The biennial Hong Kong to San Fernando Race is set for a major boost in 2001 when the Clipper Challenge round-the-world series fleet will take part in the event.
The Clipper Challenge fleet of seven 60-foot Holman and Pye designed clipper-rigged sloops are currently in Hong Kong before setting off on their next leg to Singapore tomorrow.
Vic Locke, chairman of the San Fernando Race organising committee and past commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, said there wasn't sufficient time to include the Clipper Challenge fleet in this year's race, which begins today.
'I have been speaking with the organiser of the Clipper Challenge, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, and he is really keen on the idea of combining a leg of his race with the San Fernando event,' Locke said.
Dates for the 2001 San Fernando Race will have to be ratified, but it is likely to remain in the same time slot.
The Clipper Challenge series started last October from Plymouth, England, and so far the seven competitors have visited Hawaii, Yokohama, Shanghai and Hong Kong.