Inaugural VPS Cup Fareast 19R Open and International Sailing Regatta
by Phuc Hieu, Khanh Hoa News 22 Jul 22:24 PDT
17-19 July 2026
VPS Cup Fareast 19R Open & International Sailing Regatta, © Khanh Hoa Online
As part of the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026, the VPS Cup Fareast 19R Open and International Sailing Regatta, hosted for the first time in Nha Trang Bay, has drawn attention from both local residents and international tourists. Besides introducing an new sports tourism product, the tournament serves to showcase Nha Trang Bay as a dynamic, hospitable, and modern destination.
The tournament featured the participation of nine teams from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Bui Anh Tuan, Director of Seanata Sailing Yacht and Technical Services Joint Stock Company and Head of the Tournament Organizing Committee, said that this is the first time Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa has organized an international regatta, and also the first time Vietnam has hosted a competition using FE19R boats, and inviting regional competitors to participate.
Nha Trang Bay is a great venue for a regatta, with good breeze 'on tap' and plenty of sunshine, making it an appealing destination for sailing clubs worldwide seeking training and competition experiences. "Hosting the regatta during Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026 gave the province a good opportunity to showcase the beauty of Nha Trang Bay to global visitors," Tuan said.
Competitors completed nine races over three days 17-19 July along the shore between Nha Trang Centre and Hon Tre Island. Overall winners were Japan's Shinmoji Marina Yacht Club. Singapore's Team Knotty Kids secured second place, while South Korea's Moana Sailing placed third.
Racing for the first time in Vietnam, Yuya Yoshino of Japan’s Shinmoji Marina Yacht Club said that he was impressed by the infrastructure and facilities at Ana Marina, the sailing conditions, and the natural beauty of Nha Trang Bay. Despite light winds during the opening days, Yoshino and his team enjoyed an unforgettable experience throughout every leg of the regatta.
Simon, a German national who has lived and worked in Vietnam for over 10 years and competes for VPS Vietnam racing team, was thrilled to join a major regatta in one of the country's most picturesque bays. "I have travelled extensively and tried various sports, but competing in sailing for the first time here is a fantastic experience," he said.
According to leaders of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Khanh Hoa’s favourable weather and long coastline offer vast potential for developing maritime sports. Khanh Hoa has successfully hosted several large-scale maritime events, including Sea Star Nha Trang ocean swimming tournament, My Hoa international kitesurfing tournament, and VPS Cup Fareast 19R Open & International Sailing Regatta.
RHKYC Hong Kong to Vietnam Race
Since 1996 Nha Trang has also been the finish line for Asia's celebrated Hong Kong to Vietnam Race, organised by the Royal Hong KOng Yacht Club. This blue water spectacular features a 673nm offshore 'sleigh ride' with predominantly downwind sailing conditions that have made it a favourite with Asia's offshore sailors as well as international crews. It is also ranked as a qualifier for the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race.