Slow Boat from China ?

[edlithgow]

Hi all.

I'm after some advice on the feasability of sailing a small boat from Hong Kong to Taiwan, where I currently live and work.

I think Hong Kong is the closest source of small used sailboats to Taiwan. Yamaha's seem to be commonest, and I'm thinking in terms of something like a Yamaha 25, though something slightly bigger is a possibility.

If one were to attempt this, what would be the best (i.e. least bad) route and time of year? A direct approach is "only" about 400 miles, but against the prevailing winds, and I've been told it gets pretty rough in the winter, though there aren't any typhoons then.

I wonder if it would be better to head up the Taiwan Straight so the crossing is less exposed (though there are very powerful tides). I also wonder what the best time of year would be for such an attempt.

Any advice (including "forget it") would be appreciated.

Regards, Ed Lithgow (newbie)