[050213.EN.SEA] Vessels Urged To Steer Clear Of Macau-Hong Kong Yacht Race

VESSELS navigating through waters in the vicinity of the Macau-Hong Kong Yacht Race on February 9 and February 11 are being urged to proceed with caution and to give practical consideration to the contestants.

Compliance with the provisions of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 is mandatory, says a port news report from GAC.

It said 35 sailing boats are expected to participate in the races that will start at 1000 hrs on February 9 south-east of Lamma Island.

Depending on the weather conditions, the route will follow either a westerly route and south of Lamma Island, south of Tai A Chau and on to Macau if the wind is coming from the north. Or, the race will take a south-westerly route through the southern boundary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and on to Macau if the wind is coming from the south.

The return trip from Macau to Hong Kong will start at 1030 hrs on February 11 and follow either a route south of Tai A Chau to complete the race east of Cheung Chau, if the wind is coming from the north. Or, the yachts will sail south of Shek Kwu Chau to the east of Cheung Chau, if the wind is coming from the south.

Source : HKSG, 04.02.13.