50th Anniversary Rolex China Sea Race starts on Wednesday

Commodore Ambrose Lo (left) and Race Chairman Richard Strompf (right) with the Rolex China Sea Race Trophies © Daniel Forster / Rolex

Fifty years is a significant milestone for any sailing event, and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is proud that in that time, the 565-nautical mile course from Hong Kong to the Philippines has grown from its first race in 1962 with only 5 yachts to become.... not only the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s flagship sailing event.... but an event that is widely recognised as Asia’s premier offshore race.

There are 26 entries across the classes of IRC Racing, Premier Cruising, Cruising and HKPN. The IRC Racing class has been divided into three divisions while the biggest division is Cruising with 8 entries. The entries boast competitive boats from Australia, Singapore and the Philippines, and of course local Hong Kong teams.

This offshore race often proves tactically challenging as navigators and crews try to pick the optimum route across the South China Sea. The breeze can typically be heavy leaving Hong Kong but, once the yachts head southeasterly across the sea, it’s a question of staying in the breeze – which can often go light approaching the Philippine coast and the finish.

This Asian blue-water classic is part of Rolex’s distinguished portfolio of offshore races, and was the first Asian sailing event sponsored by Rolex back in 2008. The close ties that bind Rolex to the world of sailing date back to the late 1950s as the spirit and philosophy of the sport are in perfect harmony with the values that Rolex holds dear: excellence, precision and team spirit. Rolex has cultivated close associations with the best known yacht clubs and organisers of major events in the world of sailing, and RHKYC is honoured to be included as one of these organisations. With Rolex’s support, this Race has garnered increased attention within the international yachting fraternity and is of great significance to Hong Kong and the region.

The RHKYC Main Bar Balcony will be a prime viewing platform for the 2012 Race, which will start on a Club Line in Victoria Harbour at 1220hrs on 4 April. In case of light wind conditions in the Harbour, the Race Officer may change the venue and time of the start as allowed under the sailing instructions.

A media boat will be available for members of the press wishing to cover the start of the Race from the water. This will leave from the Eastern Pontoon at RHKYC at 1115hrs on Wednesday 4 April - please indicate your interest on the enclosed reply form.

For more information about the Rolex China Sea Race 2012, including the entry list, please visit www.rolexchinasearace.com