Almost 60 years ago, in April 1962, yachts from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), Manila and Japan crossed the line at the start of the first-ever China Sea Race. In 1968, the China Sea Race was included in the newly organised World Ocean Racing Championships and it was officially recognised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, four years later. Leading luxury watch brand Rolex is now proud to present the biennial 2018 China Sea Race, starting on March 28.
Will Hong Kong racer Karl Kwok beat his personal best record in his hometown?
Once you’re racing on the ocean you realise how tiny you are and … how close to nature you can get, and the fresh air.
—Karl Kwok, businessman and China Sea Race champion
Setting off from Hong Kong to the Philippines
Scenic views of Victoria Harbour, nestled between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon (Credit/Pixabay)
The competing yachts begin the race in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour before embarking on the 565-nautical mile course to Subic Bay, Philippines. Hong Kong businessman, two-time Rolex China Sea Race Overall and Line Honours winner Karl Kwok is set to return to the event on his newest edition of Beau Geste, a MOD70 one-design trimaran.
Kwok and his crew
Kwok started competitive sailing when he joined the RHKYC in 1975. In 1982, he and partner Gaston Chan embarked on the Rolex China Sea Race on a Dubois 37 HINYUAN II. Tactician (New Zealand America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race sailor) Gavin Brady, navigator (British five-time Volvo Ocean Race sailor) Matthew Humphries, and RHKYC sailors Margaret Chan and Patrick Kong will join Kwok on board for the 2018 race.
Rolex China Sea Race is a very tactical offshore race. Having a solid plan before the start with small adjustments along the race course shall be the key to success.
—Karl Kwok
Kwok is well-known in Hong Kong (Credit/Christopher Pearce)
MOD Beau Geste will compete with boats hailing from Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mainland China and the United States.
Event details
Follow the 2018 Rolex China Sea Race online at www.rolexchinasearace.com for exciting yachting action! Good luck to all the racers, and to two-time winner Karl Kwok and his crew. Updates, photos and videos can be seen on the China Sea Race Facebook page and Instagram.
Love yachting? You’re in luck. The Croatia Boat Show; Singapore Yacht Show 12-15 April; and Palma Superyacht Show are all happening in April, plus lots more.
The World Superyacht Awards 2018 will take place on May 19, 2018 in Florence, Italy. Missed last year’s super-amazing, Superyacht event? Catch up here. Did you manage to catch an amazing event, or are you already planning to attend the Rolex China Sea Race? Send your photos and videos to us and we’ll try to get them online at Refined Travellers for everyone else to enjoy!
Check out a MOD70 trimaran in action. Pretty awesome!
Written By: Adriane Rysz