On Thursday, the Da Nang-Viet Nam Clipper Race yacht’s crew members were measured up for ‘ao dais’ (Vietnamese traditional long dresses) at the Han River Port.

The ao dais will be made of smooth silk, and they will feature patterns and vignettes which are imbued with the Vietnamese cultural identity.  All the cost of making these outfits will be paid for by the city’s branch of Byfas Company. 

Crewman Matthew Ogg from London (UK) said that he had heard about and seen ao dais, but never thought that he would have the opportunity to have one tailor-made for him or to wear one.  He said that, as a member of the Da Nang-Viet Nam team, he felt like he was returning home when his team’s racing yacht arrived in the city on Wednesday.  The English crewman added that he was deeply touched by the warm and friendly reception the team had received from local residents, and he is now taking advantage of his time in the city to learn about the local culture, land and people.

A crewman being measured for his ao dai

Ms Kat Svedjefalt from Stockholm (Sweden) said that she had visited Da Nang in 1997 but had never had the opportunity to wear an ao dai.  She said that she cannot wait to wear this special charming Vietnamese outfit, and she would certainly send beautiful photos of her in the ao dai to her home town friends.

Before arriving in Da Nang on Wednesday, the team’s crew members had asked 29-year-old Nguyen Tran Minh An from Da Nang, a member of the Da Nang-Viet Nam team, to teach them some popular Vietnamese phrases, including ‘xin chao’ (hello), ‘cam on’ (thank you) and ‘tam biet’ (good bye).