Team on the Sea – Tom Allen & First Time Boat Ownership in Hong Kong

Early last year, I bought a Highfield 760 Patrol. The boat, a robust and sturdy RIB powered by a 300hp Suzuki outboard, arrived in early summer 2020 – as it turns out, with the global pandemic keeping us in Hong Kong all summer, this was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Affectionately called “Don Papa” (named after a dangerously fun-loving brand of rum from the Philippines), the RIB has a top speed of around 45 knots and happily cruises around 30 knots. With a strong hull and plenty of power, no corners of Hong Kong’s amazing waters are out of reach. I’ve seen rare pink dolphins by Tai O (the Western edge of Hong Kong) one day, and then taken friends for a beach picnic in idyllic Double Haven (the Northeast edge of Hong Kong) the next day. The run from Aberdeen to Sai Kung takes only 30-35 minutes at 30 knots. I’m privileged and honoured to be a boat owner, and am always happy when a friend sends me a midweek message asking, “where should we go on your boat this weekend?” I hope to see you on the water soon.