time (Line Honours) receives the Sunday Telegraph Trophy. A Rolex timepiece will be awarded to the first boat under IRC Overall handicap and first Monohull Line Honours.

The multihull race record of 38 hours, 30 minutes, 7 seconds was set in 2018 by Karl Kwok’s trimaran MOD Beau Geste . The monohull race record 47 hours, 31 minutes, 8 seconds was set two years earlier by Philip Turner and Duncan Hine’s Alive . Alive would later go on to win the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2018.

One of the most significant moments is the start from Victoria Harbour, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s distinct skylines, competing yachts navigate through both traditional and modern sea traffic before embarking on the long passage through the South China Sea to Subic Bay. This open water segment frequently presents tough conditions with punishing seas and fierce winds. By contrast, the final approach to the Philippines is more often sailed in light winds, demanding a different set of skills and considerable patience. Yachts are met with the infamous ‘Luzon hole’ often causing the fleet to compress and effectively restart as they near the coast of the Philippines. The net result is that many boats have a chance of lifting the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy under IRC – it all depends on how they play their approach to the Philippines.

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Happy Go does the double in Rolex China Sea Race

  • April 4, 2024

Nie Hua’s Chinese and international crew sailed Happy Go to a hard-fought line honours victory, before finding out they also claimed the overall title.

Rolex China Sea Race, Happy Go, Nie Hua, TP52, Subic Bay, Hong Kong, line honours, IRC Overall, William Liu, Seawolf, Standard Insurance Centennial V, Ernesto Echauz, Jono Rankine

Happy Go; Photo: Rolex / Andrea Francolini

Owned by Nie Hua and skippered by Jono Rankine, the TP52 Happy Go became the first yacht to win the Rolex China Sea Race ‘double’ of line honours and IRC Overall since Neil Pryde’s HiFi in 2010.

A year after making its Rolex China Sea Race debut, Happy Go beat Ernesto Echauz’s Standard Insurance Centennial V – a Reichel/Pugh 75 that won line honours last year – by just five minutes to win line honours in the 565nm epic after arriving in Subic Bay at 5.20am on March 30.

With a corrected time of 2 days 18 hours 0 minutes 53 seconds, Happy Go was confirmed as the IRC Overall winner once none of the other IRC boats competing could beat her time. William Liu’s Seawolf claimed second in IRC Overall, while Happy Go , Seawolf and Standard Insurance Centennial V came first, second and third respectively in IRC Racer 0.

Rolex China Sea Race, Happy Go, Nie Hua, TP52, Subic Bay, Hong Kong, line honours, IRC Overall, William Liu, Seawolf, Standard Insurance Centennial V, Ernesto Echauz, Jono Rankine

Brahim Drissi, General Manager of Rolex Philippines, with Happy Go owner Nie Hua

Nie Hua celebrated with his crew and his wife and kids as he lifted both the China Sea Trophy and Sunday Telegraph Trophy at the prizegiving ceremony, where he was also presented with two Rolex timepieces for winning both line honours and IRC Overall.

“We made a lot of preparations ahead of the race, but getting line honours and the IRC Overall title is completely beyond my expectations,” the Happy Go owner said. “I’d like to give a huge applause to the crew. I’m absolutely thrilled and so thankful. We had a great team. Although we had some language barriers, we operated well, so a big thank you to the team.”

Rolex China Sea Race, Happy Go, Nie Hua, TP52, Subic Bay, Hong Kong, line honours, IRC Overall, William Liu, Seawolf, Standard Insurance Centennial V, Ernesto Echauz, Jono Rankine

Happy Go, a TP52

After shaving more than 20 hours off Happy Go ’s elapsed time from 2023, Rankine was also full of praise for the crew, which included Australian Luke Payne, who sails for Denmark in SailGP.

“I’m very proud of how the team came together,” said Hong Kong-based Rankine. “It’s a relatively new team and everyone did a fantastic job and there were no egos on the boat, and everyone was helping each other and doing a really good job. It was really satisfying to see.”

Rankine outlined how the line honours tussle became a two-boat battle, with the TP52 and 75ft Reichel/Pugh exchanging the lead on multiple occasions since leaving Hong Kong.

“The battle with Centennial V  was close the whole race,” he said. “We were aware of them the whole way. We were always checking to see who was close to the finish line and at the end we could see them right the way through, firstly on AIS and seeing their lights at night.”

Rolex China Sea Race, Happy Go, Nie Hua, TP52, Subic Bay, Hong Kong, line honours, IRC Overall, William Liu, Seawolf, Standard Insurance Centennial V, Ernesto Echauz, Jono Rankine

Standard Insurance Centennial V, a Reichel/Pugh 75

“It was exciting and there were a few lead changes. One moment they were ahead, another moment we were ahead and then the next moment we were sitting in a wind hole and not moving, and they were ghosting past us. Yeah, it was exciting and a fun way to win the race.”

The skipper also confirmed that one of the biggest tactical decisions was made ahead of the race when they dropped four people from the line-up to reduce the crew to nine, with the aim of lightening the boat ahead of expected light winds. “We were expecting the race to be a lot longer but we knew it was going to be light winds and not super demanding so we knew we could handle it with nine people.”

Rolex China Sea Race, Happy Go, Nie Hua, TP52, Subic Bay, Hong Kong, line honours, IRC Overall, William Liu, Seawolf, Standard Insurance Centennial V, Ernesto Echauz, Jono Rankine

Brahim Drissi with ‘Judes’ Echauz, owner of Standard Insurance Centennial V

After Standard Insurance Centennial V arrived in Subic Bay, Echauz visited Happy Go  to congratulate the winners on their victory after what he described as the “most exciting Rolex China Sea Race I’ve ever experienced”.

“It was so exciting from the start on the first day and all the way up to the finish,” said ‘Judes’, one of Asia’s most successful big-boat skippers. “ Happy Go did very well. What was so nice was that we were competing with each other, especially on the last day up to the end. I’m very proud of my team.”

Held since 1962, the Rolex China Sea Race is organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Rolex has been a partner of the Club since 2007 and title sponsor of its flagship race since 2008. www.rolexchinasearace.com

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Yacht Boat News

Rolex China Sea Race 2023

Photo of YachtBoatNews

The Rolex China Sea Race will start on 5 April 2023 in Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour and take competitors 565-nautical miles (1,046 kilometres) across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Rolex has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s. Close support of pre-eminent yacht clubs and first-class events has been the cornerstone of this partnership.

The Rolex China Sea Race and its organisers the  Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club  (RHKYC); one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong, have been supported by Rolex since 2008, when Rolex became the title sponsor of this biennial race.

rolex yacht race hong kong

The 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race is run under the auspices of Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

Rolex China Sea Race start - photo © Rolex / Daniel Forster

First held in 1962, this year marks the 61st anniversary of this offshore classic, the oldest blue water race in Asia; and after five years of absence, the Rolex China Sea Race celebrates its 30th edition. Many of the world’s best-known sailors and yachts have tried to master the race and the 565-nm offshore course is considered a real test of sailing skill.

While the majority of the fleet are Asian-based, sailors from around the world have been drawn to participate by the race’s elevated standing as well as the stringent examination of skill and endeavor it presents, its underlying Corinthian spirit and traditions.

Lucy Sutro, the RHKYC Commodore, recognizes the characteristics that make the race so significant: “We are honoured that this Asian blue-water classic is part of Rolex’s distinguished portfolio of international offshore races. After five years of absence, we are delighted to see both local and international entries coming back to this iconic race.

Rolex China Sea Race - photo © Rolex / Daniel Forster

For several decades Rolex has cultivated close associations with the best-known yacht clubs and organisers of major events in the world of sailing. We are proud that this Race was the first Asian sailing event sponsored by Rolex and that, with their support, the Race continues to arouse attention within the international yachting fraternity.”

Over the years, overall winning yachts have represented Hong Kong, The Philippines, Singapore, Japan as well as Australia, the United Kingdom and France.

Rolex China Sea Race ambiance - photo © Rolex / Daniel Forster

There are two main prizes at the Rolex China Sea Race. The most coveted accolade is the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy for the overall winner under IRC time correction (handicap). The first boat to cross the finish line on real time (Line Honours) receives the Sunday Telegraph Trophy. A Rolex timepiece will be awarded to the first boat under IRC Overall handicap and first Monohull Line Honours.

The multihull race record of 38 hours, 30 minutes, 7 seconds was set in 2018 by Karl Kwok’s trimaran MOD Beau Geste. The monohull race record 47 hours, 31 minutes, 8 seconds was set two years earlier by Philip Turner and Duncan Hine’s Alive. Alive would later go on to win the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2018.

Ambiance at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - photo © Rolex / Daniel Forster

One of the most significant moments is the start from Victoria Harbour, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s distinct skylines, competing yachts navigate through both traditional and modern sea traffic before embarking on the long passage through the South China Sea to Subic Bay. This open water segment frequently presents tough conditions with punishing seas and fierce winds. By contrast, the final approach to the Philippines is more often sailed in light winds, demanding a different set of skills and considerable patience. Yachts are met with the infamous ‘Luzon hole’ often causing the fleet to compress and effectively restart as they near the coast of the Philippines. The net result is that many boats have a chance of lifting the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy under IRC – it all depends on how they play their approach to the Philippines.

Line Honours winner Sunday Telegraph Trohpy - Press Luncheon Rolex China Sea Race 2018 - photo © Rolex / Daniel Forster

by Vivian Ngan

Photo of YachtBoatNews

YachtBoatNews

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2023 Rolex China Sea Race - seven international entries

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Happy Go takes Line Honours in 2024 Rolex China Sea Race

Happy Go takes Line Honours in 2024 Rolex China Sea Race

HONG KONG , March 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The fierce battle for Line Honours in the Rolex China Sea Race between defending Line Honours winner  Standard Insurance Centennial V and Happy Go was finally settled in the early hours of the morning today when Happy Go edged out her rival by five minutes. It was as nail-biting a finish as one could ever have with close, competitive racing. It was at around 0315hrs that Happy Go edged in front and finally at 05hr20m53s, Nie Hua's Happy Go crossed the finish line to claim Line Honours, shaving more than 20 hours off their elapsed time from 2023.

Skipper Jono Rankine said "The battle with Centennial V was close the whole race.  We were aware of them the whole way along the racecourse. We were always checking to see who was close to the finish line and then obviously right at the end we could see them right the way through, firstly on AIS and seeing their lights at night. It was pretty exciting and there were a few lead changes. One moment they were ahead, another moment we were ahead and then the next moment we were sitting in a wind hole and not moving and they were ghosting past us. Yeah, it was exciting and a fun way to win the race." 

Jono explained that one of biggest tactical decisions was made ahead of the race when they dropped four people from the crew, "it made the boat a lot lighter and easier to sail and it definitely made the race more challenging. We were expecting the race to be a lot longer but we knew it was going to be light winds and not super demanding so we knew we could handle it with nine people. " 

Ernesto Echauz's Standard Insurance Centennial V finished only five minutes behind Happy Go . Ernesto said "This was the most exciting Rolex China Sea Race that I have ever experienced. It was so exciting from the start on the first day and all the way up to the finish. Happy Go did very well. What was so nice was that we were competing with each other, especially on the last day up to the end. I am very proud of my team and proud of the other competitors as they are very competitive." Shortly after, and showing his sportsmanship, Ernesto went to visit Happy Go to congratulate them on their win.

With the Line Honours settled and as the rest of the fleet converges on Subic Bay, all eyes are on who will take IRC Overall. A thrilling battle is developing for the IRC Overall leaderboard with boats swapping positions often. Seawolf, Zesst, A Plastic Ocean and Whiskey Jack have all to play for. Happy Go is currently sitting at the top in IRC overall but will have to wait it out to see whether the other boats still racing can beat her time in the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's 565 nautical mile race.  The last time a boat won Line Honours and IRC Overall was Neil Pryde on HiFi in 2010.

As of HK Time 1600hrs, A Plastic Ocean is leading in IRC Racer 2, Zesst leads IRC Racer 3 and Rampage008 is looking strong for the Cruiser division. Monnblue2 and Parnassus are having another nail-biting race with Moonblue2 in front. Blowers Daughter is leading in PHS.

For more information about Rolex China Sea Race 2024, please visit  www.rolexchinasearace.com .

High resolution photos can be downloaded from the below link: https://rhkycorghk-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/vivian_ngan_rhkyc_org_hk/ElcvnduJ8tlIvkLLoEY7urcBJoeVJc5WS6Cy6XZB9twhbA?e=hcSnI1

Photos credit: ROLEX / Andrea Francolini

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong , with a rich, colourful history that spans 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. The RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages – both members and non-members – to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand's enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie . Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous harbours. Rolex's partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia , Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

ABOUT ROLEX 

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva , the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word "Perpetual" is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf , the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland , the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

  • Entertainment

ROLEX CHINA SEA RACE: ASIA'S CLASSIC OFFSHORE RACE

ROLEX CHINA SEA RACE: ASIA'S CLASSIC OFFSHORE RACE

HONG KONG , March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rolex China Sea Race will start on 5 April 2023 in Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour and take competitors 565-nautical miles (1,046 kilometres) across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines .

Rolex has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s.  Close support of pre-eminent yacht clubs and first-class events has been the cornerstone of this partnership.

The Rolex China Sea Race and its organisers the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC); one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong , have been supported by Rolex since 2008, when Rolex became the title sponsor of this biennial race. The 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race is run under the auspices of Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

First held in 1962, this year marks the 61 st anniversary of this offshore classic, the oldest blue water race in Asia ; and after five years of absence, the Rolex China Sea Race celebrates its 30 th edition.  Many of the world's best-known sailors and yachts have tried to master the race and the 565-nm offshore course is considered a real test of sailing skill.

While the majority of the fleet are Asian-based, sailors from around the world have been drawn to participate by the race's elevated standing as well as the stringent examination of skill and endeavor it presents, its underlying Corinthian spirit and traditions.

Lucy Sutro, the RHKYC Commodore, recognizes the characteristics that make the race so significant:

"We are honoured that this Asian blue-water classic is part of Rolex's distinguished portfolio of international offshore races. After five years of absence, we are delighted to see both local and international entries coming back to this iconic race.

For several decades Rolex has cultivated close associations with the best-known yacht clubs and organisers of major events in the world of sailing. We are proud that this Race was the first Asian sailing event sponsored by Rolex and that, with their support, the Race continues to arouse attention within the international yachting fraternity."

Over the years, overall winning yachts have represented Hong Kong , The Philippines , Singapore , Japan as well as Australia , the United Kingdom and France .

There are two main prizes at the Rolex China Sea Race.  The most coveted accolade is the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy for the overall winner under IRC time correction (handicap).  The first boat to cross the finish line on real time (Line Honours) receives the Sunday Telegraph Trophy. A Rolex timepiece will be awarded to the first boat under IRC Overall handicap and first Monohull Line Honours.

The multihull race record of 38 hours, 30 minutes, 7 seconds was set in 2018 by Karl Kwok's trimaran MOD Beau Geste .  The monohull race record 47 hours, 31 minutes, 8 seconds was set two years earlier by Philip Turner and Duncan Hine's Alive .  Alive would later go on to win the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 2018.

One of the most significant moments is the start from Victoria Harbour , set against the backdrop of one of the world's distinct skylines, competing yachts navigate through both traditional and modern sea traffic before embarking on the long passage through the South China Sea to Subic Bay.  This open water segment frequently presents tough conditions with punishing seas and fierce winds.  By contrast, the final approach to the Philippines is more often sailed in light winds, demanding a different set of skills and considerable patience.  Yachts are met with the infamous 'Luzon hole' often causing the fleet to compress and effectively restart as they near the coast of the Philippines.  The net result is that many boats have a chance of lifting the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy under IRC – it all depends on how they play their approach to the Philippines .

ABOUT ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB (RHKYC)

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong , with a rich, colourful history that spans 170 years of community and competitive sailing and rowing. The RHKYC provides training programmes for practitioners of all abilities and ages – both members and non-members – to nurture their development, produce elite athletes capable of competing at the highest levels, and contribute to the growth and popularity of these great pastimes. The Club also organises a full calendar of high-profile local and international race events, helping place Hong Kong firmly on the global sporting map.

ROLEX AND YACHTING

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand's enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie . Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world's most famous harbours. Rolex's partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia , Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE

Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva , the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word "Perpetual" is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf , the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland , the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

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Hong Kong Race Week

Races and regattas, local racing, offshore racing, past events, class events, race management, sail training, sail to change.

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SUN HUNG KAI & CO. HONG KONG RACE WEEK 30 JANUARY TO 4 FEBRUARY 2024

Hong Kong Race Week is co-organised by the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Based out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre, with racing taking place across three race courses in the areas of Middle Island, Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay, Stanley, Tai Tam and Beaufort. The 2024 edition of HKRW will mark the 8th edition of this iconic event. Experience the very best youth, junior and invited classes racing that Hong Kong offers. Catch up on all the past regatta action HERE With 236 sailors from 12 nations racing in Hong Kong Race Week 2023, we look forward to seeing you out on the water in 2024.

  • Past Results
  • Notice of Race  2024
  • Sailing Instructions

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Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong View location map Tel: (852) 2832 2817 Fax: (852) 2572 5399

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IMAGES

  1. More Changes to the Yacht Race Schedule

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  2. The Rolex China Sea Race Returns to Hong Kong

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  3. Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club ahead of the 2014 Rolex China Sea Race

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  4. Joachim Isler, Commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

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  5. Keeping Watch With The Rolex Yacht-Master II

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  6. Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Rolex Extend Long-Standing Partnership

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VIDEO

  1. Rolex Yacht Master II

  2. Counting down to Hong Kong!

  3. 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

  4. RHKYC's Rolex China Sea Race 2010

  5. Vibrant Hong Kong: Rolex China Sea Race

  6. Rolex Middle Sea Race

COMMENTS

  1. Rolex China Sea Race

    Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Kellett Island, Causeway Bay. 香港游艇会. 香港铜锣湾奇力岛. [email protected]. Tel: +852 2239 0395. Success! Message received. The Rolex China Sea Race is a 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race which takes competitors from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, Philippines.

  2. RHKYC

    Excerpt from Great Yacht Races - Bob Fisher. On 7 April 1962, three yachts from RHKYC, one from Manila and one from Japan crossed the line at the start of the first China Sea Race. The yachts were escorted over the first 100 miles of their 600-mile journey by two minesweepers of the Hong Kong Royal Naval Reserve.

  3. Let the Games Begin at the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race

    The stage is set for the return of the Rolex China Sea Race and the energy is palpable and anticipation high as the 21 teams registered to race gather at the docks of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club for last-minute preparations before the start tomorrow. 21 boats will be on the start line at 1120hrs on Wednesday 27 March, ready to race the 565-nautical miles across the South China Sea to Subic Bay ...

  4. Rolex China Sea Race 2023 makes its return to Victoria Harbour on 5

    Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club today (3 April) announced the much-anticipated return of the Rolex China Sea Race to Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour after 5 years of absence. 19 boats will be on the start line at 11:20am on 5 April 2023 for the Rolex China Sea Race 2023 and the Race takes competitors 565-nautical miles (1,046 kilometers) across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the ...

  5. Let the Games Begin at the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race

    Speaking at the Rolex China Sea Race press conference at Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club today, first-time entry from Korea, Random() skipper Hojun Song said that it was Random()'s first offshore race ...

  6. Rolex China Sea Race 2023 makes its return to Victoria Harbour on 5

    Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club today (3 April) announced the strong return of the Rolex China Sea Race 2023 to the Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour. The start of the race will be on 5 April 2023 ...

  7. Rolex China Sea Race 2024 sets sail on March 27

    The 31st Rolex China Sea Race, organised by the Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club, officially commences this year on March 27. Rolex China Sea Race 2024 - Preview. Watch on. Recognized as the oldest and most prestigious blue-water race in Asia, the China Sea Race was first inaugurated in 1962 when three yachts from the Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club ...

  8. Long-awaited Rolex China Sea Race returns to Hong Kong's Victoria

    Asia's most historic open water race will see the city's former Asian Games sailing team members competing.

  9. The Rolex China Sea Race Returns to Hong Kong

    After five long years of absence, Rolex 's China Sea Race made a triumphant return to the city of Hong Kong. Now onto the 61st anniversary of the offshore classic, first held in 1962, the Rolex China Sea Race Hong Kong is now the oldest blue water race in Asia. In partnership with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, this year sees 19 boats tackle ...

  10. Magic start to the Rolex China Sea Race 2024

    March 28, 2024. 823. A lovely 10 to 12kts north easterly breeze made for an exciting start to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club 's Rolex China Sea Race 2024. All 21 boats got off to a clean start today at 1120hrs in the stunning Hong Kong Victoria Harbour. The fleet gathered before the start at RHKYC's Kellett Island Clubhouse for a lion dance ...

  11. Rolex China Sea Race 2023: Hong Kong's Whiskey Jack takes overall

    With 16 boats finished in the Philippines after four days of sailing in the Rolex China Sea Race, Hong Kong took the top three places in the provisional results, Nick Southward's Whiskey Jack ...

  12. Rolex China Sea Race: Asia'S Classic Offshore Race

    The Rolex China Sea Race will start on 5 April 2023 in Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour and take competitors 565-nautical miles (1,046 kilometres) across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines.Rolex has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s. Close support of pre-eminent yacht clubs and first-class events has been the cornerstone of ...

  13. Magic Start to Rolex China Sea Race

    Share this article. HONG KONG, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A lovely 10 to 12kts north easterly breeze made for an exciting start to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Rolex China Sea Race 2024 ...

  14. Happy Go does the double in Rolex China Sea Race

    Held since 1962, the Rolex China Sea Race is organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Rolex has been a partner of the Club since 2007 and title sponsor of its flagship race since 2008. Nie Hua's Chinese and international crew sailed Happy Go to a hard-fought line honours victory, before finding out they also claimed the overall title.

  15. Rolex China Sea Race 2023

    The Rolex China Sea Race and its organisers the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC); one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong, have been supported by Rolex since 2008, when Rolex became the title sponsor of this biennial race. The 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race is run under the auspices of Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

  16. 2023 Rolex China Sea Race

    The Rolex China Sea Race is a biennial event and (thanks to Covid interruptions) this is actually the 30th running of the event. There are 22 entries for the 565nm race and the start line is right in front of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's clubhouse overlooking Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour on 27 March. Warning signal 11.10 hrs.

  17. Happy Go takes Line Honours in 2024 Rolex China Sea Race

    PUBLISHED ON March 30, 2024 6:14 AM. HONG KONG, March 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The fierce battle for Line Honours in the Rolex China Sea Race between defending Line Honours winner Standard ...

  18. Rolex China Sea Race: Asia'S Classic Offshore Race

    HONG KONG, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rolex China Sea Race will start on 5 April 2023 in Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour and take competitors 565-nautical miles (1,046 kilometres) across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines.. Rolex has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with yachting dating back to the late 1950s. Close support of pre-eminent yacht clubs and first ...

  19. RHKYC

    The Volvo Hong Kong to Vietnam Race 2023 is organised by the RHKYC and will be run under the auspices of RORC and the RORC Offshore Special Regulations. It is a challenging, predominantly downwind, 673nm fast passage to Nha Trang, on the south-eastern coast of Vietnam - the race is recognised as a qualifying race for the Rolex Sydney Hobart ...

  20. Magic Start to Rolex China Sea Race

    HONG KONG, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A lovely 10 to 12kts north easterly breeze made for an exciting start to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Rolex China Sea Race 2024. All 21 boats got off to a clean start today at 1120hrs in the stunning Hong Kong Victoria Harbour. The fleet gathered before the start at RHKYC's Kellett Island Clubhouse for a lion dance to wish the competitors a ...

  21. RHKYC

    Rolex China Sea Race Hong Kong to Vietnam Race Hong Kong to Hainan Race Coastal Race Series 2023-2024 Hong Kong to Puerto Galera Yacht Race Easter ... Based out of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre, with racing taking place across three race courses in the areas of Middle Island, Repulse Bay, Deep ...