29er Hong Kong Open - Overall

29er Hong Kong Open © RHKYC / Naomi Rebecca

33 boats from seven countries including Australia, Canada, US Virgin Islands, New Zealand, Russia, USA and Hong Kong took part in the 29er Hong Kong Open 2017. 12 races were sailed over three days on race tracks located south east of Hong Kong Island in Stanley Bay and near Poi Toi Island.

Day 3, the final day of 29er Hong Kong Open got away today with blue skies and good breeze which built slightly throughout the day with a few twists and turns to keep the sailors busy. Racing was tight and even with the close fleet, no protests were lodged throughout the entire regatta. A little adrenalin was pumping amongst the Race Management volunteers when a tanker decided to cross the course during one race but luckily most of the fleet were already nearing the finish.

There were big shifts in the lead boats from Day 1 to Day 3 where the New Zealand teams sailed better in the heavier conditions and Hong Kong teams benefitting in the lighter conditions on Days 2 and 3. The biggest shift was Hong Kong's Aberdeen Boat Club's Karrie Clark and Akira Sakai who jumped from 10th to 2nd overall in Day 2 with three bullets. Clark, one of the youngest competitors at age 13 was able to maintain their position on the final day of racing with one more bullet; they also took the win for first mixed team.

29er Hong Kong Open - photo © RHKYC / Naomi Rebecca

Taking 1st place overall (six points ahead of 2nd overall), with three firsts, was Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Calum Gregor and Jon Crawford. Calum commented on the racing "The winning streak was down to consistency; getting off the line well. Making sure you are playing on the lifting tack. We focused on the committee boat end during racing today, getting control of the fleet on the way out to the left." 3rd overall went to New Zealand's Sebastian Lardies and Scott McKenzie, who maintained their top 3 position throughout the event and 37 points ahead of 4th overall.

The Zhik 29er World Championship kicks off on 2 January with an Opening Ceremony being held at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's main Clubhouse on Kellett Island, racing will be held from 2 to 8 January when the Zhik 29er World Champion 2018 will be crowned.

Overall Results: