FENICE WINS VOLVO HONG KONG TO HAINAN RACE

The Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race made a spectacular return in 2025 after a seven-year hiatus, delivering an unforgettable offshore experience for the fleet of four competing yachts. The 390nm downwind passage from Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour to Sanya—dubbed the “Hawaii of the East”—was marked by champagne sailing conditions and intense competition.

UK Sailmakers Sailing Sails 0009
The race course is a 390nm downwind passage from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour to Sanya. Tacking for this event was through YB.

Leading the charge was Franco Cutrupia’s Solaris 60, FENICE, fresh from claiming the Champion title in the 2024 Volvo China Coast Regatta Premier Cruiser Division. With skipper Fabio Brunazzi and navigator Philippe Grelon—both seasoned offshore sailors—at the helm, FENICE delivered a flawless performance. Benefiting from a steady north easterly breeze and moderate seas, the crew expertly balanced speed and strategy, staying close to the rhumb line while making calculated offshore surges for better breeze and current.

UK Sailmakers Sailing Sails 0010
Solaris 60, FENICE, during the 2025 Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race. Photo Ⓒ RHKYC.

FENICE crossed the finish line at 0515hrs HK Time with an elapsed time of 1d 17h 55m 45s, securing an impressive double win: both Line Honours and the IRC Overall title. Their victory demonstrated the incredible potential of the Solaris 60. The partial UK Sailmakers inventory, including a giant asymmetrical spinnaker from UK Sailmakers Hong Kong, played a pivotal role in maximizing their performance.

Team manager Rosario Pedicini expressed his delight: “Following our victory at the China Coast Regatta, we are thrilled to have led FENICE to success in our first offshore race for the Solaris 60. Owner Franco Cutrupia and I take pride in fostering a team of gentlemen and gentlewomen who embrace sailing as the noble sport it has always been, demonstrating respect and good manners even in challenging conditions. We eagerly anticipate sharing more events aboard FENICE with like-minded individuals and competing alongside fair competitors.”

UK Sailmakers Sailing Sails 0011
The FENICE crew after finishing the 2025 Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race. Photo Ⓒ RHKYC.

The race’s competitive fleet featured FENICE, OCEAN’S FIVE, ZOE, and TEAM SANYA. While FENICE and two other competitors stayed close to the rhumb line, TEAM SANYA opted for a more offshore route. Ultimately, FENICE’s balanced approach proved unbeatable.

The successful return of the Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race reaffirms its status as one of the premier offshore racing events in Asia. With FENICE’s stellar performance and a field of skilled competitors, this year’s race has set the stage for even more excitement in the years to come.Full results available here.

Heather Mahady
Heather Mahady

Heather Mahady is the General Manager of UK Sailmakers International. She is based on Vancouver Island in the Pacific Northwest, and is a passionate sailboat racer, sailmaker, and sustainability advocate.

Articles: 67

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome Aboard!

Sign up for the UK Sailmakers Newsletter

Signup Email Newsletter