SEAWOLF 2 at the 2023 Volvo China Coast Regatta. Image credit: Guy Nowell
The 31st edition of the Volvo China Coast Regatta, held from October 13th to 15th, witnessed a thrilling showdown of racing skill, and it was none other than SEAWOLF 2, owned and skippered by William Liu, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, that emerged as the champion in the highly competitive IRC Racer Division 1.
SEAWOLF 2, a Ker 42 Custom yacht, defended their reputation as one of the most formidable contenders in this Division throughout the event. This victory marked the third time SEAWOLF 2 had secured a podium finish in the IRC Racer 1 Division at this event, previously winning first place in 2019 and second place in 2021.
One of the secrets to SEAWOLF 2’s success lies in its partnership with UK Sailmakers Hong Kong. The yacht races with an extensive inventory of UK Sailmakers Hong Kong sails featuring a range of headsails that includes a black Titanium J1, J2, J3, and a staysail. Aiming to enhance their performance in light winds, a few years ago, the team added three new sails to their inventory: a super light jib, a drifter, and an A1.5.
Showcasing the best of Hong Kong’s yachting community, the 2023 Volvo China Coast Regatta proved to be a true test of expertise for the 36 competing boats. The regatta was organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and featured various courses, including windward/leewards and geometric island courses.
Racing took place in the vicinity of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
The first and last days of racing offered perfect sailing conditions, with moderate northeasterly breezes and later an easterly shift. These conditions provided an ideal setting, resulting in close and intense racing. Day 1 saw 28 boats from IRC Racer and Premier classes competing. SEAWOLF 2 demonstrated exceptional boat handling with tight mark roundings and thrilling, down-to-the-wire finishes.
SEAWOLF 2 at the 2023 Volvo China Coast Regatta. Image credit: Guy Nowell
On Day 2, the race committee set different distance courses for various divisions, and all classes completed their races in two to four hours. SEAWOLF 2’s IRC Racer Division 1 was sent on a 16.5-mile island course that took them upwind toward Waglan and Sung Kong Islands before heading back downwind towards the finish line off Stanley Peninsula. After the race, participants enjoyed the regatta dinner at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Kellett Island clubhouse.
The final day of racing, Day 3, saw all IRC racer divisions compete in both windward/leeward courses and island courses in a building breeze, providing diverse and challenging competition and conditions. SEAWOLF 2 sealed up their victory on the last day by winning all three races.
IRC Racer 1 Division was packed with fast 40s, and SEAWOLF 2 faced tough competition from Marcel Liedts’ Ker 46, ZANNEKIN, and Bo Wu / Kiki XinQi Lu’s Ker 46+, UNICORN. In an exhilarating finish, William Liu and the crew aboard SEAWOLF 2 managed to outperform their rivals and secure first place overall. Only 0.5 points separated SEAWOLF 2 from ZANNEKIN in second place as UNICORN rounded out the podium in third place.
SEAWOLF 2 at the 2023 Volvo China Coast Regatta. Image credit: Guy Nowell
The 2023 Volvo China Coast Regatta proved to be another unforgettable event showcasing the best of Hong Kong’s sailing conditions: excellent breeze, blue skies, and vibrant regatta socials. As the event concluded, all participants could only anticipate the excitement of the next China Coast Regatta. We hope to see SEAWOLF 2 return to defend the IRC Racer Division 1 title.
Official Event Website:https://www.chinacoastraceweek.com/
Results: ~https://www.chinacoastraceweek.com/results-ccr~
