Hong Kong to Tainan
INAUGURAL EASTERN ASIA OFFSHORE RACE
Starts Thursday 29 May 2025

1962 – Five boats, including one from Japan and one from the Philippines set out on the first China Sea Race with one radio amongst them. Escorted for the first 100nm by the Hong Kong Royal Naval Reserve, the boats took over six days to reach Corregidor, outside Manila Bay where they were met by the Philippine Navy. Chris von Sydow took line honours in 107h 29m 57s and engraved Reverie’s name on both the Sunday Telegraph Trophy for Line Honours and the China Sea Race Trophy.  

 

1964 – 12 entries received for the second race.

 

1966 – 13 entries including the famous ketch, Stormvogel, which finished 26 hours ahead of its nearest rival for Line Honours, but only placed fifth on handicap. Japanese yacht Fuji completed her 1,500 mile maiden voyage from Tokyo during the pre-race dinner on Thursday 31st March, to receive a standing ovation. Unfortunately, in their hurry to prepare for the race, the crew forgot to take on any water and subsequently were forced to abandon the race in a state of exhaustion.

 

1968 – 17 entries received for the race, which was included as an event in the inaugural World Ocean Racing Championships, which were to run for three years.

 

1970 – Japanese entry Chita III carries off the silverware and breaks Reverie’s race record by over 2.5 hours.