Hong Kong Sailing?

[TJ]

Has anyone every sailed in and around Hong Kong? I'm flying there early November and I'm anxious to get out on the water. I've read there are 200+ island right there - sounds like great cruising but I can't find any info on renting boats there (aside from 2-hour touristy junk rides). Anyone have any experiences they can share? I'd really appreciate any help. TJ

 

[Charles Frick]

Just as romantic as New York in November

I have traveled to Hong Kong for the past 35 years and have crossed HK harbor on the Star Ferry more times than I can remember and have traveled to Macao via hydofoil several times. Flying in to HK takes one over much open water surrounding HK. If you love walltowall people, and are enthralled with the idea of sailing in overcrowded, polluted water you will love Hong Kong. And, in Nov. you can freeze your a-- off in Hong Kong. But hell, you've got exotic, beautiful, New York harbor much closer. If you want to do a beautiful cruise in the HongKong neighborhood fly to Phuket Island, Thailand.

 

[TJ]

Ouch...Hong Kong Sailing

Thanks Charles. IT doesn't sound like the greatest endorsement I've every heard. Can't do Thailand this time round but I'll be in Hong Kong for 10 days. I was planning on visiting Macao and the other islands. Would you be willing to share any tips on the area with me? I'd love to learn for your experiences that about what to do & what to avoid (sounds like sailing may be part of the latter). If you're willing and able I'll send along my email and we can take it off forum. Thanks.TJ

 

[Charles Frick]

HK is HK. Maximize it for what it is

Hi TJ:I am by nature a cynic which colors my comments. BUT, in fact cruising in New York harbour in Nov would be close to the reality you could expect in HK. I would maximize my time there by taking HK for what it is: a thriving throbbing commercial center. Take a bus tour of the New Territories, Kowloon, and HK (that could be three seperate tours). When I traveled there, the border with China is as far as you could go. NOw I believe you can quite freely visit So. China via land. Soak up the nature of the place that way. Life is grim in 99% of the rest of the world. Makes you thank God for being a North American (at least for a brief moment in world history untill we too are stepping all over each other due to sheer numbers). I,m heading for the Annapolis Boat Show. Intend to buy 33-38 footer to cruise in the Bahamas/Caribbean for a while.Let me know how HK was (cgfrick@mindspring.com)

 

[TJ]

Hong Kong Sailing....getting the picture

I'm begining to get the picture: savour the views, kept the expectations low for sailing. I'm still looking forward to it though. I sail on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont so New York harbour sounds exciting and cold weather in November isn't scary at all. Thanks for the advice and good luck with buying your boat and subsequent cruise. Todd