For this year's championship, the Force sent two teams, consisting of a No. 1 crew and a development team, building on the growing interest in the Police Sailing Club's activities at Ma Liu Shui. As ever, the Hong Kong contingent proved popular among competitors.

Accommodation was provided in a youth hostel. The boats were tied up in a canal adjacent to the hostel, allowing crews to step straight aboard and sail directly onto the 10-km lake Heeg.

The weeklong training prior to the competition was conducted in high winds, ranging from forces 5 to 7. However, the weeklong competition was blessed with sunny weather, as well as light and tricky winds. Right from the start, the Switzerland 1 Team looked to take a stronghold on the competition, consistently recording high places in all races.

The Switzerland 1 Team normally sails on a lake and their greater experience gave them an edge early in the competition. Later, Hong Kong 1 got into its stride and came back strongly. Going into the last day of the competition, Hong Kong 1 won four of the eleven races, more than Switzerland 1, but was also counting some poorer finishes.

With two races scheduled on the last day, Hong Kong 1 would have to win both to keep the title. Unfortunately, the last day dawned without a breath of wind, and despite drifting around the Start Vessel under starting orders for five hours, waiting for wind, the racing on the final day was eventually abandoned.

In the end, Switzerland 1, who held the title on three previous occasions, were worthy winners, with a very consistent series. The top five places were: 1st Switzerland 1, 2nd Hong Kong 1, 3rd Germany 2, 4th Norway, and 5th Friesland Holland. They received their prizes from the Commissioner of the Netherlands National Police, Mr Ruud Bik.

Hong Kong 2 showed better race pace in this competition, and developed a close battle with Team Amsterdam, eventually finishing in 9th place.

Overall, the Hong Kong team members will remember the fierce competition, the new friends made, the old friendships renewed and the beautiful lake with hundreds of pleasure boats sailing in sunshine.

The next competition will be held in two years' time in Lake Constance in the German Alps or in Croatia. The Police Sailing Team is also expected to enter the World Police and Fire Games in British Columbia, Canada, next year.

The Police Sailing Club are currently running their Saturday morning winter series at the Ma Liu Shui Marine Police Base. The series commenced on November 8 and will be held every other Saturday morning until January 17 next year. Officers interested in taking part in the series may contact the Chairman of the Police Sailing Club, Mr Paul Stripp, on 2746-3402 or the Race Officer, Mr Gary Leung, on 9047-0522.

Hong Kong Teams with the competition boats in Friesland, Holland