Dinghy masters aim for $750,000 in endurance race Helmsmen as young as seven will be steering some of the dozens of sailing dinghies taking part in this year's 24-hour endurance race at Hebe Haven. The junior sailors who take part in regular classes throughout the year come from schools around Sai Kung and learn to sail as part of the Hebe Haven Yacht Club's programme to encourage the community to enjoy sports on the water. The sailing event next week is the only 24-hour dinghy event in Asia, says race organiser Mark Houghton. Starting at 2pm on Saturday, at least 350 people will be sailing in shifts for 24 hours to raise money for charity. Last year, the club raised $350,000, which went to buy prosthetic limbs for children. This year, the club aims to raise at least $750,000 for the Children's Cancer Foundation and the Senior Citizens' Home Safety Association, general manager Lisa Keatley said. 'Funds will come from two sources,' she said. 'All 16 teams sailing 27 dinghies will be seeking sponsorship. And we expect hundreds of people to turn up for the funfair that will take place at the club while the race is going on. 'It will be a real party atmosphere and it's open to the public at no cost.' Teams from every yacht club in Hong Kong will sail in the event. Businesses, other sports groups and community organisations will also enter teams. Four classes of sailing dinghies will be used, from one-person Lasers to two-man dinghies like the Enterprise class and Laser Stratos, which can carry four people. Ms Keatley said the endurance race was the key feature of the weekend, but that the club treated the two days as an open day for the public. 'It will be like a fete with food and drink available and fun for everyone,' she said.
