Reopening weekend 2022

2022 週末重新出發

RS Quests cross the start line

There was an air of excitement (and relief) on the 23 April as the Hebe Haven Yacht Club had its ‘reopening’ after nearly four months of stringent COVID restrictions. Young people gathered to rig their Optimists, Laser Picos and RS Quests so they could head out into Port Shelter to experience the joys of sailing once again—while parents and older folk gathered in the Garden Bar to share stories of how they were coping with the pandemic and enjoy the fresh air.

The past four months have been difficult for everyone, particularly those who love sailing. The two-household rule made it almost impossible to operate a keelboat and the authorities would not issue permits for Club racing. But, in an encouraging announcement, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive promised that a gradual relaxing of the rules would start from 21 April onwards. Restaurants could stay open until 10 pm and the number of diners per table would increase to four. Sports clubs could resume their activities though members would have to continue to check in with their phones and wear masks while going about their business … even while racing.

Nevertheless, sailors both young and old are a determined lot and are quite used to rules and regulations. These were discussed by coaches and instructors in the Garden Bar as the morning wore on. Getting out on the water, however, was the primary objective and by midday, some 40 people had gathered at the entrance of Hebe Haven and further out in Port Shelter, below the University.

在接近 4 個月嚴格的社交防疫限制後，白沙灣遊艇會終 於在4月23日「重新出發」，當天大家都很雀躍而寬慰。 一眾年輕人聚首一堂，爲他們的 Optimists、Laser Picos 和 RS Quests 裝上新帆，為再次揚帆至牛尾海體驗航海 樂趣做好準備——其父母和老一輩則聚集在花園酒吧， 分享他們如何適應疫情中的生活，同時享受新鮮空氣。

過去4個月，大家都過得不易，特別是一眾航海愛好者。 二人社交限聚令運行遊艇變得不可能，當局也不簽發遊 艇會任何賽事許可。但在本月初行政長官發表了令人鼓 舞的聲明，承諾由4月21日起逐步放寬相關限制。食肆可 以營業至晚上10點，而每枱用餐人數將增加至4人。體育 場所可以重新進行活動，雖然會員必須持續使用「安心 出行」進入處所及配戴口罩以使用這些服務……甚至進 行比賽中。

盡管如此，不論是老是少的航海員都十分堅定，並對法 例規定十分熟悉。隨著早上過去，花園酒吧裡的教練 與導師們都已經談及這些問題。然而，下水才是首要目 標，直至中午時分，有大約40人聚集在白沙灣入口及稍 遠的牛尾海，即大學下面一帶的地方。

RS Quests cross the start line

Three of 26 Optimists training in Port Shelter Stepping an Optimist's mast

But first, lunch. Once that was out the way, racing began with the RS Quests enjoying a short course near Sha Tsui light, honing their starting and tacking skills with much encouragement from coach Andy Service, and other race officials. Powerboats leaving and entering Hebe Haven gave the fleet additional challenges, along with the kayaks and ferries from Sam Sing Wan nearby. The purpose of these mini-races was to prepare sailors for the Open Dinghy Regatta 2022, scheduled for the 21 and 22 May.

Further out, 26 Optimists and six Picos underwent training programmes in moderate breezes and swirling mists under the watchful eyes of coaches Stu Pryke and Paul Brownless, all wearing their masks and lifejackets. Leon Man handled the administration from the committee boat.

Back at the Club, parents, friends and families began arriving at 4 pm. By five o’clock, the music—provided by DJ Doug French, was booming and the popcorn machine was drawing hungry sailors returning from their exertions on the water. Coach Andy held a de-briefing in the Garden Bar before darkness fell and the aroma of a delicious BBQ wafted through the tables.

The next day (Sunday), the reopening celebrations continued with members arriving to enjoy quality time with their friends, swapping stories about sailing and much else besides. Those who decided to go out on the water (or just potter around on their boats), took advantage of the Club’s latest offering – Meals on Keels – a takeaway (in four sizes) with all a sailor could ask for!

但首先當然要先用午餐。午 餐過後，由 RS Quests 在 沙咀燈塔附近進行短程賽道 開始，在教練 Andy Service 和其他比賽職員的鼓勵下， 訓練他們的起跑和調向的技 術。進出白沙灣的動力艇， 以及附近三星灣的橡皮艇和 渡輪令船隊倍感挑戰。這些 小型比賽的目的是讓航海員 作更佳準備，迎接5月21及22 日舉行的2022白沙灣遊艇會 公開小帆船大賽。

此外，26艘 Optimists 和6 艘 Picos 在教練 Stu Pryke 和 Paul Brownless的注視下， 接受在中等風速與和迷霧下 的訓練，全程均配戴口罩和 救生衣。Leon Man 於委員會 的船上處理行政工作。

回到遊艇會，家長與親友自 下午4點起陸續到達。到5點 時，由 DJ Doug French 提 供的音樂開始熱播，爆谷機 吸引了飢餓的航海員上水歸 來。教練 Andy 在天黑前於 花園酒吧舉行了一次簡報 會，餐桌上傳來陣陣美味的 燒烤香味。

翌日（星期日）重啟慶祝活動 繼續進行，一眾會員到來與好 友同樂，互相分享航海故事。 那些決定出海（或者只是在船 上悠閒一下）的人享用了遊艇 會最新推出的「艇上滋味餐 （Meals on Keels）」航海員 必點外賣（共4款大小選擇)！ Two of nine competing Quests

Checking Optimist rigs before leaving shore