SOME might prefer the luxury of shag-pile carpets and white leather seats on ''gin palaces'' with their powerful engines, but, besides that, Hongkong has a lot to offer in terms of sailing.
When compared with the turquoise waters and stunning scenery of other sailing locations in the region, such as Phuket or Palawan, the territory leaves something to be desired.
But on a sunny summer afternoon on a schooner under full sail, passing small, rocky islands, it does not seem like Hongkong at all - except for the occasional plastic bag floating past.
For the more committed, the attractions are hanging off a trapeze as the spray flies, struggling with an unruly spinnaker, or straining the biceps and sweating on the end of a winch handle.
The racing scene in Hongkong is, like other facets of life, keenly competitive.
Teams regularly compete in world championships, major ocean races and regional events.