SAILABILITY HONG KONG LIMITED
Registered Charity No: 91/15775
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As we welcome in 2025 we would like to say thank you to all our
supporters, sailors and volunteers without whom Sailability Hong Kong would not be what it is today. An amazing 5,192 sailors during 2024!!
We Make Sailing Accessible to EVERYONE whilst changing lives.
Come and see what we do 'seeing is believing'
February 2025
A day on Sailability’s MoHan by Clelia, Volunteer
Last Sunday, I set out with Sailability on MoHan, alongside Kay and a small group of friends. The weather was kind: a bright, sunny day with a clear blue sky, rare for winter; and we sailed steadily around Hong Kong Island, taking in familiar sights like the iconic HK skyline and islands. The plan had been to watch the Hong Kong Race Week from the water, but it was cancelled due to a lack of wind. Still, the day turned out wonderful.
At Middle Island, we dropped anchor for a simple lunch of delicious sandwiches and lemon cake baked by Kay, which added a delightful, homemade comfort to the day. Throughout the day, I spent time with two younger companions, Matilda and Amber, who brought a spark of curiosity to the trip. The two young girls even took to climbing the boom, enthusiastically scrambling up over and over again. The crew, a mix of volunteers, beneficiaries, and people introduced to Sailability for the first time, were kind and patient, guiding us through steering the boat. Even the girls, as young as eight, took control with confidence!
After the day was over, I stepped off MoHan with a smile. It wasn’t just about the sailing; Sailability wove us all together: new friends, kind crew, fun moments. These outings build more than just memories, they create a community that feels like a family I didn’t expect to find.
Clelia Van's first time steering MoHan
Sun Hung Kai & Co. Hong Kong Race Week 2025
The Sun Hung Kai & Co. Hong Kong Race Week 2025 concluded on a windless note, with the final day’s races canceled due to lack of breeze. Despite the calm finish, championships were awarded based on the thrilling races completed earlier in the week. In the 2.4mR class, Virgile Bertrand clinched the title, finishing three points ahead of defending champion FOO Yuen Wai.
This year’s regatta marked a milestone as the largest to date, hosting an impressive 286 boats. Principal Race Officer Barry Truhol reflected on the event’s highs and lows: “We’ve had it all—cold, windy, hot, and even no wind. But it’s been an incredibly fun event with some truly exciting racing.”
A record 317 sailors from 12 countries and regions—including Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (China), Italy, Greece, Guam, Japan, Mainland China, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, and the USA—competed, showcasing the event’s growing global appeal.
Sailability Shines at the 2025 Four Peaks Race Prize Giving Ceremony
Sailability celebrated a triumphant victory at the 2025 Four Peaks Race, securing first prize in the PHS Division B. The team’s outstanding performance was recognized at the Prize Giving Ceremony, where they proudly collected not one, but two trophies: the Aberdeen Boat Club Trophy and the Edwin Palfrey & Associates Trophy, the latter also honoring their top spot overall in the PHS Division B.
January 2025
Celebrating Chinese New Year at Hebe Haven Yacht Club
The spirit of Chinese New Year was vividly brought to life at Hebe Haven Yacht Club, the proud home of Sailability HK, with a mesmerizing Lion Dance performance. The event was graced by distinguished VIPs including Sonny Payne, Commodore of HHYC, Aaron Goach, Vice Commodore of HHYC, Mr. Shek Sze Ming, Honorary Advisor of Sai Kung Rural Committee, and Madam Tsang Kit Ying, Acting Divisional Commander of the Hong Kong Police Force Marine East Division.
The highlight of the celebration was undoubtedly the spectacular Lion Dance by the Brothers Martial Art Company. Their performance not only entertained but also symbolized good luck and prosperity for the new year. The vibrant dance created an atmosphere of joy and festivity. From Sailability HK, we wish everyone around the globe a Happy Chinese New Year with hopes of health, happiness, and harmony. 🐍🧧
MoHan stood out this year as one of only 8 boats to successfully complete the race, marking a remarkable achievement for our diverse team of disabled and able-bodied participants. The team included individuals with conditions like muscular dystrophy and polio, and notably, a lower amputee blade runner in his 70s.
Celvin, our 24-year-old SEN runner, etched his name in history as the first person with a disability to complete the 4 Peaks in this race. Sailability Hong Kong is thrilled to have supported Celvin and his mother in achieving this dream, showcasing the immense potential and ability of all who join us. Kay, who has been onboard for each of Sailability's participations in the last three years, described this year's conditions as "the coldest and windiest" compared to the previous two. MoHan crossed the finish line at 1:30pm on Sunday, concluding an intense 27-hour race.
Kay expressed her gratitude, "Thanks to Skipper Tai Leung and his brother Kelvin who ensured safety throughout our journey, our Para Sailors who took on significant roles in helming, main, and jib support, and of course, our runners and kayakers who demonstrated their capabilities in this mammoth task." She continued, "Thank you to the ABC event team, our sponsors, and our own sponsors for making these extraordinary events possible. I think you know where my heart lies, and every day we make a difference in the lives of everyone who joins us. I'm so proud of our team for this race. Four other boats retired, but we carried on with no complaints from our crew. The resilience and determination shown by everyone was second to none and an example to us all."
Chinese New Year Calligraphy
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with us! Volunteer Yuen, a gem in our Sailability crew, crafted special Chinese New Year messages for our sailors at last weekend's Saturday Sailing session. His creativity added an extra touch of joy to our festivities. Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful New Year! 🧧
Sailability HK’s Co-Founder and CEO Kay Rawbone BEM Appointed Chair of World Sailing's Para Sailing Committee
Kay Rawbone, the co-founder and CEO of Sailability HK, has been named the new Chair of the World Sailing Para Sailing Committee, a role she described as both "overwhelming" and an "honour".
Announced a few weeks ago, this appointment marks a significant milestone not only for Kay but also for the entire Sailability HK community, highlighting their journey since 2009. "It was such a shock and at the same time such an honour, not just for me but all those who have worked and supported us since 2009 to be where we are today on the world stage. It really puts Hong Kong on the map too," Kay shared in an exclusive statement on Sailability HK's official Facebook page. She thanked everyone for their support, which she credited for making Sailability HK one of the best in the world.
Looking towards her new role, Kay expressed her vision for the future of para sailing, particularly in Asia and less developed countries. "There is work to do. From a good working base, I hope we can encourage more para sailing in Asia and many other less and middle developed countries around the world. Encouraging more MNAS and yacht clubs to support para sailing as we continue to educate people about the talents and abilities of our sailors, increasing diversity in sailing as we have in HK," she stated.
Kay emphasised the universal benefits of sailing and her commitment to making it accessible to everyone. "The benefits of sailing to us all is immeasurable and should be available to all. How will we do this? With a passionate committee willing to share ideas and encourage MNAs around the world to open up and provide opportunities to EVERYONE. Together we can do this!" she concluded, rallying for collective action and inclusivity in the sport.
Sun Hung Kai & Co Around The Island Race 2025
Sailability once again participated in the iconic sailing event, the Around The Island Race, last weekend. This race boasts a rich history dating back to 1864, with 227 boats competing this year. For the Sailability team, the day began at the crack of dawn when the crew assembled at 0500 hours at Hebe Haven Yacht Club. As they made their way from HHYC to the start line, the sun rose over Clear Water Bay. After reaching the start line, the crew hoisted the main sail and positioned themselves near the line. Skipper Tai remarked, “The wind was weak and the tide was strong against us but it was important to get a good start.”
With the race start scheduled for 0840, the waters near the start line became increasingly crowded. In the light wind and strong current, MoHan struggled to cross the line, finally managing to do so, only to be stuck near North Point for nearly an hour. The breeze was so light that it was nearly noon before MoHan could pass Lei Yue Mun, having spent three hours in the harbour. Conditions improved slightly after Lei Yue Mun, with Tai noting, “We headed to Cape D’aguilar with a better speed, and after passing Cape D’aguilar we sailed with the headsails all the way to Cyberport only for the wind to then drop again.” The crew had to work hard, focusing on sail trimming and executing numerous tacks in the light wind.
MoHan re-entered the harbour around 1600 but couldn't reach the finish line near Kellet Island by the 1700 cut-off time despite sailing until the last moment. "We tried our best in the Race," Tai reflected. After an exhausting day, the crew returned to HHYC around 2000 hours, having been on board for a total of 15 hours. "Despite the long day, all crew members enjoyed the race. And we learned as a crew," Tai concluded with determination, "We’ll be back next year!"
Title Sponsor: Sun Hung Kai & Co
Supporting Sponsors: St. James's Place Asia & Middle East, World Maritime Merchants Forum
Partners: Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne, Sail-World
Hansa World Championships Selection Races
The Hansa World Championships are set to take place in Sydney, Australia in March 2025. Leading up to this prestigious event, Sailability HK held selection races on 5 January, 12 January, and 19 January to determine their representatives. Classes taking part in the selection are: Hansa Liberty, Hansa Singles Male, Hansa Singles Female and Hansa 303 Doubles.
The first selection race on 5 January showcased calm conditions with minimal wind, a stark contrast to what competitors might face in Sydney. Race Officer Paul Wu had a challenging day as the wind conditions fluctuated significantly. The day started with Race 1 in a moderate 8 knots breeze which then diminished nearly to nothing. Between Race 2 and Race 3, the light breeze also shifted direction from north to south-easterly. Despite these variable conditions, Paul Wu managed to complete three races as scheduled, showcasing the adaptability and skill of both the sailors and the race management team.
