ICOYC Regional Conference

Shared Horizons: Charting the Future of Asia-Pacific Sailing

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club | 3 to 6 November 2026

This conference will explore how yacht clubs across the Asia‑Pacific can grow, connect and lead into the future. We will open up conversations about the region’s opportunities and challenges. Sessions will cover the development and operation of yacht clubs (including in China), pathways for women and youth in sailing, best practice in club governance and programming. Delegates will leave with practical ideas, new partnerships and a shared vision for a more diverse, resilient Asia‑Pacific sailing community. A detailed programme will follow.

Whilst the official conference dates are 3 to 6 November, we'd like to encourage everyone to arrive earlier and stay later to enjoy all that Hong Kong has to offer!  We also have a major regatta taking place either side of the conference - the first is the Lipton Trophy on 31 October and the second is Hong Kong's largest celebration of sail, the Around the Island Race on 7 November.   The conference will take place at our main Kellett Island clubhouse in Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island ( click here for Google Maps location ).

Delegate fee: US$770 (early bird up to and including 31 August 2026 and thereafter the fee is US$850)
Includes 3 November Opening Ceremony, Flag Raising, Lion Dance and Rooftop Drinks, 4 to 6 November breakfast and lunch as well as the  conferencesessions, 4 November Maritime Museum, Horse Racing at Happy Valley, 5 November Star Ferry and 6 November Gala Dinner.

Partner fee: US$870 (early bird up to and including 31 August 2026 and thereafter the fee is US$960)
Includes 3 November Opening Ceremony, Flag Raising, Lion Dance and Rooftop Drinks, 4 to 6 November breakfast and lunch and a partner programme whilst the  conferenceis in session, 4 November Maritime Museum, Horse Racing at Happy Valley, 5 November Star Ferry and 6 November Gala Dinner.  

We have made arrangements with four hotels situated close to the Club.

Get ready to register!

Before starting, please note that if you have never submitted a bio for an ICOYC forum or conference, or wish to update yours, prepare your (and your partner’s, if applicable) bio (minimum 100 words) and your photograph(s) for upload with your registration.

If paying by bank transfer, please upload payment proof via the registration form.  If you prefer to pay by credit card, you can indicate that and we will send you a payment link within two working days.

Click here for the registration form.

(order of sessions subject to change)

Session 1: Asia-Pacific Yacht Clubs — Growth, Connection and Leadership

How are yacht clubs across the Asia-Pacific region evolving in response to changing participation, investment and expectations? What leadership models, shared standards and forms of regional cooperation can support sustainable growth? How can emerging clubs—including those in China—become part of a connected international network while responding to local infrastructure and regulatory realities?

Session 2: The China Angle in Particular

What does the future of yachting in China look like, and how might the country’s growing sailing community connect with the wider international yachting landscape? The session will explore personal sailing journeys, the development of sailing programmes in China, and the growth of the Greater Bay Area.

The session will also consider what distinguishes Chinese yacht club models from those found elsewhere, and how the opening of yachting tourism between China and Hong Kong could support greater integration and collaboration across the region. Discussion will focus on what comes next for cross-border cruising, yacht-club cooperation, sailing events, tourism, and the wider international yachting community.

Session 3: Club Governance and Programmes

What makes a yacht club well governed? How should boards, committees, General Managers and Flag Officers work together, and where should responsibilities sit? How can clubs maintain financial and operational sustainability while delivering programmes that reflect the needs of their members?

How can long-standing traditions—including rules, etiquette and dress codes—be preserved while making clubs more accessible and appealing to younger and newer members?

Session 4: Long-Term Partnerships

What makes a commercial partnership valuable to a private yacht club over the long term? How can clubs identify partners whose values, reputation and objectives align with their own? What creates genuine member support, and where is the line between useful partnership and over-commercialisation?

How can sponsorship strengthen a club’s brand and member experience without compromising its character, exclusivity or independence?

Session 5: Women and Youth Pathways

How can yacht clubs help young sailors move from junior programmes into adult sailing, competition and leadership? What role do coaching, mentoring and visible role models play in retaining participation through the different stages of a sailing career?

How can clubs create stronger pathways for women, including in match racing and other competitive disciplines?

Session 6: Member Integration, Engagement and Lifelong Connection

How can yacht clubs move beyond “paper membership” and create meaningful, lasting connections with their members? What helps people remain part of a club through changes in family life, career, travel and personal interests?

Could flexible membership models, alumni networks, digital connections, family and intergenerational activities, or new social and cultural programmes strengthen engagement? How do casual sailing, non-racing activities and improvements to food and beverage contribute to the feeling of a yacht club as a genuine “home club”?

Lipton Trophy

Saturday 31 October | Sailing Gear

The Lipton Trophyis a pursuit race.  Competitors are given staggered start times under the RHKATI handicap, i.e. the slowest boats start first and the faster boats set off in pursuit, with the time delay between classes of boats determined from their handicaps. If all boats are sailed equally well, they should (in theory) all finish at the same time.

The race is held in the eastern area of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, taking in Shau Kei Wan, Taikoo Shing, Kowloon Bay and Hung Hom. The race attracts around 60 competitors from Hong Kong’s one-design fleets and big-boat classes.

We will endeavour to find places on boats for those who are interested in joining. You will be able to indicate interest on the forum registration form.

Flag Raising and Lion Dance

Wednesday 4 November | Late Afternoon | Club Blazer (see photo)

Opening Sunset Cocktail Reception on the Rooftop

Wednesday 4 November | Early Evening | Club Blazer 

Forum Sessions

Mornings | 4 to 6 November | Smart Casual

Forum sessions will take place in our Regatta Room, fully equipped with AV and Wi‑Fi and offering a stunning harbour view (the same view as per the Rooftop Cocktail Reception).

Partner Programme

While the Forum sessions are running, partners can take part in the partner programme on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. These activities are still being planned so stay tuned!

Guided Tour of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is a leading institution celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage and its role as a global port. The museum’s galleries trace Hong Kong’s nautical history from traditional junks and early trade routes to modern container shipping, naval history and maritime technology.

Highlights include detailed ship models, interactive displays on navigation and port operations, artefacts from historic vessels, and rotating special exhibitions that explore regional and international maritime themes. The museum plays an important role in preserving maritime culture and promoting public understanding of Hong Kong’s seafaring legacy.

Horse Racing at Happy Valley

Wednesday 4 November | Evening | Smart Casual

Enjoy the thrill of Wednesday Night Horse Racing at Happy Valley — Hong Kong’s celebrated mid‑week spectacle. Join us for an exclusive evening in a private box, where you can relax while watching top jockeys and horses race under the floodlights. Get ready for an evening of great company, excitement and fast finishes. It’s a memorable City tradition and an easy, enjoyable way to experience Hong Kong racing.

Private Star Ferry Harbour Tour

Thursday 5 November | Afternoon | Smart Casual

A crossing of Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry was named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the "Fifty Places of a Lifetime." Now you can step back to the days of old and relive the era when third‑generation Star Ferries were the vital link between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula.

Board the stunning double‑decker Shining Star, a faithful re‑creation of the 1920s ferries. Relax on the open decks with sweeping harbour views, enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious canapés, and delight in live Chinese arts-and-crafts booths showcasing traditional handiwork perfect for keepsakes.

Experience Hong Kong’s most iconic harbour journey - timeless, atmospheric, and more memorable than ever. Don’t miss this unique voyage.

Black Tie Gala Dinner

Friday 6 November | Evening | Black Tie, Formal, Club Blazer

Around the Island Race

Saturday 7 November | Sailing Gear

The annual Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Around the Island Raceis one of the biggest inshore events in Hong Kong. It is a 26nm race around Hong Kong Island involving Class Keelboats, Dinghies, Beach Cats and Cruisers.

An average entry list of 200+ boat entries

On average more than 1500+ participants from all major yacht and sailing clubs in Hong Kong.

We will endeavour to find places on boats for those who are interested in joining. You will be able to indicate interest on the forum registration form.

• Smart Casual - for most of it!  Conference sessions, partner programme, tour of Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Horse Racing at Happy Valley, and the Star Ferry Tour
• Club Blazer / Club Uniform / Cocktail Dress - Opening Ceremony, Flag Raising, Lion Dance and Early Evening Rooftop Drinks
• Club Blazer / Black Tie / Formal - Gala Dinner
• Sailing gear - if you're going sailing in the Lipton Trophy and/or Around the Island Race.  

Hong Kong Tourism Board's Website - Discover Hong Kong

Click HERE

Read all about how to get around HERE.
Uber also operates in Hong Kong.

How to get to Hong Kong... need a Visa, etc?  Click HERE.

If you have any questions or need to contact us, please email ICOYCAsiaPac2026@rhkyc.org.hk