Ting Chan
Want to try a new sport? Love the water? Get inspired by Hong Kong sailor Ting Chan. She’s been making waves and breaking records, and has hopes for gold at the 2016 Olympics. She tells Anya Beniac about her love of the sport.
HK Magazine: How did you start sailing?
Ting Chan: When I was studying at university, a friend of mine asked me to start sailing with her. I had no idea what it was but agreed to go along anyway. Initially, I thought that we would be steering a motorboat. When we finally got out on the water I was surprised that this motorless boat was able to move. It was love at first sight. I loved being so close to the water. I loved everything about it.
HK: How often do you sail?
TC: On average, I sail about two or three times a week. Each sailing session lasts two to three hours. Any longer than a couple of hours is pointless, as after a certain time you start to get tired and your physical condition worsens. The longest I have ever stayed on the water was in a race in Holland. I was out on the water for about seven hours—I was tired, cold and hungry.
HK: What do you like most about sailing?
TC: When I sail, I feel at one with nature. It makes me so happy when I can reach out and touch the water. I also love that it is environmentally friendly and that the more you sail, the more you notice your progress.
HK: What would you like to say to people interested in sailing?
TC: Make sure you can swim and that you are not afraid of the water! If you’re going to start, make sure it is sailing you want to do, not windsurfing! I know many who get confused between the two. I prefer sailing, as windsurfing requires a lot more strength.
HK: What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had on the water?
TC: The most memorable was when I got stuck near the airport runway out at Chek Lap Kok. I had police boats demanding that I move my boat. But as there was no wind, I was stuck! This made the police angry—they yelled out “You are now in a restricted area, you must move your boat immediately!”
HK: How do you feel when you sail?
TC: I do become very bored if there isn’t much wind. Like most sailors, I am better at sailing in heavier winds. Recently a group of men and I competed in the annual Around the Island Race, and the wind was like that of a Typhoon 3! We were all surprised that our yacht didn’t break—and more so that in such conditions, we were able to break the previous record by about 30 minutes.