The HKDA meets KARL KWOK (HKG), OFFSHORE SAILOR AND EVENT AMBASSADOR.
Image © James Tomlinson
Mr Karl Kwok is the Event Ambassador for the 2027 Hong Kong Dragon World Championship.
As we prepare to welcome the world to the 2027 Dragon World Championship in Hong Kong, the first time this prestigious event will be held in Asia in its 95-year history, we sat down with one of Hong Kong’s most iconic sailors and event ambassador, Mr Karl Kwok.
Mr Kwok is a seasoned offshore racer with a remarkable international record. He skippered his yacht to overall victory in the 1997 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, won the 2009 Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Cup, and claimed victory in the China Sea Race twice, once setting a course record that remained unbeaten for over a decade. Most recently, he returned from Cowes, where he earned second place at the legendary Admiral’s Cup.
He is the first Chinese skipper in history to win these prestigious offshore races, personally leading each campaign and gaining worldwide recognition for his skill and sportsmanship. His achievements have significantly raised the international profile of Chinese sailors and helped build Hong Kong's reputation as a leading global sailing city. Despite his many accolades, Mr Kwok remains a humble and gracious ambassador for the sport.
In this exclusive interview, he shares his sailing journey, his deep passion for the sea, and his vision for the future of sailing in Hong Kong and across Asia.
Q: How did you first get into sailing, and what drew you to the sport?
My first real experience with sailing happened during my university years in the late 1960s, on a Hobie 16 catamaran on a lake in Minnesota. It was nothing fancy, but it left a lasting impression. Growing up in Hong Kong, I was always drawn to the sea; it fascinated me, but my access to boats and sailing was quite limited back then. That moment in Minnesota sparked something more profound, and it stayed with me.
Q: How has this passion shaped your life and experiences?
When I returned to Hong Kong in the mid-1970s, I had the opportunity to buy a half-share in a locally built 28-foot sloop. That small step led me to join the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and from there, sailing quickly became a central part of my life. My racing journey evolved steadily, from a 33-foot Ron Holland quarter-tonner to a custom Ed Dubois 37, and I competed in local regattas and the China Sea Race.
By the mid-1990s, I felt the need for a greater challenge, and that led me to international competition. Since then, I’ve campaigned over a dozen high-performance racing yachts, including TP52s, two maxis, and a MOD 70 trimaran, racing in some of the world’s top events.
All my boats have carried the name Beau Geste, symbolising a legacy of excellence and commitment. Today, I campaign a TP52 and a Fast 40, the latter named Beau Ideal, a nod to evolution and ideals in performance sailing. Sailing has not only shaped my life, but it’s also given me a global perspective and lifelong friendships forged through shared passion and competition.
“Youth engagement is vital for the future of any sport. Sailing teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. Those values are timeless, and I believe we have a responsibility to pass them on. I am motivated by the potential of young people and what sailing can bring to their lives.”
Karl Kwok (HKG)
Q: Is there a particular sailing moment or race that stands out as especially meaningful or unforgettable?
Winning the 1997 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on handicap is a moment I will never forget. That victory was special for many reasons. It was only the second race for a brand-new boat, and it came shortly after Hong Kong’s return to China - a historic moment in itself. At the time, I became just the second skipper from Hong Kong to win that race, and to this day, I remain the only Chinese skipper to have done so. It was an emotional and proud achievement, both personally and nationally.
Q: What motivates you to inspire the next generation to embrace sailing?
I have served as the President of the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China from 1990 to 2010 and as a Vice President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China since 1998, with a particular focus on water sports, including sailing. Through these roles, I have worked closely with National Sports Associations to grow and promote their disciplines.
Youth engagement is vital for the future of any sport. Sailing teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. Those values are timeless, and I believe we have a responsibility to pass them on. I am motivated by the potential of young people and what sailing can bring to their lives.
Q: What advice would you give to young people who may not see sailing as accessible or for them?
Start with the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China - it’s the best entry point. They run excellent introductory programmes designed for newcomers from all backgrounds. Sailing might seem exclusive at first, but once you're on the water, you realise it's a sport that welcomes passion and commitment above all else. You don’t need to start with a large boat — just start small, stay curious, and stay involved.
Image © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com
Q: What makes sailing in Hong Kong unique, and how does it reflect the spirit of the city?
Hong Kong is truly special when it comes to sailing. Geographically, we’re fortunate - you can sail all year round here. The sea is never far away, and our natural harbours and islands create some of the most scenic and challenging racing conditions in the world.
Beyond geography, sailing in Hong Kong reflects the city’s spirit: dynamic, adaptive, and always striving for excellence. We blend tradition with innovation, East with West — and that’s exactly what you see on the water.
Q: What does this Championship mean for a vibrant city like Hong Kong and for our nation as a whole?
During my two terms as Chairman of the Government’s Major Sports Events Committee, one of our key aims was to encourage National Sports Associations to bid for and host international events in Hong Kong. The government continues to support this with funding and policy measures, recognising the value such events bring.
Hosting the 2027 Dragon World Championship is a significant milestone, not just for Hong Kong but for Asia. It places us on the global sailing map and demonstrates our city’s capabilities as a world-class host. It’s the kind of event that inspires, unites, and lifts us all.
On a personal note, I’m incredibly proud that Hong Kong is home to one of the oldest Dragon fleets in the world, the third-oldest, to be precise. The fleet has long been the beating heart of class racing here, producing outstanding sailors and fostering a strong, close-knit community. Seeing Hong Kong host the Worlds feels like a fitting tribute to that rich history.
Q: Where do you hope to see sailing in our region in the next 5 to 10 years?
There has always been discussion about how Hong Kong can maintain its unique identity while continuing to develop as part of China. Sailing can play a decisive role in that journey. It’s a rare sport that links culture, environment, and international exchange.
If we can increase participation, invest in infrastructure, and nurture young talent, sailing will remain a vital part of what makes Hong Kong unique. In five to ten years, I hope to see more regional cooperation, more world-class events, and a new generation of sailors proudly representing not just our city but our region on the global stage.
Thank you, Mr Kwok, for sharing your story and your vision. As we look ahead to the 2027 Hong Kong Dragon World Championship, your insights inspire us and remind us of the extraordinary journey sailing offers, both on and off the water.
Hong Kong, 01/11/2025