Entries have closed for the 2010 China Coast Regatta, organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. From this Friday, 45 boats in eight Divisions, ranging in size from the 75’ Reichel Pugh, Jelik III to a brand new fleet of J/80’s will contest China Coast Regatta in the waters to the south east of Hong Kong Island.
Three days of racing, typically in a 15 to 20kt nor’easterly breeze on a lumpy sea, will offer combinations of Windward/Leeward and Islands courses out of RHKYC’s Middle Island base, with the final Islands race on Sunday delivering the sailors back to Kellett Island for the overall Regatta Prizegiving by the pool.
RHKYC China Coast Regatta 2009' IRC B start - Credit Guy Nowell RHKYC
The entry list boasts several brand new IRC racers, together with last year’s winners and stalwarts of the Hong Kong big boat racing calendar. Ray Roberts’ 2009 Div A winner Evolution Racing will this year will compete against Sam Chan’s newly acquired TP52 FreeFire, Frank Pong’s recently acquired TP52 Jelik V, and Geoff Hill’s Strewth – the division is rounded out by Frank Pong’s Reichel Pugh 75, Jelik III and Neil Pryde’s modified Welbourn 52, Hi Fi. None of these boats can be discounted, and some thrilling racing is on the cards.
RHKYC China Coast Regatta 2009 IRC C start. Credit - Guy Nowell RHKYC
In Hong Kong, the 35-40’ racers are known as the ‘roaring 40’s’ and are a rapidly growing IRC fleet which enjoys highly competitive inshore racing. The Isler/Taylor owned Mills 41, Ambush is back to try and extend her Division B title to a third year, however this year’s defence looks like a tall order.
EFG Bank Mandrake 2, owned by Fred Kinmonth and Nick Burns, was part of the Hong Kong team’s arsenal for their second place at the recent Rolex Commodores‘ Cup, along with CCR Chairman, Helmuth Hennig’s King 40, Blondie VI. Both boats will be aiming to spoil the Ambush party, in the close company of 10 other competitive yachts.
With further divisions for IRC Racing C, IRC Cruising, HKPN and the J/80 one-design fleet, still smelling of fresh antifoul, the 2010 Regatta promises three great days on the water.
Race Week kicks off on Thursday evening with Welcome Drinks on the Lawn at RHKYC Kellett Island starting at 1930hrs.
