The first ever Volvo Ocean Race Hong Kong stopover is officially underway following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.
The stopover, which is situated on Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Runway Park, marks the first time that the boats have visited the region – and with local team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag currently leading the Leg 4 fleet, the excitement is tangible.
© Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race
Local dignitaries included Tong Yui Shing, President of the Hong Kong Sailing Federation; Andrew Kwok, CEO of HGC; The Hon Lau Kong-wah, Secretary for Home Affairs. They were joined by Volvo Ocean Race Executive Director Karin Backlund, and Grant Calder, Hong Kong Port Director.
© Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race
Following the ribbon-cutting, the guests were given a tour of the Race Village. The facility was already full of local school kids enjoying the interactive and immersive activities and structures. Over 12,500 local students will visit the Race Village during the festival period as part of the Schools Programme.
The Race Village is open from 9am to 10pm from 17-31 January and is free to enter. The fleet is currently due to arrive on 19 January – and the race festival period is jam-packed full of activities including live music, Tai Chi, and on-water action such as the HGC In-Port Race and the Around the Island Race.
For more information, including daily schedules in the Race Village, visit https://www.volvooceanracehk.com/
