A number of yachts from the Philippines, including an 80-footer owned by leading businessman Andy Soriano, have pulled out of next week's Hainan Race because of the September 11 attacks in America. But local organisers were still confident that the Series would be a success and the race record held by local yachtsman Sam Chan would be broken.
'We had commitment from four boats from the Philippines this year. But soon after September 11 happened, they all pulled out,' David Kong, chairman of the China Coast Race Week organising committee, said yesterday. Only one boat from the Philippines, Karakoa, which is owned by Ray Ordoveza, will take part in the 350-nautical mile race from Hong Kong to Sanya Island next Wednesday.
Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club vice-commodore Alan Lau said it was understandable that the majority had pulled out. 'We could not hold them to their commitments, especially at a time like this. But it is a pity as we had hoped for a bigger overseas challenge.'
The Hainan Race is part of the China Coast Race Week which starts tomorrow in Hong Kong waters off Deepwater Bay. Around 30 boats have entered the three-day regatta which ends on Sunday. There will be five races for the IRC Division comprising two Island races and three windward/leeward races while the HKPN fleet will take part in three Island races and one geometric course race.
Ten boats have entered for the Hainan Race, the only international offshore race in China. Leading the way will be Frank Pong's Jelik and Sam Chan's Ffree Fire which currently holds the record of 29 hours, 55 minutes and three seconds set in 1999.
