Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho (L) welcomes the winner of Clipper Race's sixth leg. (Photo: VNA)
Da Nang (VNA) – The Clipper World Yacht Race fleet finished its sixth leg in the central coastal city of Da Nang on February 17 and received a spectacular welcome from local people.
Skipper Daniel Smith and his team Derry Londonderry Doire became the winner of the leg and were treated to a special welcome ceremony in the city.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to get here. I think this is the best reception we have had so far on the race. There were drummers, music, loads of cameras and everyone is really pleased to see us, so I’m really happy right now”, Skipper Daniel said.
At the ceremony, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho said that the city has made meticulous preparations so that the sailors can further their understanding about Da Nang’s culture and people.
He hoped that they will become ambassadors to popularise Da Nang city to international friends.
During their stay in Da Nang, the sailors will 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 managed to finish first in Sydney-Hobart leg, ninth in Albany-Sydney, eighth in Cape Town-Albany, sixth in Rio de Janeiro - Cape Town and eleventh in London-Rio de Janeiro races.
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 24 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 who sailed around the world from 1968-1969.-VNA
