Royal Hong Kong’s Yachting Elite Embark on the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race under Flawless Skies

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

A delightful 10 to 12 knots breeze from the north-east set the stage for an exhilarating kick-off to the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race hosted by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. All 21 boats smoothly commenced the race at 1120hrs amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Hong Kong Victoria Harbour.

Prior to the race, the fleet gathered at RHKYC’s Kellett Island Clubhouse, where a traditional lion dance bestowed well wishes upon the competitors for a safe voyage across the formidable South China Sea.

In the competitive IRC Racer 0 Class, the start line witnessed a tight contest among three top contenders: R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V and two TP52s, Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial III. Nie Hua’s Happy Go surged ahead, crossing the line first with full momentum at the sound of the horn, only to be overtaken by the larger rival, Standard Insurance Centennial V, near Kai Tak.

The narrow passage through Lei Yue Mun Gap saw R/P 75 Standard Insurance Centennial V, helmed by two-time China Sea Race Overall winner Ernesto Echauz, leading the pack, trailed closely by TP52s Happy Go and Standard Insurance Centennial III.

As the fleet ventured beyond the sheltered harbor, they encountered significant swells reaching up to 2.5 meters, resulting in the early retirement of Zoe.

Among the six international entries, two Filipino boats demonstrated strong performance, while mainland China entries Seawolf and Tong Ran, along with the first-ever entries from Chinese Taipei and Korea, showed promise in the initial stages of the race.

By 1600hrs, Happy Go maintained its lead, cruising at approximately 8.6 knots, followed closely by the two Standard Insurance team boats, Centennial V and Centennial III.

As the competitors embark on their 565-nautical-mile journey to Subic Bay across the South China Sea, they anticipate a southerly airstream filling in by Thursday, necessitating an upwind beat towards the Philippines.

The 2024 edition marks the 62nd anniversary of this prestigious blue-water classic, organized by the esteemed Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in partnership with Rolex, the event’s title sponsor since 2008.

The Rolex China Sea Race offers two primary awards: the coveted Rolex China Sea Race Trophy for the IRC Overall winner on corrected time, and the Sunday Telegraph Trophy for the initial vessel to cross the finish line in actual elapsed time.Additionally, a Rolex timepiece awaits the first boat under IRC Overall handicap and the first Monohull Line Honours winner.

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