The 2024 Asian and Oceanian Optimist Dinghy Championship, a thrilling sailing event recognized by the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA), took place from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at the stunning Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club Marina in Hong Kong. This prestigious competition saw 133 talented young sailors from 19 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Japan, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and of course Hong Kong itself.

Among the 20 members of the Hong Kong team, Miss Margaux Nguyen-Minh emerged as a standout performer, claiming the title of 2024 Asian and Oceanian Girl Champion by securing a gold medal in the Girls Division, as well as a bronze in the overall championship standings. This phenomenal achievement places her among the elite in youth sailing.

Remarkably, Hong Kong's representation in the Top 10 Girls was quite impressive, with five outperforming their competitors. The top contenders included: - 6th: Zihan Liu - 8th: Jessica Liu - 9th: Tara Maliah - 10th: Jolin Zheng

The final day of racing showcased the picturesque beauty of Hong Kong's winter sun, setting a dramatic stage as the competitors faced challenging conditions with wind speeds fluctuating between 8 to 13 knots and swells exceeding 1.5 meters. This unpredictable weather led to an exciting climax on the water, with the tactics and skill of each sailor under the spotlight.

Ethan Chia from Singapore defended his 2023 title brilliantly, finishing in 1st place during Race 9, thus clinching the overall championship for the second consecutive time. Japan’s Kento Kahara, who had been leading for much of the race, ultimately finished in 2nd place, marking his best performance in the Gold Fleet. Kian Anderson, representing Hong Kong, concluded the event in 3rd place, besting his previous records and emphasizing the rising competitiveness among local sailors.

The dominance of Singapore in the overall results was evident, with an astonishing 7 out of the top 10 sailors hailing from the nation. The remaining top 20 featured impressive talents from Hong Kong, Oman, Thailand, other parts of China, Japan, Argentina, and the UAE.

As the sailors returned ashore, they were greeted with rapturous celebrations and a sea of waving Singaporean flags, marking the conclusion of an exhilarating week of racing. Prizes were distributed by notable figures, including Dr. Jack Wong, Chairman of the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, and other dignitaries from the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, solidifying the sense of achievement permeating the event.

To add a ceremonial touch, a Flag Ceremony took place, where the IODA flag was passed to Oman, host of the 2025 Optimist Asian & Oceanian Championship, ensuring the legacy of this thrilling sailing competition continues into the next year.

This event not only highlighted the remarkable talent of young sailors but also showcased the spirit of camaraderie and support that is critical in the world of sailing. Special gratitude was extended to all the sponsors, organizers, and volunteers who made this event a success, including the Hong Kong Optimist Dinghy Association and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong. The future of youth sailing looks bright as these promising athletes continue to journey towards greatness!