Ha Long to host inaugural international sailing festival in December

Races will be held in the waters off Tuan Chau International Marina. The tournament is expected to feature 12 teams with 48 sailors, including five domestic teams and seven international entries from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Taiwan (China), and the Philippines. The event will also involve six international judges and three experts.

Organizers aim to establish the festival as an annual event, with the participation of domestic and international sailors and clubs to boost the sport while promoting tourism on the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sailing activity on Ha Long Bay traces back several years when a group of Vietnamese and foreign residents formed a sailing club at Tuan Chau International Port. At its peak, the group became the country's largest sailing club, operating over 10 boats with around 100 members who gathered on weekends for training and parades across the bay.

Although the club has ceased operations, several former members continue competing internationally. One member captained the Vietnamese sailing team at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in 2025.

Professional sailors highlight Ha Long Bay's natural advantages for competitive sailing, noting that surrounding mountain ranges both onshore and offshore create safe, sheltered waters.

Furthermore, the sport can be played year-round in both summer and winter, helping attract tourists and members during the quieter winter season for domestic travel.

Nha Trang to host Asian sailing regatta for first time

The 2026 VPS Cup Fareast 19R Open and International Regatta will be held for the first time in Nha Trang Bay from July 17 to 19, bringing together regional sailing clubs in one of Vietnam’s most prominent coastal sporting events.