The world famous CLIPPER
international yacht race arrived in the
port of Da Nang on the 17 February for
the first time in its 20 years history.
Vietnamese drummers, beating rhythms
to the on-looking crowds.
The coastline of Vietnam boasts many
spectacular islands, bays and beaches.
The international sailing and Super
Yacht community in SE Asia are eager
to include Vietnam in their stopover
options. From Halong Bay to Danang,
Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and
more, the doors are now slowing
opening to this multi-million dollar
commercial and recreational industry.
Sailing & Racing around the World for
eleven months, the twelve identical
70-foot yachts completed a four-week
journey from Australia to Vietnam.
The next stop is Qingdao China before
heading eastwards to Seattle and
beyond.
Founder and sailing legend Sir Robin
Knox-Johnston compares this marathon
event to climbing Mount Everest. It’s
the pinnacle of sailing adventures and
the longest yacht race in the World.
The crews are mostly novices and
the Skippers are the only professional
sailors onboard.
Da Nang People’s Committee Vice
Chairman Mr Dang Viet Dung said:
“After ten days staying in Da Nang City,
crew members had the opportunity
to visit many beautiful places, enjoy
traditional Vietnamese cuisine, meet
the local people and they took part in
various cultural and sporting activities”.
Da Nang - Vietnam Skipper Wendy
Tuck spoke to the city officials and
spectators on behalf of all Skippers and
crews;
She said: “Thank you to all the people
of Da Nang who visited the port and
welcomed us all so warmly. Your
hospitality has been overwhelming and
made us feel very special. It has been
an incredible stopover and one of the
The substantial domestic and
international media coverage generated
by sporting events such as the Clipper
Round The World Race not only bodes
well for marine and special interest
tourism, but also domestic and inbound
tourism in general.
On Saturday 27 February the fleet set
sail for the next leg of their marathon
adventure. They slipped lines at 1100hrs
and motor-sailed down to the race start
line (1615hrs), a kilometer offshore
from the Vinpearl Resort & Villas, one
of Vietnams most iconic brands.
friendliest we have ever experienced,
so thanks to all, from the bottom of our
hearts”.
During the ten-day stopover, an evening
“Parade of Sail” was witnessed by
thousands of Da Nang residents who
lined the foreshores of the Han River.
"Lights, cameras, action” and fireworks
were ablaze as the yachts cruised
towards the ico nic Dragon Bridge,
each vessel with a trio of traditional
Such was the outstanding success of the
Da Nang Vietnam stopover, organizers
are hopeful that a repeat performance
will take place in two years time, when
the next race starts again from London
in 2017-2018.
Story & Photography by Barry J Atkinson
www.maritimeclub-vietnam.com
www.roguewave-productions.com
Follow the race on:
www.clipperroundtheworld.com
40,000 NAUTICAL MILES / 690 SAILORS / 12 TEAMS
44 NATIONS / 6 CONTINENTS ...ONLY ONE AMAZING DA NANG...!
TRAVELLIVE
37