Xu Lijia and Happy Go owner Nie Hua

‘Lily’ Xu Lijia is making her Rolex China Sea debut at this year’s event, which starts on March 4. The 565nm race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines is set to feature 20 teams on the start line in Victoria Harbour.

Xu is a two-time Olympic medallist who won bronze in women’s Laser Radial class at Beijing 2008 and a gold in the same event at London 2012 , when she was the flag bearer for China at the closing ceremony. She was later named 2012 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year.

The 38-year-old is sailing on Happy Go, which won both Line Honours and IRC overall in 2024. Led by owner Nie Hua, the team is eager to defend their titles, with their TP52 having undergone significant maintenance and upgrades. “Winning double in the last edition was unforgettable, but now we’re focused on giving our very best,” Nie said.

Duncan Hine and Noel Chan of Team Alive–Rampage

Australian contender Team Alive–Rampage combines two leading crews aboard the Reichel/Pugh 66, Alive. Skippered by Duncan Hine and supported by Rampage owner Noel Chan, the team seeks to repeat Alive’s 2016 feat, when they set the enduring monohull race record of 47 hours, 31 minutes and 8 seconds, which still stands today.

Ernesto ‘Judes’ Echauz returns for his 14^th China Sea Race, leading Standard Insurance Centennial V, the 2023 Line Honours winner and the first Philippine entry to achieve this milestone. Echauz’s crew is made up of Philippine national team members, while Standard Insurance Centennial VII is another Philippine entry.

Making a groundbreaking solo run, Tiger Mok will helm 2 Easy, becoming the first competitor to enter the Rolex China Sea Race single-handed. Mok, who previously raced as part of a team, described solo racing as “akin to running a start-up – every problem is yours alone”. Other teams include Seawolf from China and two Swan yachts.

Adrian Pang, Commodore, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

In his welcome address, Adrian Pang, Commodore of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, celebrated the race’s storied legacy. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Rolex for their unwavering support, which has made this event a pillar of international sailing. It is a privilege to host Asia’s first Rolex-sponsored sailing competition.”

Pang also welcomed new official partner, Nautor Swan, underscoring the event’s growing prestige and Hong Kong’s commitment to hosting major sporting events.

Hugues de Saint Germain, Chairman of Rolex China Sea Race 2026, echoed this appreciation. “While the course remains unchanged, each edition brings fresh challenges, from fishing nets and commercial traffic to the infamous Luzon Hole. It’s a true test of endurance, strategy and seamanship.”

He also thanked the organizing committee, safety officials, club staff, and participants for their dedication.

Entrants will compete for the Rolex China Sea Race Trophy, awarded to the overall IRC winner on corrected time, and the Sunday Telegraph Trophy, for the first yacht to finish in real time (Line Honours). Winners in both categories will also receive a coveted Rolex timepiece.

Rolex, the event’s title sponsor since 2008, shares a longstanding partnership with Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs. This relationship forms a cornerstone of Rolex’s nearly 70-year association with yachting.

rolexchinasearace.com