Clipper Round The World review
Image:Mr. Cao Tuong Huy, Chairman of Quang Ninh People’s Committee, bids a farewell to Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam team.
As our fleet sails across the Pacific, we pause to reflect on our recent Asian stopovers. This week, we reminisce about our time in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam. From its stunning landscapes to vibrant culture, every moment was filled with wonder and adventure.
Race 7: Endless Discovery in Ha Long Bay saw the Clipper Race make its long-awaited visit to Ha Long Bay. It was the first time the Clipper Race had visited Quang Ninh Province and the stopover proved to be a cultural and culinary highlight.
The race was an exciting one, initially delayed by a cyclone in Airlie Beach, the action culminated in a downwind drag race into UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay. Taking the top spot in this fast-paced Race 7 was Qingdao, followed by Zhuhai in second and UNICEF in third.
On arrival, Race Crew were welcomed with a traditional ceremony that featured dragon dancers, regional delicacies, and the hospitality Viet Nam is famous for.
A showstopping Prizegiving was preceded by this race edition’s third Clipper Connect Business Series event; which explored the emerging investment opportunities in Quang Ninh Province and highlighted the importance of tourism and transnational relations for boosting economic growth, demonstrating the power of sports partnerships as a tool for global business development. Keynote speeches were delivered by Clipper Race Managing Director, Laura Ayres, British Ambassador to Viet Nam, Iain Frew, and the Chairman of Quang Ninh Province, Mr. Cao Tuong Huy.
British Embassy representatives enjoyed a private yacht tour hosted by PSP Logistics, and the Uruguayan Embassy showed its strong support once more, with the Ambassador to Viet Nam meeting the Yacht Club Punta Del Este Skipper to praise him for his contribution to promoting his nation overseas.
The national media invited Race Crew and Clipper Race staff to tour cultural sites and experience authentic regional cuisine. The stopover also gave local businesses the chance to showcase their products to Race Crew and tourists to the region
Well rested, fed, and entertained, the Clipper Race crew bid farewell to Ha Long Bay re-energised for the short but vigorous Race 8: Sprint to the City of a Hundred Islands.
For those who were unable to attend this Clipper Race stopover, Click here to watch our Ha Long Bay Stopover Highlights.