(Hong Kong, China)- The 2012 Rolex China Sea Race sees the China Sea
Race celebrate its 50th Anniversary, starting 4 April in Victoria
Harbour, Hong Kong. This 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race is run under
the auspices of RORC, and takes competitors from Hong Hong, China to
Subic Bay in the Philippines. The race has a rich and storied past.
On 7th April 1962, three yachts from RHKYC, one from Manila and one from
Japan crossed the line at the start of the first China Sea Race. The
yachts were escorted over the first 100 miles of their 600 mile journey
by two minesweepers of the Hong Kong Royal Naval Reserve.
The finish was off Corregidor Island, crossing a line formed by vessels
of the Philippines Navy, to be met by members of the Manila Yacht Club
who had co-operated most generously with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
in all the arrangements. The China Sea Race was subsequently held as a
biennial event. In 1964 it attracted 12 entries and in 1966, 13,
including the famous ketch Stormvogel. With each successive race, the
event grew bigger. In 1968, it was included for the first time in the
newly organised World Ocean Racing Championships and in 1972 it was
officially recognized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Since then it has
continued to attract interest and, as an undisputed Asian blue-water
classic, has served to draw the attention of the international yachting
fraternity to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
This year will see a two J/Teams from the Royal Hong Kong YC
participating. The J/109 WHISKEY JACK sailed by Nick Southward from
RHKYC will be competing in IRC Racing 2 Class against an A35 and Sydney
36. And, the J/145c REDEYE skippered by Wayne Thompson in IRC Cruising
Class of eight yachts will be sailing against a raft of Beneteau's and
Jeanneau's. For more Rolex China Sea Race sailing information.