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

A southbound scheme allowing Guangdong-registered yachts to sail in Hong Kong waters is expected to launch in October, the transport minister has said, with the city continuing preparations and discussions with provincial authorities.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan revealed the plan on Saturday after the annual policy address and the city’s first five-year plan, both unveiled this week, set out proposals to develop the yacht economy.

“The southbound travel scheme for yachts from Guangdong to sail in Hong Kong waters is expected to be rolled out as early as October. We’ll reveal the details in due course,” Chan said. “We have been discussing preparations with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration.”

The policy address, released on Wednesday, stated that the Marine Department would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration to implement southbound travel for Guangdong yachts, with the aim of boosting cross-border leisure spending.