Over 261 outlying Islands, UNESCO-listed rock formations and white beaches provide a perfect playground for boat lovers and water sport enthusiasts, all on the doorstep of one of the world’s busiest cities. Whether you are looking for a day charter or an overnight sail, there is a trip for every taste. Let’s explore the 3 best places to sail in Hong Kong waters.
The current Covid19 crisis has cleared much of the air and pollution is at an all time low. Daily temperatures currently sit around 32 deg Celsius and humidity levels seem lower than usual. With a steady 10kts of wind and warm waters, it is hard to find a reason not to be on the water – especially if you are can’t leave Hong Kong.
I have been unable to get to my own catamaran ‘No Shoes – Resoled’ in Croatia, so having met a bunch of Germans who own a 39’ Jeanneau Sun Odessey DS, I was willing to overlook the lack of what my new friends call “the training hull” and tag along for a few day trips.
#3 of the 3 best places to sail in Hong Kong … Sai Kung to Middle Island (20 – 25nm)
This route takes you out of Port Shelter and past Clearwater Bay toward the Ninepin Group for a dive or lunch on the boat. From here you can either take the northern route through spectacular Victoria Harbour, the heart of Hong Kong and continue to round Hong Kong Island, eventually approaching Middle Island from the West.
Alternatively, you can sail the southern route past Stanley and Repulse Bay. Apart from additional stop-over opportunities, passing through the busy East Lama Channel with some of the largest containerships in the world is a spectacular sight.
Doing the round trip back to Sai Kung is definitely a two-day trip with overnight anchoring spots in either Stanley Bay, Repulse Bay or at Middle Island in Deep Water Bay where the RHKYC has a small marina.
#2 of the 3 best places to sail in Hong Kong … Sai Kung to Mirs Bay (20 – 25nm)
Definitely a two, but best a three-day trip to the most eastern corner of Hong Kong waters. You can leave either via Port Shelter of Rocky Harbour towards Basalt Island. Like the Ninepin Group, this UNESCO listed island and surrounding coastline is famous for its volcanic hexagonal rock columns.
From there, head northeast past the beautiful, white beaches of Tai Long Wan into Mirs Bay. Ping Chau Island, part of the marine park with limited anchorages on it’s north-eastern side is a highlight of the area. Ultimately you could spend a week or two doing this trip. There is just too much to see along the way, far away from it all.
You will have to pick your overnight spots carefully though as the swell off the South China Sea can be pretty uncomfortable.
#1 of the 3 best places to sail in Hong Kong … Sai Kung to Tai Long Wan (11nm)
This is essentially following the same route out of Sai Kung as the #2 trip but stops halfway. It will be a long day on a sailing yacht for the full return trip, especially in light winds, but worth the effort.
The Tai Long Wan area consists of 4 beaches. Sai Wan and Ham Tin Wan, both with local seafood restaurants and icy cold beers on the western end as well as Tai Wan and Tung Wan toward the east.
Apart from Sai Wan, which is somewhat sheltered by a headland if you have a shallow draft boat like a catamaran, all 3 beaches are fully exposed to south and south-easterly wind and swell of the South China Sea. You can hide behind Tai Chau Island but don’t expect glassy waters. The ground here is mainly sand, so the right anchor makes a difference.
The water in this area is clean and clear, the beaches usually clean. Ham Tin Wan appears “maintained” by the local restaurant owners for obvious reasons.
If you are limited for time, there are plenty of day anchorages around Sai Kung or the Port Shelter area. However, these places are also very popular with wake boarders and junk operators (the local version of motor yachts), so it can get pretty busy on the weekends.
I have always preferred sailing in the south-eastern parts of Hong Kong waters. It’s more scenic, the water is clear and the area is less polluted by plastics and debris as it is further away from the densely populated and industrial areas of Hong Kong.
There is a large nuclear power station 13nm to the north-east of Hong Kong’s waters, but don’t worry, the tidal stream is in a north-eastly direction and I haven’t seen a 3-eyed fish in all my time in Hong Kong. Come to think, I haven’t seen many fish (at least big ones) at all actually…
But seriously, Hong Kong is a great place for sailing, so come on over and spend a few days on the water.
Here are some charter operators who might be able to help out if you don’t have your own boat (in no particular order and no commercial affiliation with me):
Simpson Yacht Charter
Poseidon Yachting
BoatrentalHK
Hong Kong Yachting
Saffron Cruises
