Clipper Yacht Race sailors receive warm welcome into Da Nang

The Derry~Londonderry~Doire team from North Ireland won the seventh leg of the 2015-2016 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as they were the first sailors to dock at the Da Nang Port in the central coastal city of Da Nang on February 17, 28 days after sailing off from Whitsundays, Australia. 

The Derry~Londonderry~Doire team from North Ireland wins the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia stage. (Credit: clipperroundtheworld.com)
The Derry~Londonderry~Doire team from North Ireland wins the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia stage. (Credit: clipperroundtheworld.com)

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

The winners were treated to a spectacular welcome by locals, including Da Nang leaders and hundreds of people who flocked to line the Han River to greet Skipper Daniel Smith, captain of Derry~Londonderry~Doire, and his team.

The 6,000-nautical mile stage entitled “Da Nang New Discovery of Asia” began in Airlie Beach on January 18, marking the end of the All-Australian leg, which started in Albany last November and included the challenging Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

The Garmin team finished in second place – also their best result so far – while the Great Britain team were named third-place finishers. The Da Nang-Vietnam team ended in sixth position in the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race.

The welcome ceremony marked the beginning of what the city has lined up for the Clipper Race crew. A variety of celebrations will be organised from February 17 to 27 to serve the crew and local people, including pavilions introducing Da Nang’s souvenirs, traditional tourism products and local food, as well as photo exhibitions on the city’s tourism, people and development achievements, and on the Clipper Race in its past editions.

The most anticipated event by locals and tourists will be the parade of Clipper Race yachts on Han River in the evening of February 25.

Da Nang leaders pose for a photo with the Derry~Londonderry~Doire crew.

Clipper Yacht Race sailors receive warm welcome into Da Nang ảnh 2

A drum performance to welcome the 2015-2016 Clipper Race to Da Nang.