20th 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race returns to Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Hong Kong
by Camellia Poon 11 Oct 2023 14:47 BST
14-15 October 2023
20th 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race returns to Hebe Haven Yacht Club, Hong Kong © HHYC
The fun and inclusive Hebe Haven Yacht Club (HHYC) annual event, the 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race, returns
and will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year.
The 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race is the longest-running, and indeed the only 24 hour
endurance dinghy race event in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Since its inception in
2002, the event has raised over HK$12 million for its chosen charities. The event takes
place over a two-day weekend and is expected to attract visitors, dinghy race teams,
volunteers and supporting sponsors. Race village featuring a diverse variety of stalls
and land-based activities and entertainment will be available for visitors to enjoy the
weekend vibes with families and friends and raise money for local charities. The Red
Stripes, Jimmy2Times, Bollywood Dance Performance and display of Rugby World
Cup, just to name a few. Who knows, maybe our friendly whales might come along too.
This year there are 35 boats racing at the 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race, with
representatives from different clubs, schools and companies including DEA Sailing
Association, Wah Yan Alumni, Police Sailing Club, Hong Kong Academy, etc. One of
the charities, Sai Kung District Community Centre, is also proud to enter a team first
time this year, along with Sunshine crew members of Children's Cancer Foundation,
TREATS and Sailability Hong Kong Limited. Raced in the sheltered waters
immediately in front of HHYC, the 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race offers a challenging
lap race sailed around a short course (over approximately one nautical mile). This
charity event is truly a great one for those who wish to "sail for charities" and those
looking for some competitive racing out on the water.
The event is open to the public and admission is free. Donation boxes will be set up
around the event and at the entrance so everyone is encouraged to make a
contribution. As in previous years, the 5 local worthy charities we support are:
Children's Cancer Foundation, TREATS, IDEAL, Sailability Hong Kong Limited and
the Sai Kung District Community Centre. Donations are open from now on until
midnight on 31 October 2023.
Simon Robertson, Chairperson of 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race 2023, HHYC, said,
"We are glad to see that the economy is back to the pre-pandemic times. This iconic
club event is a key event on HHYC's calendar and has always been a fantastic
weekend that helps promote dinghy sailing as a sport and offers a great opportunity to
connect the community and support those with special education needs, the
underprivileged, cancer patients and ethnic minority groups."
HHYC is once again grateful for the full support of club members together with
sponsors and supporting partners including, St James' s Place, Knight Frank, Honour
Lane Shipping Limited, Bon Café, Corney & Barrow, CLP, Carlsberg and Telford
International Company Ltd.
Programme highlights:
1. 24-hour dinghy racing event on the water
2. Live music performance by bands: Levelling Out, Black Lodge Cabaret, The Red Stripes and Jimmy2Times
3. Sports on stage: Hong Kong Piloxing Master Trainers and Sally G of Sally G Fitness
4. Chillout zone: Face Painting, Bouncy Castles, Shaolin Basketball, Asia Adventure Sport
5. Charity stalls
6. Over 25 local vendor stalls including George Papadopoulos Photography, Sai Kung Stray Friends, T10 Asia and many more
7. Rugby World Cup on the giant screen
Event website: www.hebehaven24hour.com
Make your donation online: donate.hebehaven24hour.com