TALENT

Riding the Wave

Being Neighbourly x Sharon McEneff, Charter Junks HK

Author/ Being Neighbourly
2 April 2025

Junk season is all year; however, our busiest season is April to October, when the weather is warmer and it’s more appealing for going out on the water and swimming,” says Sharon McEneff, Founder of Charter Junks HK.

According to her, destinations can vary and she says that travel time depends if you are leaving from Central, Aberdeen or Discovery Bay.

“Choices we offer are Clearwater Bay, Cheung Chau Island, Deepwater Bay, Joss House Bay, Lamma Island, Repulse Bay, South Bay, Shek O, Stanley Bay, Turtle Cove Beach and Tai Tam Bay,” she shares in terms of routes.

Charter Junks HK was founded in October 2020, however, they were operating almost a year before this as they had bought a boat, while managing another junk company at the time. According to McEneff, they rented their boat to them as they were always in a need of a third junk, but could not afford to buy.

“When Covid hit, operations were closed down by the government and we parted ways with the company. We were left with our junk and thought this was the perfect opportunity to create our own junk hire company,” she says.

Poppy and Kitty are both traditional teak junks and can accommodate up to 33 guests onboard. “We provide the captain, crew and two hosts. The boats are fully fitted with seating and bean bags and a superb sound system that has volume control for each of the main areas.”

“Not only do we offer day and night junks as boat only,” continues McEneff. “We offer all-inclusive packages with a range of different types of food to choose from. This includes Western, Chinese, Asian, Mexican and Indian. Our hosts are on hand to assist with serving food and drink. We also offer wine and whisky tastings, bingo nights, weddings, product launches, DJs, live music and Murder Mystery parties.”

Charter Junks HK has a full-time captain, plus regular captains for their other boat, as well as a sailor. If the all-inclusive package is selected, they also have a host or hostess onboard to help pour drinks and serve food. It should be noted that boats are licensed and insured for charter or private hire, and our captains all have Grade 1 licenses.

“Our customers include the general public, people who like being out on the water and partying,” says McEneff, adding that, in addition, they have corporate clients who enjoy organizing outings for their staff and clients as a benefit; and, says McEneff, “Nothing beats watching the fireworks from a junk. It’s one of the best things to do.”

What’s the best work advice you have received?

“Running a charter boat business is much like running a bus service, combined with a restaurant and a night club. It is hard enough to run one of these businesses let alone combing them all together,” says Sharon McEneff, Founder of Charter Junks HK.

“Safety of the customers and crew is critical and is a constant mindset, then it is down to the detail – cleanliness, drinks selection, presentation of food and drink, providing sun tan lotion and crew uniforms, amongst other things. Boats can be expensive to maintain, but maintain them well and consistency is the most efficient approach. Finally look after the crew and the team, expect them to respect the clients and expect the clients to respect them.”

“This advice was given by a long-term Hong Konger who came from a marine and event background…”

Charter Junks HK
13th Floor, Teng Fu Commercial Building, 333 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan.