Today’s Day Trippers
The latest Hobie® factory team members to arrive at the worlds resort were bubbling after their first day exploring some of the different sites around the local Dapeng community.
Leanne Honecker from Hobie Cat® Australasia enjoyed her day off and had some valuable suggestions to offer other people heading to the Dapeng region for the 21st Hobie 16 World Championships.
“We went all over the area today, we walked from the event hotel and headed down Seafood Street just a few minutes away and looked at all of the fish, shellfish, lobsters and all sorts of other sea life that were on sale. Up at the top of the street near a cute statue, our group of eight got into two taxis and headed into Dapeng Central, the major town in Dapeng. Learning where the taxis are located, what they look like and what is the best way to get to where we wanted to go was a really valuable experience. I learnt that it’s best to negotiate a price before you get in and the drivers will only take cash. It really helps to have a photo of your destination to show the driver, that’s the best way for them to know where you want to go.”
IHCA Executive Director David Brookes was extremely impressed with the visit, but was particularly taken by the Dongshan Temple.
“I’ve been to visit temples all over Asia and Europe and today, I have to say, I saw what is probably the most stunning temple I have ever been in. There were magnificent carvings, statues and exquisite colours, the temple was incredible, everywhere I looked fascinated me. The monks were welcoming, friendly and the grounds had a pleasant aroma of burning incense from worshippers offerings. The place really did have a very spiritual mystique about it. I would suggest that any Hobie sailor visiting the world championships must experience this amazing place.”
Mal Gray from Sunstate Hobie in Queensland, Australia and one of the Hobie Factory Team loved the scene in the tourist area of Jiaochangwei along the foreshore of the bay.
“The area along the beach promenade is really lively and has some unique, colourful buildings, all types of restaurants, street food vendors and some really cool bars with some sitting right on the beach. The place has so much to offer with all sorts of action on and off the water. It’s a Chinese playground for young and old, it really is the Riviera of Shenzhen. I’ll be going back there to spend some more time while I’m at the worlds.”
Trish Gray, also from Queensland and Sunstate Hobie, was more than enthusiastic about the ancient fortress that defines the area.
“I was extremely impressed by the amazing Dapeng Fortress, I‘ve never seen anything like it. Walled in with old stone, arched protective gates. It is an enclosed community all its own, lively, yet with a great feel to it, steeped way back in the past. I couldn’t believe that people actually were living and working within its ancient walls, and the shops restaurants and just little things like the tea drinking ceremonies and wishing tree made this such a special place to visit.”