on 11 Aug 2023
The biennial race will start on 27 March 2024 in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, returning to its original rhythm of 'even' years after pandemic disruption
Nick Southward’s Whiskey Jack lifted the China Sea Trophy in 2023. Credit: Rolex / Daniel Forster
Entries are now open for the Rolex China Sea Race 2024, with the just-launched notice of race encouraging sailors from around the world to join one of the most tactical offshore races in the world.
The race will start on 27 March 2024 in Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour and take competitors 565nm across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines.
The year 2024 marks the 62nd Anniversary of this World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Category 1 race, which is organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Hong Kong. Rolex has been a partner of the Club since 2007 and title sponsor of its flagship race since 2008.
Credit: Rolex / Daniel Forster
This 565nm Category 1 Offshore Race is run under the auspices of RORC, and takes competitors from Hong Kong, China, to Subic Bay in the Philippines. The 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions of the Rolex China Sea Race were eventually cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic and uncertainty regarding international border openings. The Rolex China Sea Race 2023 was the first offshore race resumed in Hong Kong, after which the race will return to its original rhythm of ‘even’ years for the biennial race.
In the 2023 edition, Nick Southward’s Whiskey Jack lifted the China Sea Trophy for corrected time on IRC handicap, and Ernesto Echauz’s Standard Insurance Centennial 5 marked the first time in the race history that a Philippines entry has taken Line Honours at the Rolex China Sea Race.
Credit: Rolex / Daniel Forster
The Hong Kong-based Beneteau sales manager, Cosmas Grelon, and his father, Philippe Grelon, participated together in the Rolex China Sea Race 2023, entering as a double-handed team sailing on the Beneteau Figaro 3, in the name of Simpson Marine and Beneteau.
The notice of race can be found on the official Rolex China Sea Race website.
For more Yachting news click here.