Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has issued the Notice of Race and Entry Form for the 17th edition of the biennial San Fernando Race, which will depart from Hong Kong on 20 April bound for the destination of San Fernando in the northern Philippines, 480nm away.
San Fernando Race 2009 - Photo credit RHKYC Guy Nowell
Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, this Category 1 Offshore Race starts in the spring grey of Hong Kong, with sailors quickly shedding layers as the fleet gets into the sunnier waters of the South China Sea.
The by-line for the race is ‘fun in the sun’, although all competitors realise that conditions can be testing for the most experienced of sailors and this blue water classic is never taken lightly.
The race starts from the Club Line of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, in the middle of Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbour, taking the fleet out past Waglan Island and then on to the Philippines. The current record of 49 hours 55 minutes and 12 seconds was set by Hong Kong sailor Sam Chan in 2001 and around 35 competitors will be trying to better this target come April.
While being a serious offshore race, an element of fun underlies the event, with prizes on offer for the biggest fish caught and the boat raising most money for The San Fernando Race Foundation, amongst others.
San Fernando Race, Sailing yacht Xena - Photo credit RHKYC Guy Nowell
The Charity element of the race receives high priority, with proceeds from several fund-raising events going to the Full Gospel Faith Temple Orphanage in San Fernando. The San Fernando Race Foundation Limited, which is a registered charity in Hong Kong, oversees the charitable activities and, since 1995, the money raised has been used to assist the Orphanage in improving its facilities, for both everyday living and the education of the children.
Documents can be downloaded from the Race website, www.sanfernandorace.com
For further enquiries about the race, please contact Alex Johnston, Sailing Manager, +852 2239 0362 or e-mail Alex.Johnston@rhkyc.org.hk
