The 565-nautical-mile race will start on March 4, 2026, from Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong and finish at Subic Bay in the Philippines. The earlier race schedule aligns with the onset of the northeasterly winter monsoon, providing optimal conditions for competitors.
Celebrating its 64th anniversary, the biennial event is recognized as a Category 1 Offshore Race, attracting top sailors from around the globe. The 2026 edition continues Rolex’s long-standing partnership with the RHKYC, a collaboration that began in 2007 with Rolex becoming the race’s title sponsor in 2008.
Nie Hua’s Happy Go, a TP52 yacht, made history in the 2024 race by securing both Line Honours and the IRC Overall win, the first yacht to achieve the double victory in 14 years.
“The Rolex China Sea Race is a hallmark of our club’s commitment to promoting excellence in competitive sailing,” the RHKYC said in a statement. “This year’s earlier timing ensures racers can fully capitalize on the region’s ideal wind conditions.”
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, one of the oldest sports clubs in Asia with a 170-year legacy, plays a vital role in the development of sailing and rowing. It offers training programs for all skill levels and hosts a robust calendar of local and international competitions.
For the 2026 race, the Notice of Race and additional details are available on the official Rolex China Sea Race website.
