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Smooth sailing for charity racers

Rebecca Tsui

Annual 24-hour dinghy event raises HK$800,000

An annual charity event helped students to show off their sailing skills.

Organised by the Hebe Haven Yacht Club, the fifth 24-Hour Charity Dinghy Race was held over the weekend. The event is the only one of its kind in Asia, and just one of four worldwide.

All major yacht clubs in Hong Kong, including Hebe Haven, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Aberdeen Boat Club, took part in the competition.

There were also entries from organisations, such as the Police Sailing School and Outward Bound, as well as schools, including King George V School, German Swiss International School, West Island School and Clearwater Bay School.

In addition, the race featured individuals as well as corporate teams, along with representatives from yacht clubs from several Asian cities, including Shanghai.

A total of 26 teams, comprising about 450 competitors, participated in four categories this year.

The race, conducted in front of Hebe Haven, covered around 1.6 kilometres. It catered to children and adults who just wanted to 'sail for charity' as well as those who wished to make it a competitive event.

Teams had 'pit stops' to change crews.

The sailors had to adapt to different temperatures and wind speeds during the 24-hour race.

Apart from the action on the water, Hebe Haven was also open to the public on both days. There was entertainment, including music, merchandise stalls, and a raft race for students.

The event had raised about HK$2.25 million in the past three years. This year, Hebe Haven collected about HK$800,000, with 70 per cent going to the Children's Cancer Foundation and 20 per cent to Enlighten - Action for Epilepsy. Another 10 per cent will go to the charity, Sunnyside Club, in keeping with Hebe Haven's mission to contribute to the community.

'This event has something for everyone,' said its chairman, Ken Trice. 'It is a marvellous opportunity for the participants to go sailing during day and night with their friends, in a safe and secure environment. It's a real adventure for many of them, and helps character building, too.'

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