Yachting 

The Qingdao crew on the stage celebrating their first win at the 2024 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. VNA/VNS Photos

QUẢNG NINH — The Qingdao crew have finished first in Race 7 of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race after a dramatic conclusion in Ha Long Bay.

This is the first podium for Qingdao who crossed the line first after a nail-biting climax.

Teams Zhuhai and UNICEF finished second and third respectively.

Vietnamese representative Hạ Long Bay-Việt Nam secured the fifth position in its homecoming sailing. The hosts received Ocean Sprint award for the team with the fastest speed across the ocean. Under skipper Josh Stickland, Hạ Long Bay-Việt Nam are currently in sixth place in the overall ranking. 

Chairman of Quảng Ninh People's Committee Cao Tường Huy presented souvenirs to the race organising committee and teams.

The organisers also thanked sponsors such as Việt Thuận Group and Essence Grand Cruise for helping to create a successful event.

Yachts dock at the Hạ Long International Cruise Port.

Race 7: Endless Discovery in Hạ Long Bay was the fifth leg of the eight-leg competition that covers 16 individual races crossing six oceans. 

During time in Quảng Ninh, sailors enjoyed experiencing at the UNESCO World Heritage Bay’s which is best known with its rock formations and emerald-green waters.

Sailors took part in a walking tour experiencing the impressive architecture of Quảng Ninh Museum, bustling markets of Hạ Long, Trần Quốc Nghiễn Temple and enjoyed renowned delicacies such as squid cakes and traditional dumplings.

“It has been enlightening to learn about the many different traditions and cultures. It is a fascinating place, and I am really pleased I have learned more about it while here," Chris Carroll from Qingdao told clipperroundtheworld.com.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race crew pose for photos with Vietnamese fans during their time in Hạ Long. VNA Photo

Ciska Kruger from team Zhuhai added: “The food was a wonderful experience. We tried the local delicacy of squid ball and dumplings, along with a lovely broth. It is great to be given the opportunity to do this.”

Han Van Roosmalen from Hạ Long Bay-Việt Nam said: “I really liked this trip. Especially the very well thought out museum tour followed by the walking tour from the boulevard to the temples. The guides were very helpful and knowledgeable, having visited Ha Long Bay back in 1999 it was fascinating to see how much it has changed.”

This year, 11 teams are taking part in the race.  They will depart for the next leg to Jiuzhou Port in Guangdong, China on March 2. VNS