on 13 Jan 2021
Biennial offshore race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay is pushed to 2022, amid safety concerns related to Covid-19
RHKYC/ Daniel Forster
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) has announced its decision to cancel the 2021 Rolex China Sea Race. The decision was made in light of continued safety concerns over Covid-19 and ongoing international travel restrictions.
The Club added that current quarantine regulations would make it “impractical” to conduct an offshore race finishing in Philippine waters.
RHKYC/ Daniel Forster
The biennial Rolex China Sea Race, which was due to start on 31 March, was previously cancelled in 2020 following the initial outbreak of the coronavirus. The race is a 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race that takes competitors from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, Philippines.
RHKYC Commodore, Denis Martinet, said: “We are of course very disappointed. having already postponed this blue-ribbon event last year. We felt that the situation would have improved sufficiently by March 2021. Yet this is not to be and we feel that it is prudent to cancel. The Club will nevertheless endeavour to organise an independent race around the same dates in full compliance with any restrictions in place. Meanwhile, we shall work tirelessly to bring about a fantastic Rolex China Sea Race in 2022 to celebrate its 60th anniversary.”
RHKYC/ Daniel Forster
The Club, which is one of the oldest and largest sports clubs in Hong Kong, added that it “would like to thank the teams registered for their continuous support. The RHKYC Race Committee, in conjunction with our longstanding partner Rolex, will plan for a better and safer Rolex China Sea Race in 2022.”
In the meantime, RHKYC is continuing its preparations for a standalone A to A Offshore Race over Easter 2021, while “closely monitoring” pandemic developments.
