Hong Kong Race Week

Organised by the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China, and co-organised with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (and for the 2025 29er Asian Championship, the International 29er Class Association), racing in the Hong Kong Race Week concluded on Sunday, the 16th of February 2025.

A record-breaking 317 sailors from 12 countries and regions were represented – Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Italy, Greece, Guam, Japan, China, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the US. There were 11 categories competing on three racecourses and the regatta was conducted from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Middle Island facility on the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Thursday (13th), the first day of the competition, began under changing weather conditions with light to moderate winds. The following day (14th), the wind strength increased further and, over the first two days, competitors at all levels completed a total of eight races. On the third day (15th) and final day (16th), the wind strength dropped sharply, with all race areas experiencing light winds or even calm conditions, leading to delays and some races being postponed or cancelled.

Regardless, champions from all the different categories were crowned on Sunday, the 16th of February. In terms of results, the spotlight was on Hong Kong, China sailors Raphael & Tiffany Mak. They competed together as siblings for the first time in the 29er Asian Championship and, by taking full advantage of their home waters, emerged victorious in their debut.

The top three positions were as follows: in 1st place, Hong Kong, China representatives Raphael & Tiffany Mak, in 2nd US sailors Kevin Cason & Holland Verling, while in 3rd place Thai sailors, Patcharaphan Ongkaloy & Kan Kachachuen.

In the ILCA 6 category, the strong favourite – Hong Kong, China Olympic sailor Stephanie Norton – clinched the title. Her fellow sailor, Nancy Highfield, secured 2nd while Japanese competitor, Nana Funazawa, finished in 3rd.

In the ILCA 7 category, Hong Kong, China Olympic sailor Nicholas Halliday showcased consistency throughout the four-day competition, easily taking 1st place. His teammate, Peter Jessop, secured 2nd.

Sailing is a sport that could truly be called 'inclusive' and local organization Sailability was well represented. In the 2.4mR category, VS Bertrand was crowned champion, while Yuen Wai Foo placed 2nd and Eric Cheung, 3rd.