Originally established in August 1950 as the `Cruising Section’ of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the Cruiser Owner’s Association is now an independent, non-profit making organisation, which represents the interests of all sailors in Hong Kong. It administers the HKPN handicap system, organises races, cruises and other sailing related activities, provides support services and promotes sailing throughout the region. 

Initially, the COA acted simply to encourage sailing for the few cruisers around at the time.  It’s first move towards it’s present status was the organisation of a Chinese New Year race to Macau, one of the first ‘international’ yacht races to be organised in Asia.  Only a few boats took part, but this soon became a very popular event and is now part of the annual COA Championship Series, which includes two other Macau races, the Bole Trophy overnight race, and a selection of the other races organized by the major yacht clubs in Hong Kong. 

In addition to running its own race programme and organizing other events, the COA administers the HKPN handicap system. This is a performance based system, developed by the COA, which adjusts a boat’s handicap on a regular basis, according to the boat’s actual racing performance. Most of the races in Hong Kong have separate divisions for HKPN and for each of the measurement based rating systems, such as IRC and SBR, which are administered by the Hong Kong Yachting Association. This provides the opportunity for all types of participants to compete, on an evenly matched basis. More information on ratings and handicaps may be obtained in the Rating Systems section of this website. 

Membership of the COA is open to anyone who is interested in sailing. Boat owners and part owners may become Full Members and non-owners can join as Associate Members.  The membership is inexpensive and can soon be offset by discounts on handicapping and race entry fees.

The COA’s main objectives are to promote sailing and to provide a better sailing environment in Hong Kong. It is hoped that all sailors will lend their support by becoming members of the association.

Down load our Membership Application Form  or contact the COA office on telephone no. 2838 6153, fax no. 2838 6251, or by e-mailing us at: secretary@coahk.org