Guangdong Yachts to Enter Hong Kong Waters Under New Scheme From Friday

Guangdong-registered yachts will be allowed to sail into Hong Kong waters from next Friday under a new travel scheme confirmed by the city’s transport minister.

Scheme and launch ceremony

The Southbound Yacht Travel Scheme will allow Guangdong yachts to berth at designated Hong Kong locations. About 300 mainland yacht masters have already qualified to navigate local waters.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan announced the development in her weekly blog on Saturday. She said the maiden voyage ceremony for the Southbound Yacht Travel Scheme would be held on launch day.

“Building on the groundwork laid by the Northbound Yacht Travel Scheme, the maiden voyage ceremony for the Southbound Yacht Travel Scheme marks a two-way journey of maritime connectivity,” Chan said.

The ceremony will therefore coincide with the start of the new southbound arrangement, which is designed to enable Guangdong yachts to enter Hong Kong waters and use designated berthing locations.

Framework for cross-boundary travel

Chan made the announcement after the Marine Department and the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration signed work arrangements last month.

The arrangements were signed to establish a framework for cross-boundary yacht travel between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The new scheme follows the groundwork of the Northbound Yacht Travel Scheme and creates a corresponding southbound element in the maritime connection between the two places.

Source: South China Morning Post