09/08/2025
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS of FLOATILLA:
A Journey of Pride and Community
As we approach the 21st year of Floatilla, a fascinating realization dawns: some of our attendees were born the very year this incredible journey began. This milestone feels like the perfect moment to revisit the origins of Floatilla—how it started, what it represents, and the unique spirit that has sustained it for over two decades.
THE BIRTH of Floatilla
In 2004, Floatilla began with a simple yet powerful idea: choose a weekend, pick a location, and invite friends and our gay family to gather. There were no grand plans, no intricate logistics—just the hope that people would come together under their own initiative and coordination.
That first year, we gathered at the now-lost "Queens Pier," once located in front of City Hall (now reclaimed land). I vividly recall driving to the pier with my partner, only to be astounded by the sight of over 500 people—boys, girls, and friends—all searching for their boats. Overwhelmed by the turnout, I almost asked the taxi driver to take me home. What had we created?
What we created was magic. Boats represented every corner of the LGBTQ+ community and beyond—gay social groups, dance club organizers, web portals, gay bars, allies, and simply groups of friends. Straight boats joined the mix too. Over the years, our community flourished, giving rise to initiatives like Pink Dot and Pink Season, along with countless other community events. Today these initiatives seem quite challenged but Floatilla is simple and seems to be a space we can still enjoy.
Floatilla was never about the number of boats—it was about the spirit. Whether we had a handful or a flotilla, it became an annual celebration of our colours, diversity, and unity. In these 21 years, Floatilla has grown into a vibrant, waterborne party that’s become an integral part of Hong Kong’s Pride celebrations.
MEMORIES and MILESTONES
Over the years, Floatilla has given us countless cherished memories, fostered new relationships, and brought our community closer together. Only twice in its history has Floatilla been “grounded”—once due to Typhoon Khanun in 2017 and once during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Despite these interruptions, Floatilla has remained a global event. We’ve welcomed participants from Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and Europe. It has earned a spot on international LGBTQ+ calendars as a "must-do" event in Hong Kong. For this, I am endlessly grateful to the community that has built and sustained this tradition.
WHAT FLOATILLA Is
For those joining Floatilla for the first time, here’s how it works:
Floatilla is entirely community-driven. There are no organizers, sponsors, or coordinators. This is not a commercial or for-profit event. Sharkbait gives you a date and location on the official page each year, and the rest is up to you and the weather hopefully shines brightly for us.
Organizing a Boat: Gather your friends, rent a boat, and plan your own departure and rental details.
Joining a Boat: If you need extra people for your boat, or if you’re an individual looking for a spot, post on this official Floatilla site to connect with others.
Each boat is its own microcosm of fun—music, dancing, swimming on whimsical floating devices, and most importantly, celebrating the diversity and power of our community. Generally, the festivities last until about 5 PM, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the water, meet new friends, and create lasting memories.
HOUSEKEEPING and SAFETY
It’s always important to acknowledge that Floatilla operates on trust, shared responsibility, and respect for the laws of Hong Kong. Each boat is rented under its own terms and liability. Participants must adhere to the obvious guidelines:
1) Follow Boat Captains' Instructions: This includes rules on boat capacity, behaviour, and adherence to maritime laws.
2) Safety First: Avoid drugs and manage alcohol consumption, especially while swimming.
3) Respect the Law: Floatilla thrives because participants are self-aware, respectful, and lawful.
By taking responsibility for ourselves and others, we ensure that Floatilla remains a safe and joyous celebration for years to come and it delivers exactly what it was designed for: a community simply agreeing to meet at a specific time and place each year.
In parting, I share with you an article from the what used to be G-Magazine in Hong Kong, year 2006, just 2 years into Floatilla. And crikey for those of you so young, you have probably never seen a magazine. (ouch)
- Love to you all, Sharkbait.
(NOTE: THIS YEAR'S LOCATION SOON TO BE ANNOUNCED)
