Downwinds | The Frisky Whisky Run

The Frisky Whisky Run

With NNW winds a 14.5km downwind starting at Sai Kung Country Park and ending at the Clear Water Bay Marina, running between Sharp Island and Kau Sai Chau island (where Hong Kong's only public golf course is). The run passes a beautiful little sandy beach called Whiskey (白環) Beach on Kau Sai Chau, whose liquor themed name is lost in time but as there were initially, and to a certain extent, still are a lot of Scots in Hong Kong, this was maybe a place to consume or trade whisky.


  • Tso Wo Hang, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Tso Wo Hang Tsuen, Sai Kung, Sai Kung District, New Territories, Hong Kong, China

    Distance in KM
    14
    Estimated Time to complete
    2 Hrs
  • Wind Direction
    NNW
    Best months
  • Average Rating
    0.0

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  • Created
    about 4 years ago
    Last updated
    about 4 years ago
    Kindly shared by:
    downwindfun downwindfun



  • Launch - Tso Wo Hang Pier and the start is very sheltered by mountains to the north (behind you as you paddle) so the wind does not really pick up until the 2nd half of the run.
    Sai Kung Country Park Pier





    Running between Sharp Island and Kau Sai Chau island (where Hong Kong's only public golf course is). The run passes a beautiful little sandy beach called Whiskey (白環) Beach on Kau Sai Chau, whose liquor themed name is lost in time but as there were initially, and to a certain extent, still are a lot of Scots in Hong Kong, this was maybe a place to consume or trade whisky. However the official name on Govt websites spell it with an "e" which usually denotes Irish or American whiskeys, and reading about some of the major early construction in Hong Kong (eg dams built in the early 1900s) these were often built with a lot of Irish skill and usually near any big construction project was an illegal still distilling some kind of illicit hooch. But who knows?

    This is YouTube video from Hksupa Hk with informative subtitle commentary during the downwind.





    The last 2-3kms opens up into the ocean and if there is an Easterly swell (coming from paddlers' left) it can get very technical and difficult. Finish at the Clear Water Bay Marina.
    Clear Water Bay Marina



    The last 2-3kms opens up into the ocean and if there is an Easterly swell (coming from paddlers' left) it can get very technical and difficult.


    Have fun and please stay safe!
    Some Basic Safety Guidelines

    - It is very difficult to spot someone in the water especially in strong wind conditions, so please make sure you can be seen - use bright colour clothing. Wear a brightly coloured PFD Wear a brightly coloured rash vest ( luminous green or orange is best)

    - Use a buddy system - doing a downwind with someone else is always safer than on your own.

    - Have a VHF Radio, mobile/cell phone in a waterproof bag ( test that you can use this in all conditions)

    - Know who to call for help and be sure that your family know who to call. Be sure that someone knows where you are and when you should return. And that they will call for help if this time is exceeded.

    - Other useful tips - Use a leash from the craft to your body. Have a signal flare (hand held are best) or pencil flares. Carry a reflector / mirror. Have a whistle that works when wet. Have your name and landline number on your craft. Leave a card with your name and phone number (mobile/cell and landline) on your vehicle dashboard.



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