Manta Sail Training Center in Mui Ne is inviting registrations for its first annual sailing regatta on 17-18 December near the coastal resort town’s fishing port.
Entrants for the Manta Regatta can supply their own boats to race in or select from one from the eight boats in the Manta fleet which include Lasers, Open Bics, RS Terras and Fevas.
Eleven teams have already signed up including teams from Hanoi, HCMC, Hong Kong, Vung Tau and Mui Ne. Men, women foreigners and Vietnamese are represented. Teams can be single or double.
“There is definitely room for more teams to register as it would be more convenient to have teams in multiples of eight,” Manta owner Julia Shaw said.
“We’ve got really good winds this season already,” Shaw said adding that Manta is an ideal sailing venue as it provides protection from the Northeast with winds increasing further out from shore.
The schedule for the two days starts with a briefing at 9.30 a.m. followed by the start of the races at 10. Shaw said a minimum of six races and maximum of 12 races will be held each day with handicaps for the smaller boats.
Shaw also announced that Manta has a new manager. Nguyen Van La has a Vietnamese skippers license, is an experienced boat builder and has sailed outside of Vietnamese waters. Vietnamese sailing coaches will also be on hand at the regatta with tips and advice during the event.
To register go to the website www.mantasailing .org or email the organizer Julia Shaw at [email protected]. The US$50 registration for the two days also includes lunches.
By Michael Smith in HCMC
