Da Nang is expected to give a very warm welcome tomorrow (Wednesday) to the Clipper Race boats and their crews, although the current cooler weather might not be exactly cooperating!

The official Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race, which began in Australia 29 days ago, has now finished and the boats are all heading towards their appointment with the city.  The first boat to arrive, race winner Derry-Londonderry-Doire, is due to dock at the Han River Port between 9am and 10am on Wednesday and it will receive an official welcome from city dignitaries.  The other boats, in order of race finish, are expected to arrive for their own welcome ceremonies at hourly intervals throughout the day.  The boats and their crews will stay here and enjoy the hospitality in Da Nang until the start of their next race on 27 February.

Clipper race fleet nears Da Nang (source: Clipper Race website)

The expected order of arrival is (times might vary according to weather conditions):

No doubt an extra special welcome will be given to the city-sponsored Da Nang-Viet Nam boat, which finished the race in 6th place, and its crew of 20 - but who are they?

There are 2 Viet Nam-born members – Nguyen Tran Minh An from Da Nang itself, and Lu Toan Qui who is now an Australian resident.  Ten of the crew are from the UK, and 9 are from Australia.  Just over half of them are aboard Da Nang-Viet Nam for the whole circumnavigation, whilst others have joined just for this leg of the full race.  The average age is 47 with the oldest member 66.  The skipper is 50-year-old Australian Wendy Tuck, the only lady skipper in the race.

Also aboard the boat is a videographer filming the tv documentary ‘Race of Their Lives’ for Bloomberg TV and YouTube.

DA NANG Today extends a very warm welcome to all the crews, their visiting families and friends, and the Clipper Race officials.  We hope you enjoy your stay in our delightful city.

(Written by Ian Lister)