Korea International Yacht Race - Sixth edition now underway + Video

by Icarus Sailing Media on 18 May 2013 The sixth edition of the Korea Cup International Yacht Race is now underway off the eastern coastline of Korea. The week-long event, taking place from 16-22 May, is Korea’s largest and most renowned yachting event, and this year is hosting teams from all over the world – Asia, Europe, Americas and Oceania - who will race in a series of inshore and offshore races.

Set against the backdrop of the city of Uljin, two days of windward/leeward inshore races concluded today, with Korean teams claiming all three podium places in what was friendly but fierce competition for the Uljin Cup. Raced in a one-design fleet, the three race series gave a tiebreak win to Team Junbuk, who were on equal points with Busan Match, but claimed the victory as they had won the final race. In third were Team Geoje – A, who finished on equal points with Russia’s Elena team, but secured the tiebreak advantage.

The first two days of racing are considered more of a friendship event, but tomorrow the game changes as the teams set out on the first of the two demanding offshore race legs, which will see the 25 yachts head off from Uljin to the island of Ulleung, a straightline distance of approximately 155 kilometres. After the race to Ulleung Island, teams will take part in a friendship parade to take them to Dokdo island, ready for the start of the return offshore leg to Uljin on 21 May 2013. The Korea Cup International Yacht Race is an unpredictable race, with many teams set to battle for overall honours and line honours, in what are set to be testing conditions.

Evidence of the event’s international appeal, lies in the ten nations who will be represented on the startline by the 209 sailors competing. Korea fields the largest number of sailors, who are joined by sailors from Canada, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Peru, Spain, Russia and the USA.

Today wrapped up with the official opening ceremony, with traditional music, costumes, choreography and culture, a unique and memorable way to formally welcome and entertain everyone.