Rolex China Sea Race
Rolex China Sea Race takes place Starts Mar 8, 2028 (66th edition; biennial, even years) in Hong Kong, China. The dress code is Casual for spectating on the promenades; smart club dress with collared shirt and no shorts at RHKYC functions and the prize-giving. Typical cost ranges from 600 to 2000 EUR per person.
Asia's blue-water classic: a 565-nautical-mile offshore race from Hong Kong across the South China Sea to Subic Bay in the Philippines, run by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club since 1962 and held only in even years. It now starts in early March rather than at Easter, sending the fleet out of Victoria Harbour past the container terminals and into open ocean. The start is one of the most photographed sights in Asian sailing.
- When
- Starts Mar 8, 2028 (66th edition; biennial, even years)
- Where
- Hong Kong, China
- Dress code
- Casual for spectating on the promenades; smart club dress with collared shirt and no shorts at RHKYC functions and the prize-giving
- Cost
- Typical cost ranges from 600 to 2000 EUR per person.
- Weather
- 18 - 22C, mild and humid with spring haze and a northeast monsoon breeze
- When to book
- Entries open roughly six months ahead through RHKYC; book Hong Kong hotels 3 months out
- Getting there
- HKG (Hong Kong), about 40 min to Central and Kellett Island
- Where to stay
- The Peninsula Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, The Fleming
- Official site
- https://www.rolexchinasearace.com/
How to attend
The start is free to watch from the Tsim Sha Tsui and Central harbourfront promenades. Racing is by boat entry through RHKYC, with a crew register for sailors looking for a berth, and offshore experience plus safety certification are expected. Mind the biennial cycle - after the March 2026 edition the next running is March 2028, so this one needs planning two years out.
Nothing is sold to the public - the start is free to watch from the Tsim Sha Tsui and Central harbourfront, and the only registration on the official site is boat entry through the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.
Insider tip
The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade frames the fleet against the Hong Kong Island skyline, but the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Kellett Island terrace is the insider spot if a member can sign you in.
Get inside Rolex China Sea Race
Booking matters here: entries open roughly six months ahead through RHKYC; book Hong Kong hotels 3 months out. Members track that window, what it really costs, and 573 more events across the season.
Free while in beta. One email when your invitation is ready, nothing else.