Welcome to Hong Kong Marina

or most people, an escape from the pressures of city living means leaving town, flying away for a rest in some faraway place.

But for those in Hong Kong who want a brief respite from their daily lives, there's a haven of peace and tranquility only an hour's drive from Central. Situated on the territory's eastern coastline, and aptly named Port Shelter, it is also a mecca for nature lovers and a centre for pleasure boating.

On the northern side of the inner harbour, set against the verdant greens of the headland, is the subject of this presentation - welcome to Hong Kong's premier marina.

A HISTORY
that dates from the beginning of pleasure boating in Hong Kong

In the early 1970s, the quiet, protected bay of Pak Sha Wan was lined with rows of small marine engineering shops, servicing the vessels of those living nearby, who used the sea for their leisure, or depended upon it for their livelihood.

This was a period in Hong Kong's history when the largest pleasure craft was little more than 40 feet, and repairs needed to be simple, inexpensive and, above all, fast.

It was at this time that an American businessman returning from a long period in Vietnam, visited this secluded corner of the New Territories, and saw the potential for a coastal development, sufficiently close to the city for convenience, but far enough away to be truly relaxing.

His vision was for an outlying boating centre which would provide facilities not only for the sailing boats then centred around Victoria Harbour, but also the larger, more luxurious power vessels which, he anticipated, would grow in numbers in the coming years.

With the foresight to recognise the future growth in Hong Kong's economy, he established Hong Kong Marina in 1963. He realised there was a need for a peaceful retreat where the successful could enjoy the rewards of their hard work, and the maritime community could be brought together in one location.

Boaters from surrounding areas flocked to the Marina, and now, more than 40 years later, the government positively encourages boating activities in this part of the territory. Nearby are the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Shelter Cove sites along the waterfront, and Marina Cove shopping and marine centre a short tender ride across the bay.

Starting with just 20 walk-on berths for boats less than 20 feet, the Marina was still the territory's largest by the mid-1970s, and now has 233 berths and a policy of continual expansion to meet the demands of its membership.