China to debut in Syd-Hob

Mainland China will make its debut in the 71st edition of the Hobart Yacht Race, joining two other internationals and 14 Australians who were quick to sign up after entries opened on August 28.

Serena Cai, who is managing the Chinese yacht, Ark323, said the Chinese team could not wait to put their entry in, aware the race had attracted entries from Hong Kong in the past, but never from mainland China and never with a full Chinese crew.

Cai said today: "Ark323 is a purely Chinese entry; a Chinese owner, crew and administrators. The yacht is representing Noah Sailing Club in Shanghai, but we do have a coach from New Zealand. The boat is owned by Noah’s Group, which is led by Wilson Lee and sponsored by E-commerce company Nuoego.com."

Lee, a Chinese businessman who lived in Australia for a time, said: "We made a decision to enter the Rolex Sydney Hobart because of the nature of the prestigious event, the challenge it presents. It is also one of the ultimate platforms to showcase the Chinese team and the Club’s passion to increase a Chinese presence at international yachting events."

The team consists of 12 sailors, drawn from the best the country has to offer. They come from all points of China and have a wide range of sailing skills. Training together since March, Serena Cai says: "They are very excited to be the first crew from mainland China to enter the race."

To be skippered by Robert Hielkema, Ark323 is a TP52, best known under her previous identities of Sled and Warpath. She will be sailed to Australia from Sanya, where Australian Genevieve White is currently helping prepare the boat’s safety equipment and supervising marine safety training.

The 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race entry and Notice of Race are now online at: http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/competitors/online-race-entry/

Photos: Miguel Toran