China Coast Regatta attracts over 30 entries

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China Coast Regatta 2020; Photos: RHKYC / Guy Nowell

Originally slated for October 8-10 but postponed due to Typhoon Lionrock, this year’s China Coast Regatta is now scheduled for October 15-17 and marks the 29th edition of Hong Kong’s premier big boat event, which was first held in 1993.

Running out of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island clubhouse, 31 yachts will compete in six divisions: TP52, IRC 1, IRC 2, IRC 3, Cruiser and HKPN. Racing will consist of windward/leeward, geometric and island courses, with Inge Strompf-Jepsen heading the race management team.

The TP52 division includes four TP52s, with Alpha + skippered by Shawn Kang the favourite after taking first place in the division in 2020. They are being challenged by veteran Sam Chan, skipper and owner of Freefire, Phoenix raced by Robert Wiest, Victor Kuk and David Ho, and Rampage 88 skippered by Noel Chan.

In IRC Racer 1, contenders include Ambush (Mills 41), defending champion Zannekin (Ker 46) and Seawolf 2 (Ker 42 Custom), as well as Neo One (Neo 400+) and Quest (Mills 41).
IRC Racer 2 is the biggest contingent with eight yachts featuring the King Mills 40 Witchcraft skippered by Nick Burns, Rampage (Tripp 40) owned by Kelvin Au Yeung and Nightshift (Judel Vrolijk Custom 36) owned by James Verner.

Admiralty Harbour Whiskey Jack (J/109) skippered by Nick Southward is among favourites for IRC Racer 3, which features seven entries including Dexter II (A35) skippered by the experienced Simon Wong. The division also includes three Jeanneau Sun Fast 3600s: Arcturus (Dennis Chien), Ding Dong (Thomas Wong) and Zesst (Henning Mueller).

In IRC Cruiser, Lisa Elaine and Xena will be racing around plenty of islands on the south side of Hong Kong. The HKPN fleet starts on Saturday and entries include the newly acquired Blowers Daughter and recognisable names from previous editions such as DEA II, Generations, Jibulai and Sea Wings.