Inaugurated in 1977, the 16th edition of the San Fernando Race will depart from Hong Kong on 08 April to the destination of San Fernando in the northern Philippines.
Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, this Category 1 Offshore Race of 480 miles 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 legend Sam Chan in 2001 and around 30 boats will be trying to better this target come April.
While being a serious offshore race, there is an element of fun such as prizes for the biggest fish caught and the boat raising most money for The San Fernando Race Foundation.
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.
The Notice of Race and Entry Form are now available from the Club’s official race website: www.sanfernandorace.com. The Sailing Instructions will be posted shortly.
