Crash death makes for subdued Scallywag celebrations on Hong Kong yachting’s landmark day
Muted atmosphere after fisherman’s death in fatal collision during fourth leg of Volvo Ocean Race, but winning skipper David Witt hopes victory against the world’s best can be platform for next generation of sailors
The magic for David Witt and the people involved in Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag lay not only in the fact that they had won the first-ever leg of the Volvo Ocean Race to sail into Hong Kong but what it might mean now for the future of yachting in the city in general.
“We’re a sailing team, we’re not rock stars, and we’ve taken on the best in the world and we’ve beaten them,” said Witt, minutes after his yacht had docked in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“I don’t think people realise how big this is for Hong Kong. The boss SH (Lee Seng Huang) has spent a lot of time, money and passion into the team and is putting a lot of money into youth sailing and this is the perfect platform. It’s really going to turn the tables in terms of where sailing is in Hong Kong and Asia.”
The Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag group are now expected to announce new initiatives for the sport in Hong Kong during festivities at the Race Village at Kai Tak Runway Park over the next few days.
Unbeknown to Witt and his crew when they crossed the line was that their nearest challenger at the time – the American-Danish team Vestas 11th Hour Racing – had been involved in a collision with a Chinese fishing boat in the waters off Waglan Island that resulted in the death of one fishermen and the rescue of nine others.