Charity presentation

Tropical cyclones can affect Hong Kong throughout the year and Super Typhoon Man-yi was one of them. Despite passing a long way to the south in late November, its rain bands brought unsettled weather to the city for an entire week. Snug inside the Hebe Haven Yacht Club's main building, though, the Cheque Presentation Ceremony for this year's 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race, held on Wednesday, the 20th of November, went ahead as planned in a spirited gathering of some 90 sailors, supportive families and cheering friends.

Ebullient Sailing Centre manager, Rob Allen, a driving force behind many of the club's activities, got things moving with a heart-felt thank you to the race committee, the volunteers, their organizing captains, the staff and those who sailed in what is now the club's premier sailing and social event. "Without you guys, there would be no fund raising. So, a big thank-you to you all," he said.

He then introduced recently-elected commodore, Sonny Payne, who welcomed everyone and called on new vice commodore, Aaron Goach, and Gencom member, Harvey Jessop, to present awards to Doris Cheung, Cheng Li Tei and Thomas Lam for their outstanding services to the club. There was also a special presentation to Foo Yuen Wai who recently won gold in Australia for Sailability Hong Kong.

Payne then went on to award the Vice Commodore's Cup to Johnson Yuen while past commodore, Don Johnston, presented the Commodore's Cup to Bridget Chan, both for their dedication to the club. Another special award was made to chairman of the 24 Hour Charity Dinghy Race committee, Simon Robertson, for his contributions to the event. It was collected by his daughter, Scarlett.

Then on to the sailing awards! As master of ceremonies, Rob Allen announced the results for the race which was held on Saturday and Sunday, the 19th and 20th of October. In 1st place, with a total of 88 laps, was the Imperial Poona Yacht Club. What an achievement – star dinghy sailor and coach, Andy Service, accepted the trophy to rapturous applause from the audience.

The Inter Schools Challenge Cup was awarded to the Hong Kong Schools Sailing Federation for their tally of 84 laps. Finally, the Charity Cup was awarded to Sailability's Para Warrior Team.

Now to the money. Highest fund raisers were Bishi Mizuiki who raised HK$95,938. In 2nd was the Imperial Poona Yacht Club (HK$86,481) and 3rd, RHKYC Sharks (HK$51,400). Well done to everyone who worked hard to raise money for the many worthy causes supported by the club.

Finally, who were the fortunate recipients? The main ones were, Ideal, which received HK$43,094.46, Treats, which received HK$86,188.55 and the Hong Kong Children's Cancer Foundation which was presented with a cheque for HK$287,296.36. Various other groups and organizations also received donations from the club.

To end the evening, a group photo was taken of all the charities together with their cheques. Total – an amazing HK$574,592.74. In closing, Rob Allen thanked everyone who came to celebrate an amazing weekend of sailing for charity.