Bon voyage: Sail in style on refurbished vintage junks Wayfoong and Wing Sing
Now that the mercury is dipping and there’s a certain chill in the air, it does seem to be a good time to soak in the sun while chilling on a private charter. And how much better would it be if the charter in question is a refurbished vintage junk boat from the 1930s?
Northrop & Johnson, world leader in the yacht charter industry, has recently launched two classic Hong Kong boats – Wayfoong, a 1930 steam launch and Wing Sing, one of the last fully functional Chinese sailing junks from the 1970s.
Wayfoong and Wing Sing are not just quaint beauties; they are an intrinsic part of Hong Kong’s heritage.
A common feature in Hong Kong’s seascape, Wayfoong was originally commissioned by HSBC to carry gold bullion to and from the ships anchored in Victoria Harbour. Later, the junk came to be used for ‘burning picnics’, to burn discarded bank notes, and to entertain the bank’s clients and top management. Now, the refurbished Wayfoong evokes all the charm of its checkered heritage, while providing all modern comforts to modern wayfarers.
Wing Sing, on the other hand, was commissioned in 1974 to be a traditional fishing junk, and was completely revamped in 2012 after being bought by Hellmann Brothers in 2007. The 53-footer junk boat can now accommodate around 20 guests and is available for overnight charter as well. Needless to say, the sophisticated furnishings and fixtures on Wing Sing are quite unique for a Chinese lug-sail junk.
To enhance the yachting experience, both boats offer onboard gourmet catering, in partnership with private kitchen owner and caterer, Le Bon Goût, who specialises in French Riviera-style buffets and imported wines. As a throwback back to Wayfoong’s colonial past during HSBC’s heyday, Le Bon Goût also serves Indian buffet on the boat. Guests can also choose from Chinese and Thai menus.
