Hong Kong to open waters to Guangdong yachts under southbound scheme from October

Hong Kong plans to open its waters to Guangdong-registered yachts beginning in October, according to Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan. The southbound scheme is part of the city's broader "yacht economy" strategy for the Greater Bay Area, which aims to boost cross-border leisure spending and encourage visitors to sail their yachts to designated areas.

The transport minister revealed the plan following the latest policy address and Hong Kong's first five-year plan, both unveiled this week. Discussions with Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration are underway to implement the scheme, which will be signed off with a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The move follows the successful launch of a northbound scheme for Hong Kong yachts in June, which has already certified several mainland yacht masters for navigation in Hong Kong waters.

Authorities are also exploring new yacht-berth projects, including a marina development in Aberdeen and a yacht bay in the Airport City megadevelopment, with the aim of enhancing infrastructure and reducing red tape for yacht owners. In 2023 to 2025, an average of 77 yachts visited Hong Kong each year, with 35 of them originating from mainland China.