Long celebrated for its eclectic collection of transportation choices – ranging from Rolls-Royces, vintage 1934 Rollers, MINIs, helicopters, riverboats, bicycles and more – The Peninsula Hotels now sets sail with the sponsorship of the Peninsula Signal 8, a Hong Kong-based 40-foot (12-metre) fast off-shore racing yacht. Its name is derived from Hong Kong’s tropical cyclone warning signals, with Typhoon Signal No 8 denoting persistent storm force winds – and of course the number eight is particularly auspicious in Chinese culture as “ba” (eight) rhymes with “fa”, the character for “fortune”.

Sporting The Peninsula Hotels’ branding on the spinnaker, main sail and hull, Peninsula Signal 8 is competing in a selection of races and regattas in Hong Kong, China, Thailand and the UK, including the prestigious summer racing season at Cowes, England. When not racing, Peninsula Signal 8 is available for company-hosted sailings, including hotel guests, staff, Peninsula hotel partners and Peninsula Academy programmes, together with local charities and NGOs. VIP guests will have the chance to join the crew on board for races in Hong Kong or overseas, or else follow the action from the accompanying support boat.