Volvo China Coast Regatta 2024: A Thrilling Show of Sailing Excellence

The Volvo China Coast Regatta 2024, held from October 11th to 13th, once again showcased the best of Hong Kong’s stunning sailing conditions. Known for its mix of excellent breezes, clear blue skies, and warm waters, this regatta brought together elite sailors from around the globe for three days of competitive racing, as well as the camaraderie and social events that make this regatta a favorite on the international sailing calendar.

Image Source: Volvo China Coast Regatta 2024 - Day 3 - photo © RHKYC / Guy Nowell

Ideal Conditions for Intense Racing

The races were held just southeast of Lamma Island, where the Race Management team recorded an average of 15 knots of north-easterly winds, with gusts peaking at 20 knots—ideal conditions for highly competitive racing. Sailors navigated through challenging courses, making use of advanced equipment that ensured both speed and safety. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just starting out, having the right gear can make a significant difference, from reliable sailing jackets to sturdy ropes designed for performance and durability in demanding conditions.

Close Competitions Across Divisions

After three days of intense competition and a total of seven races, Noel Chan’s Rampage 88 emerged victorious in the overall IRC divisions, narrowly beating Nie Hua’s Happy Go, which took two wins on the final day but ended up three points short. William Liu’s Seawolf rounded out the top three in this highly competitive division.

In the IRC Cape 31 division, Denis Ma’s Rampage38 claimed the top spot, outperforming Denis Martinet and Drew Taylor’s Capitano, despite their two final-day victories. David Kong’s Out of Africa followed closely in second place.

One of the most dominant performances came from Nick Burn’s Witchcraft in IRC Racer 2, which won all seven races to take the overall division victory, with James Verner’s Nightshift in second and Dennis Chien’s Arcturus+ in third.

In IRC Racer 3, the battle was fierce between Admiralty Harbour Whiskey Jack and Juice, with Nick Southward’s team emerging victorious, three points ahead of Andrew Pidden’s Juice after both took one win each on the final day.

The PHS division saw a thrilling finish, with DBX2, skippered by Thomas Wong, tying with Bradley Wilkins’ Blowers Daughter on 5 points. However, DBX2 claimed the overall win on countback.

A Fitting Finale to a Competitive Regatta

The final day saw thrilling finishes across all divisions. The IRC Premier division competed in island courses that tested both strategy and endurance, with Franco Cutrupia’s Fenice securing top honors.

As the regatta concluded, the event stood as a reminder of the importance of precision and quality when it comes to sailing. Sailors and enthusiasts alike recognize that having high-performance gear—whether it’s robust ropes, reliable deck hardware, or protective clothing—can greatly enhance not only performance but also safety during a race.

Looking Forward to 2025

With such a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Volvo China Coast Regatta, the anticipation is already building for next year’s event. Sailors, spectators, and organizers alike are eager for more intense racing and memorable social events that make the Volvo China Coast Regatta a standout on the international sailing calendar. Until then, we celebrate the incredible skill and teamwork that defined this year's competition.

Stay tuned for more updates by visiting the official event site at China Coast Race Week, and follow along on their Facebook page for more photos and race highlights.