‘What more do you want as a father?’ – Hong Kong lads and dads take on the Rolex China Sea Race
Trip takes competitors from Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club to Subic Bay in the Philippines
Father and son moments are hard to come by in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong. The classic all-day fishing, ‘man-to-man’ experiences don’t really work here, but sailors Peter Cremers and Dan Tullberg have found a way for their respective sons to join them on board for what will be their off-shore debut.
“I promised my son Enzo years ago that when he turned 16 he could join an ocean race with me,” said Cremers, owner and skipper of Shahtoosh, one of the few cruiser boats racing at the biennial Rolex China Sea Race starting on March 28. “It will be his 16th birthday on the second day of the race so he will join us.”
“What more do you want as a father? Your son has the same interest as you and joins you for an off-shore race, working together as a team of 12 towards the same goal. It’s a dream for me,” said Belgian Cremers, who has competed numerous regional regattas and CSRs.
Enzo Cremers and Oskar Tullberg started racing dinghy together as kids and have finally reached the minimal age to go offshore. With barrels of experience in the Hong Kong Optimist and Laser 4.7 national team, Enzo approaches the Race with open arms.
“I’ve heard so much about the race ... I feel excited, not really nervous, because I know I’m in good hands and I’ve been racing for so long,” said the Chinese International School student. “My dad sails the boat with safety as the priority so I feel very safe on board. He also treats me like I’m a crew member and not his son.
