Guangdong yacht scheme launches as HK targets $350b superyacht market

Yacht owners and masters can apply for a permit online.

Hong Kong has welcomed the first batch of southbound yachts from Guangdong, marking the official launch of a travel scheme that allows yacht owners in the Mainland province to sail to the city.

The maiden voyage follows the launch of northbound travel for Hong Kong yachts in June, and the signing of work arrangements between Guangdong and Hong Kong in September to set up a formal mechanism for cross-boundary yacht travel.

Under the framework, all Guangdong-registered yachts with an offshore navigation range of up to 20 nautical miles and a wave resistance capability of at least two metres can apply to visit Hong Kong.

Yacht owners and masters intending to travel southbound can complete procedures online in advance, provided they have cleared Mainland departure inspection at any of six designated control points.

Facilitation measures launched by the Marine Department in June also apply, which allow yacht owners and masters to apply online for permission to navigate in Hong Kong waters and book an anchoring location as early as 30 days before arrival.

The department has authorised two Mainland examination centres to conduct the Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge Examination, and approved seven Mainland training institutions to offer recognised training courses.

It will also recognise online short-term training courses run by local training institutions to allow visiting yacht masters to obtain the qualification while overseas.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong said Hong Kong can secure a share of the superyacht industry market, whose value is projected to reach approximately $350b by 2032.

As part of the government’s measures to promote the yacht economy, the city will host the Festival of Connoisseurs, an international exhibition on superyachts and premium lifestyles, in early November.