October 31, 2026 SANYA, HAINAN—With the conclusion of the 2026 Hong Kong to Hainan Race in China's southernmost resort city, Hainan is once again making waves as a premiere destination for sports and leisure activities.

Organized by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club with assistance by Sanya Serenity Marina, the 390-nautical-mile offshore challenge saw four teams of sailors from China and several other countries and regions compete in a multiday skill test that simultaneously celebrates the ongoing economic changes brought about by the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Recognized by World Sailing as a Category 1 offshore race, the Hong Kong to Hainan Race is one of the Asia-Pacific region's longest-established and most influential international offshore sailing events.

At 11:20 a.m. on October 29, competing yachts set sail from Victoria Harbour’s Kellett Island

Sailors from China’s mainland and Hong Kong SAR, Belgium, France, Germany, and Malaysia battled the South China Sea for two days and two nights prior to all participating yachts successfully completing the course and crossed the finish line in Sanya on October 31.

Fenice claimed the Line Honours award, while Zoe's Guard took the IRC class Line Honours award.

"We're thrilled to take first place. Winds were quite light giving us unusually calm seas and making it more challenging than expected. Even so, the whole team thoroughly enjoyed our time out at sea," said Fabio Brunazzi, skipper of the Fenice, after the race.

Tang Shaoxiang, a crew member of Zoe's Guard, also expressed the delight at histeam's performance and arrival in Sanya.

"I'm very happy that our team achieved such a good result. I felt fantastic when we arrived in Sanya. The scenery here is beautiful, and the event services were excellent. Border clearance was also very smooth. I hope to have more opportunities to come to Hainan and take part in races in the future," Tang said.

To ensure smooth arrivals for the yachts and their crew, the Sanya Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station prepared a dedicated service plan in advance and set up special inspection channels for the event. Under a tailored inspection arrangement for each vessel, officers worked to facilitate efficient clearance.

During the race, border inspection authorities in Sanya also coordinated in advance with other port inspection agencies, event organizers and shipping agents to make the necessary clearance arrangements and ensure the participating yachts could enter the port without any hiccups.

After years of development, the race has become a distinctive platform for sports and cultural exchanges between Hainan Province and Hong Kong SAR, as well as a key symbolic link for maritime cooperation. Combining professional competition, sailing, and cultural and tourism exchanges, it also provides a valuable platform for Chinese sailing talent to gain practical offshore experience and sharpen their skills.

Leveraging the Hainan Free Trade Port's rich marine resources, Sanya continues to develop high-level international sailing events and diversify its marine sports offerings.

By further integrating sporting events with tourism and marine sports, the city is seeking to strengthen its profile as an international coastal destination.