Reed Travel Features
HONG KONG -- Victoria Harbor will serve as center stage for an
almost weeklong celebration marking Sail Osaka '97, when more than
55 ships will race from here to Osaka, Japan.
The Hong Kong Tall Ship Spectacular will be held March 22 to 28
at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and will feature a maritime
history exhibition, a water sports demonstration and an opportunity
to visit participating vessels.
The free, carnival-style festival also will offer game stalls,
lion and dragon dances and martial arts performances.
After the race leaves town, the UC Maritime History Exhibition
will be moved to the Hong Kong Museum of History through May.
The ships range in size from approximately 40 feet to 350 feet
and will compete in the first tall ship race held across the North
Pacific, according to the Hong Kong Tourist Association.
More than 1,500 sailors from about 14 countries and Hong Kong
will compete.
The Tall Ship Spectacular will reach its apex March 28, when the
ships will participate in a colorful Parade of Sail in Victoria
Harbour before heading to Waglan Island for the start of the
race.
After setting sail from Hong Kong, the vessels will set a course
for the Japanese ports of Okinawa and Kagoshima before crossing the
finish line in Osaka in early May.
Sail Osaka '97 was conceived by the city of Osaka to promote
sailing activities and friendship among the four port cities
involved as well as to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Osaka's
port.
For more information, contact the HKTA at (212) 869-5008 or
(310) 208-4582.