Wayfoong is a sleek steam launch built in 1930 on the original plans of its mother ship, which was launched in 1898. Owned by HSBC for 80 years, it is now privately-owned by entertainment entrepreneur Allan Zeman.
Two classic Hong Kong boats have been restored by their respective owners and are now available, for the first time, for private charter.
The Wayfoong, a 1930 steam launch, and Wing Sing, one of the last fully operational three-masted sailing junks in Hong Kong, offer a classic, high-end charter experience.
These two iconic vessels are the flagships of a new yacht charter collection launched by luxury charter brokers, Northrop & Johnson.
Wayfoong is a sleek steam launch built in 1930 on the original plans of its mother ship, which was launched in 1898. Owned by HSBC for 80 years, it is now privately-owned by entertainment entrepreneur Allan Zeman.
Wayfoong was commissioned by HSBC to carry gold bullion to and from the ships anchored in Victoria Harbour. In the 1950s, she was also used for ‘burning picnics’, when the junior staff of the bank’s Note Cancellation Department would burn bag-loads of old bank notes as fuel in the boiler room furnace.
She was subsequently used by the bank for entertaining clients and senior management and renowned for serving the ‘best curry in Hong Kong’.
The restored Wayfoong accommodates parties of 14 guests, for a cocktail or dinner party in one of the sheltered harbours of Hong Kong island’s south side.
Wing Sing is one of Hong Kong’s last authentic and fully functional Chinese sailing junks. Commissioned in 1974 and modelled on a traditional shrimp fishing junk, this one-of-a-kind boat was purchased by Hellmann Brothers in 2007 and entirely renovated in 2012.
Wing Sing’s foredeck can be used as a lounge area while the elevated afterdeck is the ideal vantage point from which to admire Victoria Harbour on an evening cruise.
This 53-footer can also sail around the outlying islands and is available for overnight charter. Comfortably entertaining up to 20 guests, she can accommodate four overnight, in two luxuriously appointed cabins.
Gourmet catering is available onboard both vessels, in partnership with floating private kitchen owner and caterer Le Bon Goût, who specialises in classic French Riviera-style buffets and organic wines, imported directly from France.
With a nod to the legendary Indian buffets once served onboard Wayfoong in its HSBC heyday, Le Bon Goût will also offer an Indian menu. Guests will also have the option of Chinese and Thai inspired menus.