With the start of the 24th edition of the Rolex China Sea Race just a week away, a competitive group of yachts is ready for the tactical challenges that this 565-nautical mile Asian offshore classic offers up every other year.
Twenty-four boats are entered in the race, with 21 racing in the IRC Racing Division, and five in the Cruising Division. The race starts on Thursday 20 March at 12:00 off the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in Victoria Harbour. The 2008 list of competitors combines returning race veterans with new faces. The Race has attracted several overseas entries including two Australian crews, Jon WARDILL's Australian Maid and Geoff HILL's Strewth; Chris MEADS' Full Metal Jacket from New Zealand, and Fidel/Echauz's Subic Centennial and Martin TANCO's Challenge both from the Philippines. Defending her 2006 winner's title, the Kinmonth/Burns owned Fortis Mandrake will face stiff competition from the overseas entries whilst continuing the local rivalry with Hong Kong boats such as Sam CHAN's FfreeFire 52, Neil PRYDE's Hi Fi and the Leon CHAN/James LAU owned Tipsy Frenz. All will be chasing the 2000 race record set by Karl KWOK on the Volvo 60 Beau Geste of 47 hours, 43 minutes and 7 seconds. The Rolex China Sea Race joins other prestigious Rolex-sponsored 2008 events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Swan Cup, Rolex Middle Sea Race, and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
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