Hongkongers can get the chance to board a three-masted tall ship when the Clipper Stad Amsterdam drops anchor in the city this week. The 76-metre-long vessel, which is a historical reconstruction of a mid-19th century clipper ship, will be open to the public for free tours from June 28-July 2 at Central Pier 9. This is the first time that the Clipper will be in Hong Kong after it embarked in its two-year world tour in 2023.
The Clipper, which sails as a passenger ship under the Dutch flag, has 31 sails and its total area measures 2,200 square metres. During the tours, visitors will get an up-close view of features like its transverse rig and sharp clipper bow. Each tour will be 45 minutes long, conducted in English, and can accommodate no more than 30 people at a time.
Visitors must be over the age of 10 and must register online on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations are open until June 25. Each visitor can only sign up for one session, after which they will get a confirmation email. Those who successfully register should bring valid identification documents, such as their HKID, to present to staff before they board the vessel.
The Clipper was constructed and launched in 2000, and its design is based on the commercial tall ships of the late 19th century when maritime trade was at its peak. At the same time, the Clipper is fully equipped with state-of-the-art sustainable shippings systems of today. The world tour began in Belgium, and the ship is currently heading to Hong Kong from Shanghai. Once the Hong Kong leg of the tour is done, the Clipper will depart to Indonesia.
Before it opens to the public in Hong Kong, the Clipper will be docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui to host a series of private events from June 23-27. The ship can be booked for corporate events for 60–200 guests, depending on whether it is a sit-down occasion, dinner buffet, or reception. Guests can even book stays on board for a luxury cruise or an adventurous sailing trip, during which they will have access to 14 luxury cabins, a spacious dining room for dinners and presentations, and an outdoor bar.
Image credits: Randstad
