CHEERING crowds greeted the triumphant crew of Ji Fung yesterday as they returned to Hong Kong proudly holding aloft their Tall Ships Race winners' trophy.
'We did this for the people of Hong Kong,' said crew member Jeffrey Chung Siu-sun, 22. 'Everyone was very emotional about representing their home, and doing their best for it.' The 40-metre square-rigged ship came first in its class, beating its nearest rival by more than 12 hours in the 4,000 kilometre race.
It also gained a special award from judges who decided the crew had been the friendliest and made the greatest contribution of all 30 ships in the Sail Osaka '97 competition.
More than 200 people, led by Urban Council chairman Dr Ronald Leung Ding-bong and acting Director of Marine Tsui Shung-yiu, greeted the crew of 48 at Kowloon Public Pier. Hong Kong Sea Scouts brass band played and a public address system blared the Cliff Richard hit Congratulations amid emotional reunions.
Captain Greg Tonnison sang the praises of his crew, many of whom were novices, saying: 'Hong Kong can know this crew has done it proud.'
