Nations' Cup at Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - Preview
by RHKYC Media 17 Apr 2018 09:01 BST
22 April 2018
Hong Kong during the RHKYC Nations' Cup © RHKYC / Guy Nowell
With a strong emphasis on fun and participation, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Nations' Cup is set to take place this Sunday in Victoria Harbour.
Crews are formed along the lines of the nation of origin or allegiance. While the Nationality Criteria states that "100% of crew members must be nationals of the country which is represented by the boat they are racing on". The same criteria then goes on to offer a multitude of different ways that a 'wannabe' can qualify for a nation – all the way down to representing a Nation in the Miss Universe Pageant. It's all about having fun, and all of the entries get into the spirit of the event by decorating their boats and wearing amusing costumes.
Racing will likely be a simple course from Kellett Island out through the east end of the Harbour and back in, with the turning mark being set depending on the weather.
Prizes include the winning nation's flag being placed behind the Club's Main Bar until the race the following year, and of course the status of Champion Sailing Nation of The Year. The 2017 winning nation was New Zealand, followed by Sweden, England, Uranus, Netherlands and Scotland.
To date, entries have been received from Australia, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden and the USA - plus one out of this world entry from Uranus. Naturally, the largest number of entries hail from Hong Kong. There is no doubt the entry list will grow by tomorrow's entry deadline at 1800hrs.
Previous winning nations:
- 2017 - New Zealand
- 2016 - New Zealand
- 2015 - New Zealand
- 2014 - New Zealand
- 2013 - Philippines
- 2011 - England