In an interview with DA NANG Today, the skipper of the Da Nang-Viet Nam yacht in the Clipper Race, Wendy Tuck, said that the city has warmed her heart and that the special welcome for her and all her crew had been beyond her expectations.

Skipper Wendy Tuck

The 50-year-old Australian said she was very impressed by the tumultuous welcome from the huge crowd gathered on the quayside as her boat was arriving in the Han Port on Wednesday.  She could not have imagined how wonderful the trip to Da Nang, which she now considers her second home, really and truly would be.  The great welcome given by the city’s leaders and the local residents had left a deep impression on her.

In particular, the beauty of the city and the friendliness and helpfulness of the local residents had also impressed Wendy.

She also highly appreciated the efforts of her crewman Nguyen Tran Minh An from Da Nang, her team’s only Vietnamese citizen, in fulfilling his assigned tasks during the race.  She also said that she and all the crew members love An because he is so nice.

She reported that all her crew members are very eager to try the local food specialities, and get actively involved in the cultural and sporting activities which will be held across the city during their 10-day stay here.  She added that her team members, including crewman Minh An, are planning to participate in karaoke, golf and other interesting activities whilst they are here.

Wendy said that the forthcoming races will present many challenges for her team due to the extreme cold of the northern hemisphere, the harsh weather, and the rough seas.  She hoped that the wonderful time and memorable experiences in Da Nang would give all her crew members extra motivation in the races ahead.