Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor held its first Harbor Day on Sunday with events including a 26-nautical mile yacht race and aerial displays.

The organizer of the festival, Hong Kong Harbor Day Committee, said the aim was to give Hong Kong people and visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty and vibrancy of the harbor.

The Harbor Day began with the "Around the Island Race" in which more than 200 yachts raced around Hong Kong Island.

Later, the Government Flying Services performed a display helicopter rescue mission along the harbor front.

A Hong Kong government spokesperson said on Sunday, "The government fully appreciates and shares the community's aspirations to protect and preserve Victoria Harbor."

He said, "The continued protection, preservation and enhancement of the harbor have been our policy goals."

Both the organizer and the Hong Kong government hope this festival will become an annual event in Hong Kong to attract visitors and residents, according to Xinhua News Agency today.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2005)