The Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race, featuring a competitive field of four yachts, has concluded successfully at Sanya, Hainan.

Franco Cutrupia’s Solaris 60 Fenice arrived in Sanya on Saturday morning at 0515hrs HK Time with an elapsed time of 1d 17h 55m 45s to finish the 390nm race and take the double win: both the Line Honours and the IRC Overall title.

Given the fantastic force 5-6 northeasterly which blew throughout the race, Fenice stayed close to the rhumb line together with Ocean’s Five and Zoe, while Team Sanya sailed south of the rhumb line, chasing for better breeze and current by going further offshore.

Fresh from taking the Champion title in the 2024 Volvo China Coast Regatta Premier Cruiser division, Fenice made a stunning offshore debut. Skipper Fabio Brunazzi and navigator Philippe Grelon have extensive offshore passage experience and Fenice enjoyed a fantastic time sailing downwind in champagne sailing conditions; surfing on waves and reaching incredible speed despite their reduced sails.

Team manager Rosario Pedicini was delighted: “Following our victory at the China Coast Regatta, we are thrilled to have led Fenice to success in our first offshore race for the Solaris 60. Owner Franco Cutrupia and team manager Rosario Pedicini take pride in fostering a team of gentlemen and gentlewomen who embrace sailing as the noble sport it has always been, demonstrating respect and good manners even in challenging conditions. We eagerly anticipate sharing more events aboard Fenice with like-minded individuals and competing alongside fair competitors.”

Second to arrive in Sanya, Hainan was the sole Chinese entry, Jianghe (Tiger) Teng’s Comar Comet 51s Team Sanya (ex Jiu Ling Yun). Team Sanya arrived on Saturday morning at 0945hrs with an elapsed time of 1d 22h 25m 8s.

Tiger shared their expectations prior to the race: “Hong Kong has the highest level of sailors amongst Asia and Hong Kong sailors have the best boats and best sailing knowledge, so we came to Hong Kong to learn. We do not even think about our chance of winning this race as we focus on how to sail well, do our best in all aspects, and hope for the best.”

Some 2.5 hours later, Hugues de Saint Germain’s A40 RC Ocean’s Five also completed the race at 1218hrs with an elapsed time of 2d 0h 58m 54s. The official standings will be confirmed as soon as possible. The lone boat in the PHS division, Johnson Yuen’s Hanse 370 Zoe, finished at 1651hrs.

The Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race 2025 started in Hong Kong’s stunning Victoria Harbour on 9 January taking competitors on a 390nm historically downwind passage to Sanya, known as the “Hawaii of the East”, which is a great finish location for a holiday and a famous hub for yacht tourism.

by Vivian Ngan