On Wednesday, the Da Nang-Viet Nam Clipper Race yacht’s crew members were invited to have lunch with the family of their Vietnamese crewmate, Nguyen Tran Minh An, at his home in Cam Le District.

The crew members had already experienced many of Da Nang’s food specialities, including ‘banh xeo’ (steamed rice flour pancakes) and ‘banh trang thit heo’(pork and vegetables wrapped in soft rice paper), during their stay in the city.  However, eating the same specialities at An’s house was more meaningful because they were all deeply touched by the kind and warm welcome from his family members, as well as his close family atmosphere.

Enjoying the meal at An’s house

Crewmember Linda Drage could not hide her excitement as she was shown how to use chopsticks and how to wrap the ‘banh xeo’.  She said “The invitation from An’s family to lunch at his home showed us the amazing hospitality of the people of Da Nang”. 

The crew have also been shopping at local markets and participated in karaoke during their stay in Da Nang, and they are very impressed with the city and its people. 

Kirsty Mohun-Smith said “In the past, I had only known about Viet Nam’s Nha Trang City for its beautiful beaches, and Ho Chi Minh City because it was named after the famous President Ho Chi Minh.  Stopping in Da Nang this time, I have been really surprised by this peaceful, coastal city with its amazing beaches.  There are no words to adequately describe how beautiful Da Nang is, except perhaps for ‘wonderful’.  This beautiful city will remain in my memory forever”.

She added “The next race, from Da Nang to Qingdao (China), will present many challenges for the team.  However, the wonderful times and memorable experiences in Da Nang have given me extra motivation for the difficult times ahead”.

One of the guests at An's family lunch was Richard Edwards, a sports reporter from the BBC Sports Channel.  He said "As for me, Da Nang is the most impressive destination I have visited so far during the race.  I have been especially impressed by the great welcome given by the local leaders and residents.  That is the reason why the crew members and I do not want to leave this beautiful seaside city.  I also feel so happy when I can talk with An's father in English.  I will tell everyone across the world about Da Nang and its friendly people".