The rise of Double Handed Division

Double-handed racing has seen a surge in popularity, with 21 boats participating in RKHYC double-handed series this year. The number of double-handed entries in offshore racing has also significantly increased, with this 350nm journey a perfect distance for the newcomers in short-handed sailing arena.

AYA Cleanmax - Philippe and Cosmas Grelon

Father and son team, Philippe and Cosmas Grelon have extensive short-handed racing experience, including the inaugural Hong Kong to Puerto Galera Yacht Race and three times as double handed entry in the Rolex China Sea Race. The Grelons took 1st place in 2023 Rolex China Sea Race double-handed division along with 2nd place IRC Overall.

Juice – Andy and Matt Pidden

Andy Pidden, owner and skipper of Juice, made his offshore race debut onboard J-99 Juice with two of his sons Tom and Matt as crew. Juice took IRC overall 3rd place overall in Rolex China Sea Race 2023. This time Andy is partnering with Matt to form another father and son team in the double-handed division.

Lisa Elaine - Carl Wilkinson and Patrick M Harmon

The pair have been active on the local double handed race scene in preparation for this Cat 1 offshore race including two double-handed races in Rolex China Sea Race on Bavaria Cruiser 56, Lisa Elaine. They will be putting their wealth of experience on the line to be tested by the conditions thrown at them at this inaugural Race.

Lisa Elaine - Carl Wilkinson and Patrick M Harmon

The pair have been active on the local double handed race scene in preparation for this Cat 1 offshore race including two double-handed races in Rolex China Sea Race on Bavaria Cruiser 56, Lisa Elaine. They will be putting their wealth of experience on the line to be tested by the conditions thrown at them at this inaugural Race.

Gutsy- Mondher Latiri and Kent Lo

Sailing brings two sailors with different nationality together, to sail double handed on the same boat. This time Latiri, Tunisian sailor who moved to Kaohsiung 35 years ago, will sail with Macao sailor Kent Lo. Latiri said” My sailing partner dropped out because of personal reasons, then Kent, this young man came up. He is a Clipper racer and he's got even more qualification and sea mileage than I am. He's very competent and I'm very happy to have him with me on board. I think we make a good team.” Kent joint Latiri to deliver Gutsy to Hong Kong and practise double-handed sailing together.

Latiri also shared the reason why short-handed racing is getting popular: “Double is cheap and it's a money saver. Try to imagine managing a crew of four or six people, bringing them up all the way from Taiwan to Hong Kong, making all the hotel reservation transportation all the insurance and all the equipment on the boat. You know, if we have the opportunity to have some young people that really want to do it, that's great. I'm happy to encourage.”