2021 Rolex China Sea Race is cancelled

At a length of 565 nm, the Rolex China Sea Race is one of the classic 600 +/- nm offshore tests in the sport. However, these are tough times in their section of the world, and this course from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines is no exception.

After COVID-19 caused the cancellation in 2020 due to the fleet’s inability to enter the Philippines, it was decided to defer that edition to take place in 2021, after which the Race would return to its original rhythm of ‘even’ years for the biennial Race (i.e. the next three editions will be held in 2021, 2022 and 2024).

However, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation and continued uncertainty regarding international border openings, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has now had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Rolex China Sea Race as well, which was due to start on March 31.

“We felt that the situation would have improved sufficiently by March 2021, yet this is not to be and we feel that it is prudent to cancel,” explained RHKYC Commodore, Denis Martinet. “We shall work tirelessly to bring about a fantastic Rolex China Sea Race in 2022 to celebrate its 60th anniversary.”