Hong Kong Sailor Back to the Olympics

by | 09/04/2021 | Local News, Racing News, Racing Results, Sailing Bulletin, World News

(Photo credit RHKYC / Guy Nowell)

Congratulations to Stephanie Norton, our native born Hong Kong sailor, who brought Hong Kong’s dinghy sailing sport back to the Olympic sphere in the recent qualifying Mussanah Open Championship 2021.  Hong Kong 49er’s team Akira Sakai and Russel Aylsworth, together with 49er FX’s team Molly Highfield and Sandy Choi were crowned with Silver Medals.  Our other elite Hong Kong sailors also deserved a big round of applause for their excellent performance in the Championship

The strength of our Hong Kong sailor’s successes inevitably came from Head Coach Jamie Boag, Double Handed Coach Rory Godman and Single Handed Coach Ben Koppelaar.  Without their spirit, professionalism and contribution, the word Olympic is just a dream!

It was certainly not easy for all our sailors and coaches.  They have overcome ages of uncertainties with the suspension of local and overseas training for months in 2020.  Coupled by cancellation of the original Asian Sailing Championships in February, frustration has been everywhere.  But they all managed it brilliantly and eventually were able to spend few months of intensive training in the Middle East.  All these have been a true test of perseverance and endurance under a pandemic environment that never happened before.

Well done Hong Kong Team!

We would take this opportunity to thank Rene Appel who orchestrated the Elite Training Program and Hong Kong Sports Institute for its tremendous support to sailing.  Obviously last but not least, big thanks to our remarkable Immediate Past President Tong Yui Shing who decisively put all initiatives in proper actions that laid the solid foundation for today’s achievements.

Let the Pearl shine again!

HKSF Release: 9th April 2021

0 Comments