Hong Kong, 6 March 2018: A record number of competitors will take part in this weekend’s Boase Cohen & Collins Inter-School Sailing Festival as the regatta continues to grow under the firm’s title sponsorship.
A total of 178 youngsters from 18 schools – two more than last year – will do battle on the waters off the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Middle Island facility on 10-11 March. The young sailors will contest around 200 highly competitive short-course races in two divisions, for Feva and Pico dinghies.
“Our vision has always been to work in conjunction with the Yacht Club to grow this event year on year, giving more young people an opportunity to learn to sail in a safe environment and then enjoy the thrill of competing in their first regatta,” said Boase Cohen & Collins Senior Partner Colin Cohen.
“We’re delighted that since we began our title sponsorship in 2016 the number of competing schools has almost doubled and the number of sailors has risen 45 per cent. The regatta’s reputation continues to spread and this year we are pleased to welcome to the fray two new schools, Harrow International School and Hong Kong Academy.
“As well, the regatta offers an excellent environment for corporate hospitality and we shall, once again, be hosting a significant number of clients and business associates at the clubhouse on Saturday afternoon. It promises to be an entertaining weekend both on and off the water.”
The Boase Cohen & Collins Inter-School Sailing Festival sees teams comprising a minimum of six sailors manning three dinghies in a team racing format against their opposition. The results for each boat in a team are combined, so the format neutralises the benefit of having one good sailor in a team. Tactics feature heavily, with competitors strategically delaying opposition boats to help boost their team’s aggregate score.
The event is also designated a Clean Regatta by Sailors for the Sea, a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving and protecting the ocean. Around 1,000 sailing events worldwide are registered with the Clean Regatta programme, which encourages sustainability and limiting environmental impact.
Last year saw King George V School take home the win in the Feva Division – thanks in part to renowned junior sailing siblings, the Gregor brothers – with the Hong Kong Schools Sailing Association winning the Pico Division.
Many of the schools participate in the Yacht Club’s sailing programmes throughout the year either as individuals or as part of their school’s curriculum.