The Volvo China Coast Regatta 2024, hosted by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club from October 11–13, delivered three days of exhilarating racing in classic Hong Kong autumn conditions. The 31-boat fleet battled strong monsoon breezes across six divisions, and UK Sailmakers customers delivered standout performances.
WHISKEY JACK Takes the Win in IRC Racer 3
In IRC Racer 3, Nick Southward’s WHISKEY JACK sailed to a commanding victory, finishing three points ahead of defending champion JUICE. With fierce competition throughout the regatta, WHISKEY JACK’s UK Sailmakers Hong Kong sails provided the precision and speed needed to secure the win. Their newly launched A2 spinnaker, crafted by UK Sailmakers Hong Kong and expertly designed by Pat Considine of UK Sailmakers Chicago, gave the J/109 a decisive boost, helping them claim the top spot. ZESST also delivered a strong performance, rounding out the podium with a 3rd place finish.
SEAWOLF Impresses in IRC Division 0
William Liu’s SEAWOLF, equipped with a partial UK Sailmakers inventory, raced against a formidable lineup in IRC Division 0, including three TP52s—RAMPAGE 88, FREEFIRE, and HAPPY GO. Despite the tough competition, SEAWOLF finished third overall, showcasing both the team’s tactical prowess and the reliability of their UK Sailmakers sails.
Strong Showings from TAI CHI, ARCTURUS+, and WILD CARD
In the hotly contested IRC Cape 31 division, Randy Yeung’s TAI CHI battled fiercely against top competitors to finish fourth overall. Meanwhile, in IRC Racer 2, Dennis Chien’s ARCTURUS+ took third place, with Glenn Smith’s WILD CARD close behind in fourth. Both teams displayed excellent boat handling throughout the regatta.
FENICE Dominates IRC Premier Cruiser
FENICE, a new entry helmed by Franco Cutrupia, also equipped with a partial UK Sailmakers inventory, claimed first place in IRC Premier Cruiser with three race wins out of four. The Solaris 60 outpaced Peter Churchouse’s MOONBLUE 2, securing the division title.
Other Notable Performances
In the PHS division, Eddy Lee’s GENERATIONS delivered a solid performance to secure third place, continuing their track record of success in Hong Kong’s regattas.
A Memorable Regatta for UK Sailmakers Teams
This year’s Volvo China Coast Regatta was a true test of tactics, boat handling, and sail performance. UK Sailmakers is proud to have supported these exceptional teams, whose achievements in the regatta are a testament to the precision and durability of our sails.
Congratulations to WHISKEY JACK, SEAWOLF, TAI CHI, ARCTURUS+, WILD CARD, ZESST, FENICE, and GENERATIONS for their impressive performances. We look forward to seeing these teams continue to excel in future races!
