29er Asian Championship about to start at Sun Hung Kai & Co. Hong Kong Race Week 2026
by 29er Class 29 Jan 00:15 PST
27 January - 1 February 2026
29er Asian Championship 2026 © RHKYC / Guy Nowell
An exciting fleet of 276 entries, comprising 306 sailors, will compete in the Sun Hung Kai & Co. Hong Kong Race Week 2026, incorporating the 2026 29er Asian Championship.
Now in its 10th edition, the regatta begins tomorrow, bringing together youth sailors from across Asia and around the world for one of the most anticipated events on the international youth dinghy circuit.
A traditional Hong Kong cultural opening ceremony including a Lion Dance was held today, officiated by Hong Kong Race Week Regatta Chairperson Lucy Sutro, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Commodore Adrian Pang, Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China Honorary President Mr. Karl Kwok, Hong Kong Sports Institute High Performance Administration Manager Mr. Samual Chan, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Leisure Manager (Sports Development) Mr. Cheng Yiu Fai and Sun Hung Kai & Co Ltd. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. Tony Edwards.
Commodore of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Adrian Pang, said, "The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has a proud history of organising world-class local and international sailing events, and we are thrilled to once again host this incredible regatta at our Middle Island Water Sports Training Centre."
Regatta Chairperson Lucy Sutro welcomed sailors from all around the world: "This regatta truly highlights the growing stature of Hong Kong Race Week on the global youth sailing calendar. With sailors competing side by side from Australia, Great Britain, Japan, and beyond, we foster an environment of camaraderie, skill development, and excellence. Many of our athletes see this event as a vital stepping stone in their preparation for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, and we are proud to support their journeys."
This year, one third of all competitors have travelled from overseas, representing 12 countries and regions including Australia, Chinese Mainland, Greece, Great Britain, Hong Kong (China), Italy, Japan, Macau (China), Puerto Rico, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. With such depth of talent, an exciting week of high intensity racing is expected.
Sun Hung Kai & Co. Hong Kong Race Week continues to serve as a key development platform for aspiring Asian athletes. For Hong Kong, the regatta is also a selection event for the 2026 Asian Games for the 29er and ILCA 4 classes.
Development, coaching and on-site content
Supporting the fleet on site will be the International 29er Class Development & Coaching Team, with Larry Cargill (Development & Coaching Manager) and Hiroki Goto, based in Asia, present throughout the championship.
During the week, Larry and Hiroki will share technical insights, racecourse observations and daily reflections directly from Hong Kong, offering valuable educational content to the global 29er community.
Sailors' voices from the fleet
Watch today's interview featuring two young sailors from Tasmania, sharing their experience of racing in Hong Kong and competing at the 29er Asian Championship.
A proven world-class venue
Hong Kong's race areas are internationally renowned and have previously hosted major youth and high-performance events, including the 2018 29er World Championship and the 2025 29er Asian Championship, reinforcing the city's reputation as a premier destination for top-level youth sailing.
Earlier today, 27th January, the championship officially moved onto the water following the opening ceremony, with teams completing a practice race in around 12 knots of breeze and choppy sea conditions. The session provided an enjoyable and valuable first feel for the Hong Kong race area ahead of the championship.
Racing will get fully under way 28th January, with the first race scheduled to start at 10:55.
An exciting week of competitive racing, international exchange and development both on and off the water is set to unfold.
www.hongkongraceweek.com