Viva Xiamen- sailing the China Coast

by Dr Y K Szeto / Sail World Asia on 6 Jun 2005 In another initiative aimed at increasing communication between sailing entities along the China Coast, last month the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Iron Rock Sailing Club of Xiamen organised the 1st Xiamen–Hong Kong Rally.

The Xiamen Rally was supported by the Sports Association of Xiamen Government.

Xiamen is the second city of Fujian Province, on the mainland coast of the Taiwan Strait, about 250 nautical miles north-east of Hong Kong. It is a major seaport and commercial centre and was designated a ‘Special Economic Zone’ in 1980.

Six Hong Kong boats set out for Xiamen starting on 09 May, motor-sailing against predominantly easterly winds, with the first arriving in Xiamen two days later.

Remaining Hong Kong crew members flew into Xiamen over the next two days, in time to assist with fuelling and watering, and attend the Welcome Party and Dinner hosted by the Mayor of Xiamen and the local government.

There were a substantial number of spectators to watch the parade of sail through the harbour and the official rally start at 1400hrs on 14 May.

Breeze was light but building, and (uncharacteristically for the time of year) from the south. Some of the fleet found the going fairly tough, but the wind moderated overnight. All eyes were needed keep watch for the enormous number of fishing vessels in the Taiwan Strait

Those still sailing past Shan Tou were able to ease sheets for a two-sail reach, and all boats enjoyed sunshine and gentle breezes. On board Alan Fan’s Kauffman/Ladd 52, O’Feeling, ‘a sumptuous lunch’ was the order of the day as the wind veered and allowed them to fast track in to Hong Kong waters under an asymmetric spinnaker, and eventually cross the finish line at Tung Lung light on Monday evening.

The inaugural Xiamen Rally was enthusiastically enjoyed by all the participants and plans are already afoot for a repeat next year.

Participating boats:
Zephyr I
Zephyr II
Woodcrest
O'Feeling
Bon Route
Polar Star III

Result:
1 Polar Star III
2 Woodcrest
3 O'Feeling