All aboard to drink in the sights (hktdc.com)


	Hand crafted using traditional boat building techniques, the majestic aqua luna is set to become a new cultural icon of Hong Kong

In work hard, play hard Hong Kong, parties on junks have long been part of the lifestyle for visitors and locals alike. With one of the world's most spectacular harbours on the doorstep, entertainment afloat - whether it be for business and pleasure - is a must-do experience.

Now, a unique option has been added to the mix. aqua luna, a luxurious Chinese sailing junk created in the Hong Kong shipyard of an 80-year-old master craftsman, offers patrons high-end service with unforgettable views of Victoria Harbour.

The owners, Aqua Restaurant Group, believe their newly launched vessel promises to be “the most exclusive traditional Chinese junk ever built". And in all likelihood, it could be the last junk to be designed and hand built in Hong Kong.

At 28 metres, aqua luna is a traditional three sail Chinese junk built for the Aqua Restaurant Group over a period of 18 months. Its construction was supervised by an experienced ship building veteran, using traditional Chinese techniques which have now all but died out in Hong Kong.

Tradition revived

aqua luna was first conceived out of the Aqua Group's fierce commitment to Hong Kong. The group named the project We Love Hong Kong and its aim was to create a landmark project that would recapture the colour and re-ignite the pioneering spirit of Hong Kong.

They decided to take the city's much loved cultural icon - a red sailing junk - and create their own ultra exclusive one, thus reviving one of the great traditions of Hong Kong. They named it aqua luna - which in Cantonese is pronounced Cheung Po Tsai - after the infamous Cheung Chau Island pirate who used to terrorise the waters of the South China Sea at the turn of the century.

The junk can accommodate up to 80 guests and is available for private charter. Eight daily sailings are also offered. aqua luna is outfitted with a full bar and cocktail lounge. Meals can be arranged for private charters and corporate functions through any of the Aqua Restaurant Group's six restaurants, which include aqua, Hutong, Ayuthaiya, Shui Hu Ju, Water Margin and WasabiSabi.