The 2020 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta and Macao Cup International Regatta, organised by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and Across Four Oceans Sailing Event Management, in association with the Marine and Water Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macau Sailing Association, officially started today in the waters of Macao. 37 teams from the Greater Bay Area and various countries from around the world are contesting for the overall title of three different races. At the conclusion of the first day of competition, Team Péan from France, Team BLU from Hong Kong and Team Vayu from Thailand lead the standing in the Macao Cup International Regatta, the the Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta and the International Catamaran Invitational respectively.

Before the races commenced, the 11 Beneteau First 40.7 unified design group boats taking part in the Macao Cup International Regatta and the 11 IRC group boats in the Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta took part in a fleet parade, setting sail at 9am from the Fisherman's Wharf to the Macao Tower under the guidance of the committee boat. After the parade, the yachts went to the waters off south of Hac Sa Beach and started today’s course races. With a fast breeze of 18 knots this morning, it provided the best occasion for all the teams to show their sailing skills. 

Eleven teams in Beneteau First 40.7 boats from China, Russia, the Philippines, Italy, Estonia, France, Hong Kong and Macao are contesting the highlight Macao Cup International Regatta. After the first two races, Team Péan led by French sailing legend Lionel Péan top the standing, follow by Team RHKYC Sharks from Italy and Team Vivat Sailing from Russia.

Eleven teams from Macao, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai are taking part in the Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta IRC class.  After some fierce competitions amongst the teams, Team BLU won the first daily award, The first and second runners-up are Macau Sugram Seamo from Macao and Daydream from Hong Kong respectively.

This year’s newly-added International Catamaran Invitational Hobie 16 class contains 15 outstanding teams from China, Germany, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong and Macao racing in the waters south of the Inner Harbour Channel.  Only 13 teams managed to complete all four rounds of races today.  Team Vayu from Thailand, Team Diva from South Korea and Team Phoneix from Thailand are the current top three.

The regattas will recommence tomorrow (11 January) with the round-the-island race in the waters south of Hac Sa Beach to Huangmao Island for the Macao Cup International Regatta group and the Greater Bay Area Regatta group. The International Catamaran Invitiational will continue in the waters south of the Inner Harbour Channel.

The organisers held the opening ceremony and daily awards presentation after the races finished today. The guests in attendance include: Mr. Pun Weng Kun, President of Sports Bureau; Mr. Ma Man Wai, Director of Across Four Oceans Sailing Event Management; Mr. Kuok Kin, Deputy Director of Marine and Water Bureau; Mr. Robert Li, Vice Chairman of Macau Sailing Association; Mr. Allen Lau and Ms. Christine Lam, Vice Presidents of Sports Bureau; Mr. Donald Chow, Executive Director of Macau Legend Development Ltd.; Mr Charles Lo, President of Sports and Olympic Committee of Macao, China; Mr Chan Chak Mo, Secretary General of Sports and Olympic Committee of Macao, China;member of Sports Committee, other guests and media representatives.

For more information, please visit the official website www.macaoregatta.com.