As part of the World Match Racing Tour’s long term strategy to develop professional sailing and match racing in Asian markets, members of the WMRT organisation recently visited the Macau International Regatta to explore opportunities in the region for future events.
Operating as an autonomous region on the south coast of China, Macau is a short distance across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, connected by the impressive 55-kilometre Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the longest open sea fixed link in the world. A Portuguese territory until 1999, Macau reflects a mix of cultural influences and has become a major resort city and top destination for tourism. Its giant casinos and malls on the Cotai Strip, which joins the islands of Taipa and Coloane, have earned it the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia.” One of its more striking landmarks is the tall Macau Tower, with sweeping city views. The city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.
The Macau International Regatta hosted its fifth edition in January with 37 teams and 300 sailors participating from 31 countries and regions. During the event, the Regatta organisers ran a match racing test event to check the feasibility of the racing area and conditions with a view to planning a future world class match racing event in Macau.
“As a global match racing tour, we are always looking to introduce new events to the Tour schedule and in new markets. Both Asia and China are fast growing regions for the sport of sailing and Macau is just one example of a potential new venue.” James Pleasance, Executive Director, World Match Racing Tour
