Rolex China Sea Race

04/05/2026

2028 Rolex China Sea Race- entries are open

One of Asia’s most iconic offshore yacht races returns in 2028. The 565 nm Category 1 Rolex China Sea Race will start on 8 March from Hong Kong’s spectacular Victoria Harbour, sending competitors on a demanding offshore passage to Subic Bay, Philippines.

Celebrating its 66th anniversary, this biennial event is organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and continues to attract a world class fleet of both performance driven and professionally campaigned yachts.

The 2026 edition made history when William Liu’s Ker 42 Custom Seawolf became the first Chinese Mainland yacht to win the IRC Overall title. Philip Turner’s R/P 66 Team Alive – Rampage claimed Line Honours, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a true test of offshore excellence.

World renowned skipper Duncan Hine (Team Alive – Rampage) sums it up best:
“The Rolex China Sea Race is one of those races that truly tests your skills. It’s that race where everyone has that chance to pull off a miracle, big and small alike. If you have the opportunity to do this race, it’s absolutely worth the effort. Being a biennial event makes it far more achievable, and with the strong support of RHKYC, much of the shore side work is made easier. That leaves you focus on the best part—sailing. Sail your dreams.”

Rolex China Sea Race 2028 starts 8 March!
2028年勞力士中國海帆船賽將於3月8日開賽

24/04/2026

15/04/2026

The Spirit of Yachting: Rolex China Sea Race 2026

The Rolex China Sea Race is Asia’s principal blue water race. Held biennially, the 565-nautical mile (1,046 km) epic from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to Subic Bay in the Philippines has retained the original Corinthian ethos at the heart of the brand’s relationship with the sport. The 2026 edition – brought forward by a month to take advantage of the north-east monsoon – was among the fastest and most demanding in its 64-year history. William Liu’s Ker 42 Custom Seawolf secured a historic triumph by being crowned IRC Overall Champion, becoming the first Chinese Mainland yacht to claim that title. Philip Turner’s Reichel/Pugh 66 Team Alive-Rampage took a decisive Line Honours victory in 49 hours, 55 minutes and 8 seconds, coming up just shy of eclipsing the race record it set in 2016. Organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), Rolex has partnered this offshore classic since 2008 as part of its almost 70-year relationship with yachting.

The Rolex China Sea Race is Asia’s principal blue water race. Held biennially, the 565-nautical mile (1,046 km) epic from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to Sub...

01/04/2026

Rolex China Sea Race 2026

The 2026 Rolex China Sea Race delivered three days of fast paced, highly demanding offshore competition as twenty yachts departed Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on 4 March, taking on the iconic 565nm passage to Subic Bay, Philippines. Widely regarded as one of the quickest and most challenging editions in recent years, the race showcased exceptional skill and determination across the fleet. William Liu’s Ker 42 Custom Seawolf claimed the coveted IRC Overall Champion title, while Philip Turner’s R/P 66 Team Alive–Rampage secured Line Honours. Adding to the historic nature of the event, Tiger Mok became the first sailor to compete single handed, marking a significant milestone for the race.

19/03/2026

Rolex China Sea Race 2026 Prize Giving

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rolex, our title sponsor. Their steadfast support since 2008 has helped establish this race as a highlight of the international sailing calendar and brings valuable global attention to both the event and to Hong Kong. We also warmly welcome and thank our new official partner, Nautor Swan. Their involvement is greatly appreciated and adds further prestige to the event.

24/11/2025

100 Days to go until the Rolex China Sea Race 2026

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club proudly announces the official 100-day countdown to the Rolex China Sea Race 2026, one of Asia’s most prestigious offshore sailing events. On 4 March 2026, the race will set sail from Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour, launching an exhilarating 565-nautical-mile journey across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Among the returning competitors is Mondher Latiri’s Pogo 36, Gutsy, the historic first-ever entry from Chinese Taipei in the 2024 Rolex China Sea Race.

First held in 1962, the Rolex China Sea Race has earned its reputation as a true test of skill, endurance, and strategy, attracting world-class sailors and yachts from around the globe. This biennial event combines challenging conditions with breathtaking scenery, offering competitors an unforgettable offshore racing experience.

Over the decades, the race has continued to captivate the international yachting community, cementing its status as an Asian blue-water classic. It has garnered numerous accolades, including Best Asian Regatta at the Asia Boating Awards, and remains a flagship event for Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.

The 2026 edition marks the 64th anniversary of this Offshore Category 1 Race, organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club—one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most prestigious sailing institutions. Competitors will once again face the ultimate challenge: a 565nm passage across the South China Sea, starting from Hong Kong’s spectacular harbour and finishing in Subic Bay.

Commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Adrian Pang commented: “The Rolex China Sea Race is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of seamanship and adventure. Each edition brings together sailors from around the world to experience the unique challenges and beauty of the South China Sea. We are thrilled to welcome the fleet back to Hong Kong for this iconic event.”

For those eager to join this extraordinary adventure, the Notice of Race and online entry system are now available on the official Rolex China Sea Race website. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their applications early to secure their place. The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club looks forward to welcoming the fleet in March and continuing the proud tradition of this iconic race.