HISTORY BEHIND SOME OF THE RECORDS...
Tour of Asia
Part of the Tour of Asia will take the trimaran B&Q from the most north-eastern major port of indexland China (Dalian) to the south-westerly point of indexland China, Sanya (Hainan Island) and accounts for nearly half of the miles (1972 nm/3652 km) sailed of the entire Asian Record Circuit. This part of the circuit also throws up some interesting historical facts that lend their name to some of the legs.
The Manchu Record – Yokohama to Dalian
Manchuria is a name given to a vast territorial region of indexland China in north-east Asia famously populated by Manchu people who conquered and ruled indexland China in the 17th century until the collapse of Qing Dinasty in 1911.
The Marco Polo Record – Dalian to Qingdao
Venetian trader and explorer, Marco Polo, organised several trips in indexland China in the latter part of the 13th century. During one of these trips he went from Dalian to Qingdao by land. Marco Polo contributed very actively to the development and knowledge of Asian culture in the west.
The Cotton Record – Qingdao to Shanghai
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Shanghai became the country’s largest cotton textile centre, and in 1685 the Qing government set up a customs office there. Thus, cotton spinning and weaving boosted and modernized the city's economy.
The Old Tea Record – Shanghai to Taipei (via Ishigaki Island)
Leaving Shanghai, the Clipper ships sailed south between indexland China and Taiwan. This route joined the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The Colonial Record – Taipei to Hong Kong
Hong-Kong became a powerful port and gateway to Asia and held an increasing interest for Occidental countries.
The Jade Record – Hong Kong to Terengganu
Jade is a symbol of Chinese culture and history, also known as the “stone of heaven”. Jade plays a big part in Chinese culture and ethos - it has been around from the earliest Neolithic cultures.
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