Categories & Starting Time:

*Racing Groups
	International		Open		School**
	Men	Women	Men	Women	Men	Women
Event No.	1	2	3	4	5	6
Distance	Approximately 1 km
Age	14 or above
Start Time	Around 7:30 am
Quota	25	25	100	100	50

*Recommended for experienced and Elite swimmers

Leisure Groups
	New World Springboard	Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Men	Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Women	Men	Women
Event No.	7
Distance	Approximately 1 km
Age	12 or above
Start Time	Around 7:45 am
Quota	“New World Springboard Swimming Academy” students 20 persons	Swimmer(s) must apply the race via their respective Greater Bay Swimming Association 300 persons		3380 persons

Age is calculated as at 31^st December 2023 for ALL EVENTS.

B.　　Entry Procedures

• Applicants can only apply via the New World Harbour Race Website: ( www.hkharbourrace.com).
• Incomplete Application Forms, Declaration and or Incomplete Information will not be accepted, and the fees paid will not be refunded. HKGSA reserves the rights to amend the above information with or without notification and the authority for final interpretation.
• For applicants aged 60 or above, a Medical Certificate must be submitted before settling the Time Trial Fee (if necessary)/ before settling the Entry Fee by Online Payment (please refer to the application form).
• Once the entry is accepted, entry fee is non-refundable & non-transferable under any circumstances. Repeated entries will be counted as a single entry.
• An acknowledgement email will be sent to the registered email address within 3 working days after HKGSA has received the registration. For those who do not receive the email within the stipulated time frame, please contact HKGSA immediately.

C.　　Competition Eligibility & Qualification

i) Racing Groups (Event No. 1 – 2)

Eligibility:

Only for entries submitted by the National Swimming Association recognized by the Asia Aquatics or World Aquatics (Maximum 2 men and 2 women per country)

ii) Racing Groups (Event No. 3 – 6)

Eligibility

Non-Hong Kong ID card holder and Hong Kong ID card holder; and

Aged 14 or above (age is calculated as at 31st December 2023); and

Physically Fit and Healthy; and

Duly-signed Declaration of Responsibility (Signed by parents for swimmers under 18 years of age); and

For applicants aged 60 or above, a Medical Certificate must be submitted before settling the Time Trial Fee (if necessary)/ before settling the Entry Fee by Online Payment (please refer to the application form); OR

“New World Harbour Race 2022- Racing Groups swimmers”; OR

Represented Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Team in the following major international events: (Invited Elite Swimmers) 2022 Asian Open Water Swimming Championships 2023 World Aquatics Championships (Open Water Swimming) OR

Winners and runners-up of the following local Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competitions: (Invited Elite Swimmers) i) 2022/23 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 2) – 5km events (7/1/2023) OR; ii) 2023/24 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 1) – 10km events (7/5/2023)

Qualification

Submit Result of “New World Harbour Race 2022 – Racing Groups” (Time Trial Exempted); OR

Time Trial of “New World Harbour Race 2023 – To Finish 1,500m in 35 minutes” @ ; OR

Obtained records of completing 1500m in 35 minutes from any Swimming Pool – 1,500m Long Course swimming competitions organized or sanctioned by HKGSA during 1st October 2022 to 18th September 2023 (Time Trial Exempted); OR

Overseas Participants who can provide proven ability to complete swimming distance of Long Course Swimming Pool – 1,500m within 35 minutes during 1st October 2022 to 18th September 2023. Only proven time records endorsed by its National Swimming Association will be taken into consideration (Time Trial Exempted) ; OR

Invited Elite Swimmers (Time Trial Exempted) ; OR

Winners and runners-up of “New World Harbour Race 2022 – Racing Groups” (Time Trial Exempted)

Based on times achieved amongst all submitted times and/ or time trial records, faster Swimmers will be accepted to the Race (HKGSA reserves the rights of making final decision)

Remarks:

– For swimmers, who are unable to finish the “New World Harbour Race 2023” (“NWHR 2023”) within the designated time, they will be considered as new applicants in “New World Harbour Race 2024” (“NWHR 2024”)” and required to pass the qualifying Time Trial of NWHR 2024.

– HKGSA shall analyze the swimming results and data from NWHR 2023 and consider to adjust the qualifying time for NWHR 2024 – Time Trial.

**School Category

Each team is formed by TWO students (Two Boys or Two Girls) from each school / institute (Maximum 1 team for each gender). The total quota is 25 teams. The School Category will be cancelled if less than 3 teams enrolled.

ii) Leisure Groups (Event No. 7)

• Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area Swimmers: please refer to the Greater Bay Swimmers Race Charter
• Local Swimmers:

Competition Eligibility

Hong Kong ID card holder; and

Aged 12 or above (age is calculated as at 31st December 2023); and

Physically Fit and Healthy; and

Duly-signed Declaration of Responsibility (Signed by parents for swimmers under 18 years of age); and

For applicants aged 60 or above, a Medical Certificate must be submitted before settling the Time Trial Fee (if necessary)/ before settling the Entry Fee by Online Payment (please refer to the application form)

Qualification

Successfully completed “New World Harbour Race 2022” (Time Trial Exempted); OR

Time Trial of “New World Harbour Race 2023” – To Finish 1,500m in 45 minutes; OR

To complete 1,500m within 45 minutes in Long Course swimming competitions organized or sanctioned by HKGSA at swimming pool during 1st October 2022 to 18th September 2023 (Time Trial Exempted); OR

Successfully completed “2022/23 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 2) – 5km events (7/1/2023)” (Time Trial Exempted); OR

Successfully completed “2023/24 Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Competition Series (Part 1) – 5km events (7/5/2023)” (Time Trial Exempted)

Final Entrant List for swimming time trial will be allotted by drawing lots and selected swimmers are required to finish 1500m within 45 minutes. Swimmer who fails to finish 1500m within 45 minutes would not be qualified to join the New World Harbour Race 2023

Remarks:

– For swimmers, who are unable to finish the “New World Harbour Race 2023” (“NWHR 2023”) within the designated time, they will be considered as new applicants in “New World Harbour Race 2024” (“NWHR 2024”)” and required to pass the qualifying Time Trial of NWHR 2024.

– HKGSA shall analyze the swimming results and data from NWHR 2023 and consider to adjust the qualifying time for NWHR 2024 – Time Trial.

Each swimmer can only apply for one event.

D.　　Time Trial

• All participants (excluding those Time Trial Exempted) must select the Time Trial’s date and time slot during the registration
• The participation list of Time Trial will be announced on 28^th September 2023 (Thursday) at 11:00 a.m. on the HKGSA website ( www.hkgswimming.org.hk) and New World Harbour Race website ( www.hkharbourrace.com). Swimmers should attend the trial accordingly.

• Information on Time Trial:

  Leisure Group
  Venue	Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool	La Salle College – Swimming Pool	Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool
  Date	14/10/2023 (Saturday)	15/10/2023 (Sunday)	22/10/2023 (Sunday)
  Time	09:00-18:00	09:00-17:00	09:00-18:00
  Qualifying time	To finish 1,500m in 45 minutes.
  Timeslot	Time trial session availability will be allocated to swimmers according to their online applications and on first-come, first-served basis. Swimmers must take the trial within the assigned time slot. Those who failed to comply will not be entertained.
  Time Trial result	The Time Trial result will be available at the New World Harbour Race website ( www.hkharbourrace.com) on 27th October 2023 (Friday) at 11:00a.m. Please input the swimmer’s personal information to search for the result.

  
  

  Racing Group
  Venue	Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool	La Salle College – Swimming Pool	Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Swimming Pool
  Date	14/10/2023 (Saturday)	15/10/2023 (Sunday)	22/10/2023 (Sunday)
  Time	18:00 – 20:00	17:00 – 19:00	18:00 – 20:00
  Qualifying time	To finish 1,500m in 35 minutes.
  Timeslot	Time trial session availability will be allocated to swimmers according to their online applications and on first-come, first-served basis. Swimmers must take the trial within the assigned time slot. Those who failed to comply will not be entertained.
  Time Trial result	The Time Trial result will be available at the New World Harbour Race website ( www.hkharbourrace.com) on 27th October 2023 (Friday) at 11:00a.m. Please input the swimmer’s personal information to search for the result.

  Racing Group Time Trial ^@:
  – Applicants must complete the 1,500m in 35 minutes and HKGSA will convert the submitted result of “New World Harbour Race 2022 – Racing Groups” (which was 1000m) to the equivalent speed requirement as follows:
  
  Equivalent Speed Calculation ^@:
  For example, swimmer finished the NWHR2022 – Racing Groups (1,000m)
  in 23:20.0”,
  23:20.0 / 1,000m x 1,500m
  = 1400/ 1000 x 1500
  = 2100 seconds
  = 35:00.0
  The result of 1,500m will be 35:00.0 minutes.

• Time Trial will be cancelled if Black Rainstorm Signal or Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above is hoisted at 7:00 a.m. on that day. Registration will be closed 2 hours before Typhoon Signal No. 8 is hoisted during the time trial. For the latest information, please refer to the HKGSA website ( www.hkgswimming.org.hk) or the New World Harbour Race website ( www.hkharbourrace.com).

E.　　Final Entrant List

The final entrant list will be available at the New World Harbour Race website ( www.hkharbourrace.com) on 27^th October 2023 (Friday) at 11:00a.m. Please input the personal information to check if the swimmer is on the list.

F.　　Fee

Time Trial Fee	HK$120 / entry
Payment Method	After the announcement of the Time Trial participation list, participants shall receive an email for settling the Time Trial Fee by Online Payment from 28th September to 4th October 2023
Entry Fee	HK$300 / entry
Payment Method	After the announcement of the final entry list, participants shall receive an email for settling the Entry Fee by Online Payment from 27th October to 1st November 2023

(Participation qualification will be forfeited if the payment has not been settled in the stipulated time frame. Any fee paid is non-refundable in any circumstances.)

G.　　Race Kit Collection

• Final Entrants should make an appointment (First-come, first-served) for Race Kit collection when they received an email from HKGSA for settling the Entry Fee payment.
• Participation qualification will be forfeited if Entry fee is not paid in the stipulated time frame or the race kit is not collected on time. All fees paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

  1) Racing Group:
  A race kit including a baggage bag, a race card, a swimmer’s guide, 3 electronic transponders (2 for wrists, 1 for ankle), a designated numbered swim cap and a marker pen will be distributed to each participant. On race day, participants must mark their race numbers on the left hand side of their back, both arms and back of their hands with the marker pen provided by HKGSA (For details please refer to the swimmers’ guide).

  2) Leisure Group:
  A race kit including a baggage bag, a race card, a swimmer’s guide, 1 electronic transponder (for ankle), a designated numbered swim cap, a marker pen and a tow float will be distributed to each participant. On race day, participants must mark their race numbers on the left hand side of their back, both arms and back of their hands with the marker pen provided by HKGSA (For details please refer to the swimmers’ guide).

• Details of Race Kit Collection:

  	Race Kit Collection
  Venue	To be announced
  Date	Early November
  Time	To be announced

H.　　Awards

Group	Prizes
New World Harbour Race International Category Individual Men & Women	Champion: Trophy, US$2,000, Electronic Certificate 1st Runner-up: Trophy, US$1,500, Electronic Certificate 2nd Runner-up: Trophy, US$1,200, Electronic Certificate 3rd Runner-up: Trophy, US$800, Electronic Certificate 4th Runner-up: Trophy, US$600, Electronic Certificate 5th Runner-up: Trophy, US$500, Electronic Certificate 6th Runner-up: Trophy, US$400, Electronic Certificate 7th Runner-up: Trophy, US$300, Electronic Certificate 8th Runner-up: Trophy, US$200, Electronic Certificate 9th Runner-up: Trophy, US$100, Electronic Certificate
New World Harbour Race Open Category Individual Men & Women	Champion: Trophy, HK$5,000, Electronic Certificate 1st Runner-up: Trophy, HK$3,000, Electronic Certificate 2nd Runner-up: Trophy, HK$2,000, Electronic Certificate 3rd Runner-up: Trophy, HK$1,000, Electronic Certificate 4th Runner-up: Trophy, HK$800, Electronic Certificate
New World Harbour Race School Category Team Boys and Girls	Champion: Trophy, Electronic Certificate 1st Runner-up: Trophy, Electronic Certificate 2nd Runner-up: Trophy, Electronic Certificate
New World Harbour Race “FTLife New World Springboard Championship” ##	Champion: Trophy, Electronic Certificate 1st Runner-up: Trophy, Electronic Certificate 2nd Runner-up: Trophy, Electronic Certificate
New World Harbour Race Leisure Group Individual Men & Women	Electronic Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of race
Souvenir Medal will be awarded to the swimmers of Racing Group and Leisure Group

^## For “New World Springboard Swimming Academy” students only

I.　　Race Details

1) Racing Group

• Every swimmer will be given 3 electronic transponders (2 for wrists, 1 for ankle) which should be secured on both wrists and ankle during the race for result recording and head counting. Wrist Electronic Transponders should be returned at the Wrist Electronic Transponders Return Center after the race. Participants will be charged for HKD$500 each of the device in case of loss or not returning the transponders.
  If participants did not pay the charge, HKGSA reserves the right to forbid the swimmer to participate in the future Harbour Race. Ankle Electronic Transponder need not be returned.
• Every swimmer will be given a swim cap with a designated number.

2) Leisure Group

• Every swimmer will be given 1 electronic transponder which should be secured on ankle during the race for head counting. Ankle Electronic Transponder need not be returned.
• Every leisure group swimmer will be given a tow float, assigned with a designated number, which must be worn throughout the race.
• Every swimmer will be given a swim cap with a designated number.

3) Storage of Personal Belongings

• Participants can store their personal belongings in the baggage bags (provided by HKGSA in the race kit) at the Personal Belongings Deposit Area in Starting Area and collect them at Baggage Claim Area in Finishing Area after the race. Participants shall write down their race numbers on the baggage bags BEFOREHAND. Please noted all personal belongings should be put inside the baggage bag. Any materials/ personal items which is not in the baggage bags will not be accepted for handling. HKGSA has no responsibility for any loss or damage to the personal belongings.

4) Venue Arrangement and Crowd Control

• Participants should follow instructions from the race officials to keep a smooth operation.
• No changing facilities will be provided on-site.
• Shower area is located at the Finishing Area for quick rinsing. Use of shampoo or toiletries is prohibited.
• Towel, T-shirt, slippers and bottled water will be provided to each swimmer after landing.
• Only swimmers, officials and invited guests are allowed to enter the Starting Area.

5) Result Announcement

• The list of award winners for the Racing Groups will be posted on the notice board at the Finishing Area on the Race day. The remaining results will be uploaded to the HKGSA website and New World Harbour Race website thereafter. Participants can download their certificates from the New World Harbour Race website.

6) Reminders

• Swimmers must wear apparels or put on labels provided by HKGSA when attending media events or interviews.
• Winners and runners-up must ONLY wear apparels provided by HKGSA during the ceremony.

7) Declaration of Responsibility

• Swimmers should acknowledge that open water swimming is a high-risk aquatic sport. Swimmers must be aware of the tide and water condition, and carefully consider their participation based on their swimming ability and health condition. HKGSA will make every effort to ensure the safety of all swimmers during the race. However, HKGSA and its officials have no responsibility nor liability for any injuries, accidents or fatalities arising from the race.
  Training practice in open water prior to the race is highly recommended.

8) Inclement Weather Arrangement

• The Race will be cancelled under any of the following conditions:
  • Typhoon Signal No. 1 or above, hoisted before 6:00 a.m. on the Race Day; Or
  • Red/Black Rainstorm Signal; Or
  • Occurrence of red tide at the venue; Or
  • Any conditions unsuitable for staging the competition.

J.　　Race Course

K.　　Rules and Regulations

1. Swimmers must wear the designated swim caps provided by the HKGSA during the race.
2. Swimmer MUST present a valid Race Card issued by the HKGSA at the Registration Counter. If swimmers cannot provide a valid Race Card or not reporting to the Registration Counter, they will not be allowed to join the current race and they may not be eligible for the future race.
3. • Racing Group Swimmers who are unable to show their wrist electronic transponders, ankle electronic transponders, race cards, and their designated swim caps will not be allowed to participant in the race.
   • Leisure Group Swimmers who are unable to show their ankle electronic transponders, race cards, their designated swim caps and tow floats will not be allowed to participant in the race.
4. All electronic transponders, tow floats, race cards, and swim caps are non-transferable. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
5. • During the race, racing group swimmers must wear swim caps and electronic transponder chips (Wrist & Ankle) provided by HKGSA throughout the whole swimming period. Those who fail to comply may be disqualified.
   • During the race, leisure group swimmers must wear swim caps, ankle electronic transponder chips and tow floats provided by HKGSA throughout the whole swimming period. Those who fail to comply will be asked to leave the water and be disqualified. Should the swimmer loses the tow float intentionally, HKGSA reserves the right to forbid the swimmer to participate in the coming year.
6. Leisure Group Swimmers SHOULD swim within the Race Course. Swimmers found outside the Race Course will be guided back to the course by canoes. Those who fail to comply will be requested to leave the water and will be disqualified.
7. If swimmers feel unwell, exhausted or affected by cramp during the race, please raise a hand and call for help immediately. For the leisure group swimmers, they shall float on back and hold the tow float tight with one hand and raise the other hand for assistance. Lifeguards and Rescue Boat would come to rescue immediately.
8. Racing Group Swimmers MUST report to the Wrist Electronic Transponder Return Center immediately after the race to return their pair of wrist electronic transponders.
9. To avoid overcrowding, swimmers should leave the pier as quickly as possible after landing.
10. Any swimming activity in the Harbour is prohibited after the Race.
11. Swimmers must forfeit their right to participate in the Race and will be requested to leave water by officials if they were unable to Finish the race within 50 minutes after the start of each event. Their results will be recorded as “DNF” (Did Not Finish).
12. No swimmer is permitted to use any device that may be an aid to their speed or endurance such as fins and paddles. Nails should be trimmed and not sharp.
13. No political action shall take place inside or in the immediate vicinity of the venue(s). The promotion or announcement, by any means, of political messages or any other political actions inside or in the immediate vicinity of the venue(s) is strictly prohibited before, during and after the championships/competition. Any swimmer failing to observe the aforementioned rule will be disqualified to participate in the Race and must leave the racing venue immediately.
14. Please do not wear watches or jewellery.
15. • Racing Group Swimmers: must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. Swimwear for both men and women shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the ankle.
      Water Temperature and Wetsuit:
      
      • Wetsuits are allowed in case of low water temperature.
    • Leisure Group Swimmers: can choose the swimsuits and wetsuits according to one’s own choice.
16. HKGSA has its sole discretion to reject any entry.
17. HKGSA has the final decision over all matters not stipulated here in the rules.