The Ha Long Bay – Vietnam crew will have a homecoming race as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is to arrive Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam later this February. (Photo clipperroundtheworld.com) The UNESCO world heritage bay has been selected as one of theports on the competition's epic 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation whichgathers over 700 crew members.
The 2023-24 race began in late summer 2023. The route is dividedinto eight legs and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings. Sailorscan choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select one or multiplelegs.
Yachts left the Coral Sea Marina Resort in Queensland, Australiaon February 14 and are due to arrive at Ha Long Bay on February 21 beforedeparting for Jiuzhou Port in Guangdong, China on March 2.
Entitled Endless Discovery in Ha Long Bay, the Vietnamesedestination is on the fifth leg within the Asia-Pacific Challenge, wheresailors will take part in the race and different activities during the 10-dayevent.
Among participants, skipper Josh Stickland will guide team Ha LongBay – Vietnam into its home port amidst the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay.
A clipper was named “Ha Long Bay – Vietnam” at a ceremony held inLondon following a cooperation agreement between the Quang Ninh provincial People'sCommittee and Clipper Ventures on August 29, 2019.
The host crew gathers about 60 members of different nationalities from 27 to 73years old. They will take turns to compete in different legs.
“We're reaching the midway point, and it's been five years in themaking for me to get to Vietnam. So, I just hope we finish in a good positionand do the partner justice," Stickland said.
“As a team we have had a lot of ups and downs which has shown inour results, the team have grown and become self-sufficient at running theboat, which is all I can ask for. I’m really happy with where they are and howthey are managing the boat, so hopefully we can show that in the results."
After four legs, Ha Long Bay – Vietnam placed sixth with 40points.
Supporters and tourists can follow the event by visiting theClipper Race Fanzone, where they can learn about this incredible adventure andhow they can get involved.
The fanzone will also feature the Quang Ninh Tourism andAgriculture Products Exhibition, where visitors can discover the rich cultureand natural beauty of this province, sample local delicacies such as seafood,honey, tea and wine, as well as learn about the various travel programmes thatQuang Ninh offers.
They are also suggested to bring family to step on board a Clipper70 stripped down ocean racing yacht; and take an above and below deck tour withthe crew that will call these yachts home for the next seven months.
On deck, they can test their skills on one of the eleven winchesthat hoist the sails up the 29m mast and explore the Nav Station, galley, bunksand stowage to see where the 20 race crew members live when off watch.
On land, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture,join in a spectacular dance display, witness the vibrant colours, rhythms andtraditions of this beautiful region, as well as learn about the provincial historyand people.
The Clipper Race was first organised in 1996 in the UK. Sincethen, almost 6,000 race crew from all walks of life and more than 60 nationshave trained and raced in the race.
The Clipper Race is the only competition in the world where theorganisers supply a fleet of identical racing yachts, each with a fullyqualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew. Crews complete fourlevels of intense ocean racer training before they compete.
It is considered one of the biggest challenges of the naturalworld and an endurance test like no other./.
VNA
