About COA

 Originally established in August 1950 as the “Cruising Section” of the RHKYC, the Cruiser Owners Association is now one of the largest independent, non-profit making, sailing organisations in Asia, which represents the interests of sailors in Hong Kong. The COA organizes races, cruises and other sailing related activities, providing support services and promoting sailing throughout the region.

The first recorded Cruiser Race in Hong Kong was in October 1849 under the auspices of the Victoria Regatta Club.  But probably the longest link in yacht racing in Hong Kong, is the Macau Race, one of the first 'international' yacht races to be organised in Asia.  Initially, a ‘there and back’ non-stop race on Boxing Day, but after the war (probably 1947) the Macau Race was organized over the Chinese New Year holiday, being suspended during the emergence of the People’s Republic of China.

By the late 1960’s (probably 1967) the Cruiser Section became the Cruiser Owners Association and acted simply to encourage competitive sailing for the cruisers around at the time.  For the COA, the Macau Race, soon became its most popular event (with more than 60 boats entering during the late 90’s) and “doing the Macau Race” has been a part of the sailing life for more than two generations of sailors in Hong Kong – with our 70th Anniversary Macau Race to come in the year 2017. 

The Macau Races make up the leading COA Series and are part of the annual COA Championship Series, which also includes a selection of the other races organized by the four major yacht clubs in Hong Kong.

Membership of the COA is open to anyone with an interest in sailing. Boat owners and part owners may become Full Members and non-owners can join as Associate Members.  Our current membership fee is HKD985 per year from 1st January to 31st December, and this can soon be offset by discounts on events and race entry fees organised by the COA.  Why not send us your details and we will forward an invitation to the next COA event?

The COA’s main objectives are to promote sailing and to provide a better sailing environment in Hong Kong and a variety of interesting activities.  We invite and attract members from all of the Yacht Clubs in Hong Kong to join, and it is hoped that all sailors will lend their support by becoming members of the Association.  Our list of activities covers a wide range, including our Mid-Summer Rally which takes us to visit many of the Yacht Clubs in HK and one of the latest events, The Commodores Christmas Cup which is the first race in HK to be supported by all four yacht clubs.

The COA is governed by its Constitution amended the 26th February 2022, which can be viewed here. You may also download our COA Membership Application Form here.

Office Address:
Cruiser Owners Association
Flat RB, 30/F, Tower 3R, Hemera, Lohas Park, Tseung Kwan O, N.T. H.K.

Email Address: secretary@coahk.org