Vision
“One sail, one soul, one dream, one goal – Russian Finn Class – to get out there safely”
Watersports for people and planet!
- MANTA was set up to address global ocean issues (over-fishing, pollution, climate change), with alternative livelihoods for fisher-folk.
- Originating from ADM Capital Foundation (2005) fishery surveys for southern Vietnam.
- Respecting Vietnam’s Olympic Committee’s (2008) request for help to develop water-sports, based on MANTA’s marine conservation projects in Con Dao archipelago.
Key achievements
- First National Sailing Plan
- HCMC Sports University training, incorporating sailing into the curriculum.
- 2011-2016 Sailing Development Plan for Vietnam Olympic Committee
- 2017 Beyond Sport’s Global Award shortlister
- 2018 TVE’s Global Sustainability Awards shortlister
- 2019 New Zealand Chamber of Commerce’s Charity of the Year
- 2020 Beyond Sport’s Sport for Climate Action Collective Impact Award.
10
5000
5+
Develop sailing with marine conservation awareness towards the Global Goals: Watersports is open to all
MANTA’s core circular model
MANTA takes fishermen off endangered habitats and over-fishing translating their existing ocean instincts to water-sports coaching and climate change survival skills. This alternative livelihood programme is supported by large groups of school children and corporates.
Our history
Fast-track sailing for Vietnam
A brief history of the Vietnam sailing sport and MANTA’s key role in it.
Nov 2011
May 2012
Jun-Jul 2012
Sep-Nov 2012
Feb 2013
Nov-Dec 2013
Our diverse team
MANTA is a family of members from different background: from Ph.D scientist to business expert to local fishers. We follow World Sailing/governing body guidelines, modified with greater safety and simpler language for Vietnam.
Julia Caroline Shaw
Julia was taught to sail by her mother aged 4 years old, then taught others from 5 years old (to have friends to sail with). Her most recent training, an International Olympic Committee scholarship to draw Vietnam’s national plan (2012). Her most recent publication, a chapter in a Springer series on Biodiversity (2017).
Nhat Tran
Nhat has been with MANTA since day 1. Leveraging his expertise in business management and digital transformation, he leads MANTA's business side and connects the dot between Julia and the fishermen families.
Phung Tran
Phung has been the lead coach at MANTA since the beginning. Dubbed as "the Mui Ne community's favourite beach boy", he is also a master of martial arts, survival skills, and many types of watersports.
Rot Nguyen
Before joining MANTA, Rot had more than 10 years of experience in fishing. His skill in windsurfing is arguably one of the best in Vietnam. He loves teaching children about SUP.
Tuan Huynh (Bầu)
A part-time chef at night, Bầu has years of experience in teaching watersports, SUP and sailing.
Vũ Trần
Vu ensures everyone at MANTA sleeps soundly at night by keeping watch and caring for the puppies.
Hai Le (Nga)
While Vu keeps MANTA safe, his wife keeps MANTA clean and ready for all guests. She also cooks excellent meals.
Hanh Nguyen
Hanh speaks excellent English and cooks delicious local seafood cuisine. She takes care of MANTA's overall sanity and wellness.