14th Hong Kong to San Fernando Race

by Marty Rijuris on 16 Apr 2003 Some Good News coming out of Hong Kong, at last!

Not even the SARS scare could stop the healthy buggers at the RHKYC from entering a mixed 37 strong fleet of ocean racers and gathering in Hong Kong for the 14th bi-annual running of the 480nm San Fernando Race. But Typhoon Kujira currently located South of Guam and moving at 15 knots in a WNW direction could see a number of dramatic changes made before Thursday's 12:00 noon start.

This event is considered one of Asia's classic offshore races and usually held over the easter long weekend. It is also the 11th event on the 2002/03 Asian Yachting Regatta Season that crosses the often fabled South China Sea to finish up in the Philippines in time for the following weeks Presidents Cup.

Despite some nations imposing International air travel bans on Hong Kong and fears that the financially cripling SARS outbreak was threatening the event the RHKYC have been given the green light and insist that the show must go on.

The organisers have agreed to proceed with all due care, consideration and co-operation with authorities tracking the current Asia-wide SARS outbreak. All crew will be checked by Hong Kong medical personnel before starting the race and will be checked by Philippines medical personnel before being allowed to disembark at San Fernando.

The IRC, Premier Cruising and HKPN divisions will be fiercely contested with 10 entrants apiece, and Sir Robin Knox Johnston's eight round-the-world Clippers joining in their own division. After having a lengthy stop-over and crew swap over at the half way point of their circumnavigation hosted at the RHKYC many crews will be happy to just settle into life aboard, with Justin Taylor flying the flag for Hong Kong Clipper.

All skippers are under instruction that should any member of the crew fall ill whilst at sea, the boat will need to return immediately to Hong Kong – Naturally it is hoped that this course of action will not be necessary!

The freshening force 3-4 South Easterly and changeable weather forecast for the start should initially favour Sam Chan’s 74ft sled and current monohull record holder Ffree Fire but he will find the going tough keeping up with race regular Benoit Le Saffre's big multihull Atmosphere who is puting the two days, one hour & fifty two minutes overall line honours record to the test again. Newcomer Iain Macleod's smaller Zuma is expected to be breathing down there neck and push them all the way.

As the wind usually lightens up as the leaders close in on the Luzon coast it may well come down to the wire or to the last few tactical decisions made within sight of the finish line at the small and friendly, north-western coastal Philippine resort town of San Fernando.

2001 San Fernando Race Reports with photos, news, results and summary by clicking on: http://asianyachting.com/news/SanFern.htm

The 14 Regatta's included on the 2002/03 Asian Yachting Regatta Season and covered on the AsianYachting website which usually runs for 8-months from October to May. Not bad! Hey?


1. China Coast Race Week http://www.chinacoastraceweek.com

2. Hong Kong to Hainan http://asianyachting.com/news/ChinaCRW02.htm

3. Asean Regatta - http://www.aseanregatta.com

4. Raja Muda Int Regatta - http://www.rsyc.com.my

5. Phuket King's Cup - http://www.kingscup.com

6. Singapore Straits - http://www.sailing.org.sg/straitsregatta

7. Manila to Boracay Race - http://asianyachting.com/news/BoracayRace.htm

8. Phang Nga Bay Regatta - http://www.bayregatta.com

9. Andaman Sea Rally - http://asianyachting.com/news/AndamanSea03.htm

10. Royal Langkawi Int Regatta http://www.langkawiregatta.com

11. April 17 - 19 Hong Kong to San Fernando www.rhkyc.org.hk

12. April 23 - 26 President's Cup Regatta http://www.prescup.com

13. May 2 - 5 Coronation Cup http://asianyachting.com/Clubs/SattahipYC.htm

14. May 25 - 31st Koh Samui Regatta www.samuiregatta.com