Five yachts from Guangdong entered Hong Kong waters on Friday as a new scheme to ease cross-border yacht visits took effect. Nearby vessels sounded their horns as the visiting boats docked one by one at the Lantau Yacht Club in Discovery Bay around noon. The vessels range from about 13 to 38 metres, with three from Shenzhen, one from Nansha and one from Zhuhai. Officiating a welcoming ceremony, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong said Hong Kong is actively building itself into Asia’s yacht hub, noting that the worldwide yacht market continues to grow – especially the luxury segment – and that the city can capture a share of that growth. He said the government is rolling out measures to boost the yacht economy, including steps to make visits by such vessels easier, and will host the Festival of Connoisseurs from November 4 to 6. Wong added that four new marina projects – at the airport, Lamma Island, Aberdeen and Hung Hom – are moving ahead. Together they will provide more than 1,100 berths, a 30 percent increase from the existing total, he said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said there are adequate facilities for mainland yachts to moor and dock in the SAR. "At the present moment, we have allowed these mainland yachts to dock or moor at five designated mooring anchorage areas, in addition to the existing mooring facilities in yacht clubs. We consider that this could meet the demand," she said. "Coupled with the real-time dynamic monitoring system, the Marine Department can communicate with the mainland yacht captains so as to facilitate their travel in Hong Kong waters." Wong thanked the central government and relevant units in Guangdong and Hong Kong for their support in implementing the travel scheme. "Whether it's Hong Kong yachts heading north or Guangdong yachts heading south, the essence is mutual benefit – a win-win-win," he said. "We believe the travel scheme can open up a brand-new maritime channel for residents and visitors on both sides, jointly driving economic development in both places." Edited by Aaron Tam

Five yachts from Guangdong entered Hong Kong waters on Friday as a new scheme to ease cross-border yacht visits took effect. Nearby vessels sounded their horns as the visiting boats docked one by one at the Lantau Yacht Club in Discovery Bay around noon. The vessels range from about 13 to 38 metres, with three from Shenzhen, one from Nansha and one from Zhuhai. Officiating a welcoming ceremony, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong said Hong Kong is actively building itself into Asia’s yacht hub, noting that the worldwide yacht market continues to grow – especially the luxury segment – and that the city can capture a share of that growth. He said the government is rolling out measures to boost the yacht economy, including steps to make visits by such vessels easier, and will host the Festival of Connoisseurs from November 4 to 6. Wong added that four new marina projects – at the airport, Lamma Island, Aberdeen and Hung Hom – are moving ahead. Together they will provide more than 1,100 berths, a 30 percent increase from the existing total, he said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said there are adequate facilities for mainland yachts to moor and dock in the SAR. "At the present moment, we have allowed these mainland yachts to dock or moor at five designated mooring anchorage areas, in addition to the existing mooring facilities in yacht clubs. We consider that this could meet the demand," she said. "Coupled with the real-time dynamic monitoring system, the Marine Department can communicate with the mainland yacht captains so as to facilitate their travel in Hong Kong waters." Wong thanked the central government and relevant units in Guangdong and Hong Kong for their support in implementing the travel scheme. "Whether it's Hong Kong yachts heading north or Guangdong yachts heading south, the essence is mutual benefit – a win-win-win," he said. "We believe the travel scheme can open up a brand-new maritime channel for residents and visitors on both sides, jointly driving economic development in both places." Edited by Aaron Tam

The appointment will last until May 31, 2029

The appointment will last until May 31, 2029

Dingdong Dantes and Mae Cruz-Alviar are cherishing the opportunity to work with each other for a third time, noting how professional a creative the other is.