JYOTI PRATIBHA
NADI
Skipper Karl Kwok (second from right), with the Beau Geste crew at Port Denarau Marina. Photo: Litia Mathewsell
For first time sailing into Fiji waters, it has been a great win for the 80-footer Beau Geste, owned by Hong Kong businessman Karl Kwok. They sailed away with the line honour at the ANZ Sail Fiji, Auckland – Port Denarau Race run by Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
There are strong indications that Kwok and his crew’s stellar performance will be rewarded with more awards, which would be finalised by tonight, when other yachts sail into Navula Passage and make their way to Port Denarau Marina.
Kwok’s grandfather worked in Fiji and for Kwok, this was a sweet homecoming. He dedicates this win to his crew for their hard work over the past few days.
“It was a hard race and at the end of the day, there has been luck involved. I think one of the handicap was down to touch and go. I have been told that usually when sailing to Fiji, it is downwind. This was the one time when we faced very strong up wind for some thousand miles,” he said.
“Now, we would be back to New Zealand for Coastal Classic Auckland to Russell Yacht Race. Like my grandfather’s work struggle, the sail up here was a struggle too.”
Port Denarau Marina managing director Nigel Skeggs and his team had also put in a lot of hard work to make this event a success.
“We are proud to be supporting such an event and some of the yachts will be staying with us and cruising, bringing in tourism dollars into Fiji.”
He said the Fiji Yachting Association was currently working hard to secure confirmation for next year’s Oceania event to be hosted here.
Mr Skeggs also made special mention of the efficiency of customs and immigration teams during the ANZ Sail Fiji event.
“These crew have been sailing for days and when they come here, they want to have their customs and immigration clearance done quickly, so they get time to unwind and the Government border control teams have been fantastic in their support.”
Mr Skeggs said the efficiency of the customs and immigration teams contributed to their success.
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