Sir Robin Knox-Johnston with all guns firing for RHKYC Nations' Cup

by RHKYC on 6 Mar 2014 Sir Robin Knox-Johnston 'can think of few greater honours' than to present the Vic Locke Memorial Trophy' to the winner of the 2014 GREAT Nations’ Cup after racing this Saturday 8 March. RHKYC Past Commodore Vic Locke, who sadly passed away in November 2013, was a great fan of this particular event and Sir Robin will present the award 'in honour of my good friend' along with Vic’s partner Pixie Thomas.

Sir Robin also been been announced as the Keynote Speaker at the GREAT Nations’ Cup Gala Dinner to be held at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club on Friday 7 March. Knox-Johnston is a renowned English sailor and the first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 1968. He was also the second winner of the Jules Verne Trophy, awarded for the fastest circumnavigation of the world by any type of yacht.He is now widely known for his creation of the Clipper Race, an around the world yacht race established to give everyone, regardless of sailing experience, the opportunity to discover the exhilaration of ocean sailing.

British Consul-General Caroline Wilson said, 'It is an honour to have one of Britain’s foremost sailors join us to celebrate the GREAT Nations’ Cup and the start of GREAT Week in Hong Kong. As a pioneer in the sailing world, his skill and determination provide inspiration to young sportsmen and women around the globe.' Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said, 'Hong Kong has a rich maritime heritage and is the most vibrant shipping and yachting hub in Asia, both for business and for sports. I look forward to attending the GREAT Nations’ Cup and enjoying the local passion for sailing.'

'GREAT Week in Hong Kong is a celebration of Britain and what better representative to join us at Asia’s premier Yacht Club for the GREAT Nations’ Cup Gala Dinner than Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. His accomplishments at sea are legendary and his long association with the Club and its races will ensure that he will be a well-received and honoured guest at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club for this special occasion' said Mark Bovaird, General Manager of the Club.

As of today, the RHKYC has received 75 entries from 19 nations and expects more entries in the next few days. The event is regarded as a special highlight in the Club’s sailing calendar and is often referred to as sailing’s answer to the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens with competitors sailing in fancy dress and a focus on fun competition.