2019 Hong Kong to Vietnam Race - Two racing trimarans feature for the first time
by RHKYC Media 16 Sep 2019 12:51 BST
15-16 October 2019
SHK Scallywag / FUKU at RHKYC Hainan Race 2018 © Guy Nowell / RHKYC
International entries from six countries mark the first sign ups for the ninth biennial Hong Kong to Vietnam Race; the 673nm predominantly downwind run to Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam. Racing kicks off on 15 and 16 October 2019 on Victoria Harbour in front of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's flagship Clubhouse at Kellett Island.
The Category 1 Offshore race is known for its windy and warm weather sailing conditions and is run under the auspices of Royal Ocean Racing Club. Racing finishes in Nha Trang which boasts many family-friendly resorts and is very accessible with Cam Ranh International Airport located about 40 minutes from Nha Trang town.
The first entries hail from Italy, United States and Hong Kong. Among them for the first time are two trimarans; Italian Maserati Multi70 racing against Hong Kong's Orma 60, SHK Scallywag/FUKU.
SHK Scallywag/FUKU (previously Team Australia) holds the World Sailing Speed Record Council record of 1d 5h 52m 23s between Sydney and Hobart achieving top speeds of 39.6kts. Maserati Multi70 established the fastest Hong Kong to London sailing record in 2017. Both crews will rival each other for line honours.
Also to be watched is American Bryon Ehrhart, Hong Kong to Vietnam Race 2013 IRC Racing 0 Division winner, who is returning to the Race with this high performance yacht Maxi 72 Lucky competing with a crew of well-experienced Hong Kong to Vietnam Race veterans.
Race Chairman, Joachim Isler said "Without question this one of the most rewarding offshore races on the globe. Downwind surfing for almost 700nm in 20 to 30kts of wind and tropical temperatures - it doesn't get better than that. The race is not without challenges though - all in all it's a very special and unique Race!"
The Hong Kong to Vietnam Race was first run in 1996 and then regularly since 2004. It is recognised as a qualifying race for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the longest Category One offshore race in Asia. The current record is an impressive of 42h 17m 24s and was set in 2015 by Syd Fischer's Ragamuffin 100 clocking an average VMG of 15.8kts.
To race or keep up with the latest news on the Hong Kong to Vietnam Race follow the links below: