Youth America’s Cup cancelled but Hong Kong focuses on keeping objectives alive: victory, legacy and sustainability

Coronavirus concerns ended the Youth America’s Cup in New Zealand, but the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club team are working to maintain the desired outcomes

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Calum Gregor, a member of the RHKYC Team Agiplast, will not get a chance to compete in the Youth America’s Cup, but the objectives remain alive. Photo: Handout

Published: 10:00am, 18 Sep 2020Updated: 10:47am, 18 Sep 2020

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s Team Agiplast Youth America’s Cup competitors and organisers had three distinct goals for their campaign and intend to keep them alive despite the event’s cancellation. They were focused on victory, legacy and sustainability and though each will be harder, they are still possible.

Contested by a challenger and a holder since 1851, the America’s is the oldest trophy in sailing and one of the oldest in any sport. There is now a parallel youth competition for sailors between the ages of 18 and 25. It was due to take place in March in New Zealand but the government cancelled the youth edition due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

The man behind the Hong Kong team is Rune Jacobsen, a Hong Kong-based Norwegian who sailed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Having seen the facilities at the RHKYC, he was convinced Hong Kong could become a mecca for competitive sailors, but believed there was a lack of ambition to shoot for the highest goals.

“In Hong Kong, sailing doesn’t have medals, history or much Olympic success in boats. There are many reasons – one of them is linked to the city and RHKYC not having those aspirations and that set-up to keep the youth,” he said.

Rune Jacobsen and Denis Martinet, the people behind the RHKYC Team Agiplast Youth America’s Cup campaign. Photo: Handout

Jacobsen believed that putting in a professional structure for the Youth America’s Cup, with top coaches and full-time training schedules, would shake Hong Kong out of its apathy.