Clipper Race sailors to land in Da Nang in mid-February

Da Nang (VNA) – The sixth leg of the Clipper World Yacht Race will begin in Australia on January 18 and finish in the central city of Da Nang on February 17-21, as heard a press conference in Da Nang on January 12.

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.

It was also honoured with the Social Spirit Award for the Albany - Sydney race.

While in Da Nang, sailors will have a chance to enjoy a cultural exchange fair, a concert and music performances, among other events.

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 this February will be the first time they visit Vietnam and dock at Da Nang city.

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