Tuesday, 28/09/2010 22:49 (GMT+7)
(CPV) – The fifth VinaCapital Hong Kong to Vietnam Race will be organized on October 20th on the shores of the seaside city of Nha Trang.
The four-day sailing event covers 656 nautical miles, making it the longest Category One race in Asia.
“I can’t think of a better place for such a gruelling offshore activity to end than in one of the world’s most beautiful bays,” said Scott Hodgetts, general manager of the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa, the event’s official hotel and site of the awards celebration.
The VinaCapital Hong Kong to Vietnam Race forms part of the renowned China Coast Race Week and is an officially approved and sanctioned qualifying competition for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart.
This year’s edition of the VinaCapital Hong Kong to Vietnam Race — which debuted in 1996 and was resurrected in 2004, when the biennial format was established — also coincides with the full moon, which will add to the atmosphere as the boats race along at 20 knots during the hours of darkness.
“Nha Trang has developed into a real tourist destination, with accommodation and bars in reasonable supply, and ample anchorage and shelter for the boats,” said Lindsay Lyons, the race’s promotions manager. “Plus, of all the destinations to which we run races, Nha Trang is definitely the most family-friendly, attracting partners and kids to travel down from Hong Kong to make a holiday of it.”
Only boats at least 10 meters in length and crews with documented proof of sufficient offshore training are eligible to participate in the VinaCapital Hong Kong to Vietnam Race.