Da Nang hosts prize-giving ceremony for Clipper Race

Da Nang (VNA) – A ceremony to present prizes to winners of the 7th leg of Clipper Race - “Da Nang - New Discovery of Asia Race”, was organised in five-star Furama Resort, the central coastal city of Da Nang on February 22.

Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht from North Ireland won the Clipper Race leg into Vietnam. The Garmin was the first runner-up while the third prize was given to Great Britain. Social Spirit Award was presented to Stormhoek.

At the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Dang Viet Dung expressed his delight to welcome the 12 Clipper Race teams to the city as a host port and a sponsor of the 10th edition of the race.

In addition to popularising Vietnamese culture and people, the race will help enhance the country’s connectivity and interaction with foreign nations as well as openup new opportunities for trade cooperation and cultural activities, Dung underscored.

During their stay in Da Nang, the sailors have a chance to attend Cau Ngu festival (also called Whale festival), enjoy traditional music performance and local dishes, among others.

The Da Nang – Vietnam team comprises 58 members coming from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Colombia, Sweden, Israel, Mexico, Chile and Vietnam.

Skippered by Wendy Tuck, the first female Australian Skipper in the history of the Clipper Race, the team came sixth in this leg and fifth on the total tally.

Da Nang is the race’s first destination in the Southeast Asian region. The Clipper fleet will leave the city on February 27 to continue its journey.

As the world's longest ocean race, the 40,000-nautical mile Clipper Race 2015-2016 is one of the most competitive and challenging sports activities in the world. It started in London on August 30, 2015 and takes 11 months to sail around the world, crossing South America, Australia, Asia and the US.

Up to 240 crew members, aged 18 to over 70 of various nationalities and backgrounds, live together on board each of the fleet's twelve 70-foot racing yachts.

Since 1996, the Clipper Race sailors have visited 55 different stops all over the world, but February is the first time they have visited Vietnam and docked at Da Nang city.

The race was initiated by Robin Knox Johnston, the first person who sailed around the world from 1968-1969.-VNA