Movie producers, corporate guests and tourists alike cannot resist the Duk Ling’s charm

Millions of people annually see the Duk Ling wooden junk bobbing about in Hong Kong harbour - but few realise it is a Frenchman who owns the distinctive boat with the bat-wing sails.

Pierric Couderc restored the dilapated former fishing junk back to prime condition - a project that took HK$2 million (US$257,000) and countless hours of time and effort. Once finished, the junk proved to be hugely popular, chartered by movie producers, corporate organisations and individuals.

In the past, high profile hirers have included the movie producers of Around the World in 80 Days and Tai Pan. More frequently it is corporate organisations or private groups who step aboard for cocktail-hour jaunts around the harbour.

Indeed, junks are so closely associated with the city that the Hong Kong Tourism Board uses a junk image as its corporate logo. In addition, the organisation charters the Duk Ling every Thursday for free harbour sailing trips.

"I can't really put a price on the boat as there is only one in the world and I am not sure if there is a buyer for it," says Mr Couderc. "It is unique, a piece of nostalgia. If you were to buy it you would have to have to love boats and love old things."

The boat's Chinese name is Ap Ling, characters which translate as "clever duck". An earlier owner was reluctant to change the boat's name - a move considered to be bad luck among nautical types - so it was tweaked slightly to come up with the English translation Duk Ling.

	Pierric Couderc on board his traditional sailing junk, the Duk Ling, which he restored as a labour of love

Mr Couderc spent three years working on the extensive refit, bringing it up to the standards necessary to acquire a commercial passenger licence. A powerful propeller was fitted that would allow the boat to beat a hasty retreat in the event of an emergency.

 "In my case, I have an MBA but I am an artist," Mr Couderc said. "With the boat I can mix the business side of things with culture and beauty. It doesn't make any difference if the boat makes zero or plus (profit), but if it makes minus that is a different story.

"I was born in Africa, by the sea, and have always loved sailing. The Duk Ling is a unique boat. The designs were constantly changing over the years so each one is individual."

To contact Mr Couderc's company, Detours, phone 2851 9601 or email www.dukling.com.hk
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