Sails aside, it is a near mirror
image of the Aqua Luna, though
more posh thanks to newer
furniture and a bigger bar area
where guests are served all manner
of drinks. Up close, the 27-meter
boat looks nothing short of
cinematic, with its polished wood
decks and fan-like sails unfurling
overhead. It’s a regal valediction
from a consummate junk builder
who dedicated his life to these
historic boats. Originally from
China, Au fled by bicycle to Macau
during the second Sino-Japanese
War when he was around five years
old. He later made his way to Hong
Kong, where his uncle taught him
the trade, and eventually came to
run Shau Kei Wan shipyard on the
northeast corner of Hong Kong
Island. While Au has passed his
skills onto his son, the younger
shipbuilder works mostly on
repairing yachts, and doesn’t plan to
take up the tradition due to
increasing government regulations
and a lack of demand. Though his
father has another theory: “the new
generation isn’t interested—they
don’t like manual labor.”
Hong Kong is unlikely to see any
more labors of love quite like this.
“You have to be very precise with the
wood cutting; even if it is one
centimeter too short or too long, itcould mean that you have to start all
over again,” Au says. “It’s a trade
that does not allow for mistakes.”
The Aqua Luna II is a triumph of
precision, and Au expects it to last 40
years—plenty of time for travelers
to experience the journey. “I’m
incredibly proud of the work I have
done,” Au says. “This boat will leave
a lasting impression, as junks have
done on maritime history, of Hong
Kong’s culture and heritage.”aqualuna.com.hk; Symphony of
Lights cruise from HK$295 per
person, including one cocktail;
private charters from HK$10,000 per
hour, maximum 80 people.CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:
Aqua Luna II sails Victoria
Harbour at nightfall; crafting
the hull of Aqua Luna II; Au Wai,
Hong Kong’s last junk builder;
the bow of Aqua Luna II, in
November 2015.TRAVELANDLEISUREASIA.COM / AUGUST 2017 29