China Sea Race to set sail from Hong Kong - AsiaRooms.com

Breaking the news AsiaRooms.com reveals that sailing fans using accommodation in Hong Kong may like to head to Victoria Harbour for the launch of the Rolex China Sea Race on April 1st.

Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), this biennial event features yachts racing over 565 nautical miles between Hong Kong and Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Described by the Sail World website as "one of Asia's finest offshore races", the event was first held in 1962 and received official recognition from the Royal Ocean Racing Club in 1972.

The start of the race gives people in Hong Kong an opportunity to see the fleet of competing yachts embarking on their voyage.

It will also provide visitors to the region with a chance to experience Victoria Harbour, which is famous for its panoramic view of Hong Kong Island.

Having grown bigger on each occasion, the event is expected to attract a number of high-profile entries this year.

In 2008, the Division A category was won by Subic Centennial of the Philippines, with New Zealand's Full Metal Jacket finishing second.

The inaugural China Sea Race featured just five yachts - three from the RHKYC, one from Manila and one for Japan.

As the boats were without radios in the early 1960s, winner Hector Ross on Reverie had crossed the line after six days of racing before realised that he was in first place.