This year’s event is expected to attract over 200 yachtsmen and guests from Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and America.

The 656km race will start in Hong Kong and finish in Nha Trang.

The competition is a qualifying round for the Rolex Sydney-Hobart race which is one of the most challenging yacht races in the world, and is held annually in Australia in December.

Vietnam previously held three successful international yatch races in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

This year’s race is organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yatch Club in coordination with Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa and Saigontourist Travel Services.