Entries from six countries mark the build-up to the 9th biennial Hong Kong to Vietnam Race. A 673-nautical-mile downhill slide to Nha Trang, the race begins on the 15th of October for the slower boats and a day later for the greyhounds . . .

There are inherent risks in sport and sailing is no exception. Tragically, British sailor Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson*, died on the 9th of May 2013 when his catamaran capsized on San Francisco Bay during training for the 34th America’s Cup . . .

In 1849, the first club-organised regatta in Hong Kong took place in Victoria Harbour. 170 years later, the harbour is still a hive of sailing activity as the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club raised the curtain on yet another season with its annual ‘opening’ event – the Autumn Regatta . . .

Evidence from elsewhere shows that widespread participation in sport helps to create a healthy, happy and harmonious society. Our Government's objectives are to promote sport in the community, support elite sport and make Hong Kong a venue for international sporting events, but . . .

The black shirts were out in force in Port Shelter on Saturday, the 24th of August 2019. Race officials on the committee boat, Hebe One, were not protesting but wearing their sponsored polo shirts for the final race of the UK Sailmakers Typhoon Series 2019 . . .

“12 knots, gusting 20,” was heard on the committee boat as it nosed out into Port Shelter on Sunday, the 18th of August 2019. “Give the faster boats Course 94 which takes in TCS1. Twenty-six nautical miles so they can stretch their legs.” Very promising . . .

Hong Kong Resort Co Ltd has announced a new name and new phase for Discovery Bay Marina Club (DBMC). The club’s marina is currently under renovation and, when re-opened, will be named Lantau Yacht Club (LYC) . . .

It was bright but hazy when the warning signal sounded for the final two races of the Peroni Summer Saturday Series 2019, on the 10th of August 2019 . . .

As predicted by the race officer, Inge Strompf, conditions were ‘lumpy’ in the open water outside Port Shelter, near Trio Island, where the committee boat dropped anchor for Races 6 & 7 of the UK Sailmakers Typhoon Series 2019 . . .

An Island course had been scheduled for Race 6 of the Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s Summer Saturday Series and the forecast for the day was Force 3. So, medium-distance courses were selected . . .

Held between the 17th and 24th of July in Miho Bay, Japan, the Laser Radial Men’s World Championship was won by Simon de Gendt who maintained his lead to win the event . . .

It was touch and go whether race officer, Gareth Williams, would give the 51 boats milling around Shelter Island a start, or not? The breeze had swung from 160 to 300 degrees . . . and fallen from 6 knots to 1 knot . . .