THE annual Hong Kong to Macau two-legged series turned into a thriller with brisk 25-to 30-knot winds adding to the excitement which saw one competitor dismasted.
Chris Hunt aboard the J9.2 By Jingo and Andy Lam at the helm of J35 Joyride shared the silverware on corrected time under Channel Handicap System (CHS), while Nick Adams scored a popular win under Portsmouth Yard Stick (PYS) with his ageing Swan 36, Ceil II.
By Jingo took the opening 22 nautical-mile race last Thursday from a start near the new bridge at Ma Wan to just off the new airport site at Macau in a speedy three hours, 52 minutes and 57 seconds in smooth 20-to 25-knot easterly conditions.
Joyride finished a mere 13 minutes behind to set up an exciting return leg after the crew from the 50 competing yachts were treated to hospitality from the Club Nautico de Macau.
The crew aboard the 11-metre, Ron Holland-designed RB, missed the fun after a backstay runner gave way early in the first leg.
Nobody aboard was hurt and the crew retrieved the mast and motored back to Hong Kong.
