The ‘Aloha Cup’ 5th Round Hainan Regatta 2014 kicked off in Sanya Bay on the morning of 21st March with a record-breaking 45 participating teams representing 15 countries and regions from four continents.

A total of 372 sailors from Russia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Australia, Britain, Holland, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan participated.

The 45-strong fleet is divided this year into five divisions, IRC-A, IRC-B, Beneteau Oceanis 40, Soto 27 and for the first time ever, Fareast 26.

Starting on March 21st, all classes participated in two days of in-port races in Sanya. On the following day, the IRC-A and Beneteau Oceanis 40 fleets will depart from Sanya to Haikou, sailing along the island’s west coast and will return to Sanya on March 26th.

The IRC-Bone-design Soto 27 and Fareast 26 fleets will continue their participation on March 23rd and 24th with their two days of in-port races in Sanya.

The 5th edition of the regatta has grown by leaps and bounds, making it another stepping stone for the island of Hainan to become China’s sailing capital.

 
SOURCE: WOS Team