Much as we love junk trips, there’s more than one way to get out on the water. Hello Hong Kong runs sailing trips aboard the Local Hero, a 47ft cruising sloop that can carry up to 12 people in style. Comfortably fitted with two double cabins, two bathrooms and showers, the boat is available to hire for three or six hours, or overnight on two-day trips to Tai Long Wan, where it moors off Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches. We tried the three-hour trip from Aberdeen. Accompanied by experienced US skipper Ryan Mann and chirpy tour guide Laura Blackhall, we board the teakdecked sailing boat in Aberdeen Harbour. After motoring through the luxury yachts in the harbour, the sails are raised and we head east, tacking past Ocean Park, Deep Water and Repulse bays to Stanley (some tours return to Aberdeen).
What to see As the sloop glides out of Aberdeen, little islands pop into view, scattered across the sparkling South China Sea. With the motor
Things to do
On windy days, the adventurous can dangle over the side off, the only noise is the wind in the sails. From this angle, Ocean Park’s rollercoasters look like toytown trains and Hong Kong Island looks strangely rugged. We dodge the parade of container ships steaming down the Lamma Channel and cruise past the lovely beaches of the Southside, beyond Stanley Fort and out to Po Toi Island. On the six-hour trips, Mann drops anchor here and his guests disembark to feast on seafood at the island’s famous Cantonese restaurant, but we continue round the island and head back to Stanley.
We’re encouraged to get involved in the mechanics of sailing the boat, hauling on ropes to tauten the jib and taking turns at the helm. On windy days, the adventurous can dangle over the side to help balance the boat as it keels over – the leeside sometimes touches the water – and cool their feet in the occasional splashes. If that doesn’t appeal, there’s plenty of space on deck for lounging. Near the wheel, the cockpit is lined with comfortable cushions and holders for the plentiful drinks (included in the price). Or find your sea-legs and venture up to the bow, where you can lie on the deck and gaze out to sea, or flip onto your back and watch the jib whipping inches above your nose as the skipper tacks and jibes against the wind.
The three-hour sailing trip from Aberdeen to Stanley costs $8,500 for up to 12 people, the six-hour trip is $14,000 and the two-day overnight tour is $20,000. For details, visit www.hellohongkong.com.hk. expat-parent.com
63