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This race is run every two years by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. It finishes in Nha Trang and is 650nm long.
The race is traditionally downwind and this year the wind gods didn't disappoint. Sailing on the Welbourne 52 Hi Fi we were confident the mix of fast downwind and lighter breezes towards the end would suit our boat. Amongst the small fleet of ten boats were our main competitors Island Fling (rp tp52), Ffree Fire (tp 52), Mandrake (Mills 50), Full Metal Jacket (Corby 43) and Ambush (Mills 40).
The start line was a little chaotic as most long races are and we had a short beat to windward before setting the A2 and getting into some vmg running. We quickly overhauled Mandrake and Ffree Fire before chasing down Island Fling. The breeze increased and we made a swift change to the A4, which we kept up all night. Moving the halyard and tack line every watch change to avoid chafe we settled in for the night. The waves got bigger and better for surfing and the moon was out making for perfect sailing conditions, just what the vietnam race is renowned for. We could see the lights of Island Fling all night and both boats seemed to have their favoured conditions. At times we would be faster and lower and at times they would have the advantage.
In the morning the breeze increased and we had a small windcheck, unfortunately blowing out the a4 in the process. We quickly recovered and hoisted the a3. Our speed wasn't down much but we did have to sail slightly higher. After a short gybe onto starboard to avoid some islands we gybed back onto port and headed once again for Nha Trang. By lunchtime we'd sailed approximately 360nm, it was a fast night and we knew the press would be talking up the chances of breaking the record. We knew the breeze would back off and we'd have to contend with some tricky thunderstorm activity before the finish though.
During the day we backed off a little and hoisted the jib top for a while, there was over forty knots true wind and in the confused seaway we were better off with this sail anyway. As the afternoon wore on and we got closer to the Vietnamese coast the predicted thunderstorms began crossing our path. It was wet, wet, wet and the wind was all over the place. We had been able to see Island Fling all day, they were on our port beam most of the day but as night fell we lost them and we weren't to see them again until later on Friday. It was proving to be an exciting close race with our 52 foot competitor....
Friday dawned bright and sunny and we could see the coast of Vietnam. Unfortunately there was no wind, and with the haze over the shore it took forever for any kind of seabreeze to build. We took advantage of any puffs from the big grey clouds and made slow progress towards the finish. When we finally sighted Island Fling it was good news, they were behind us and offshore. As the breeze slowly built we were on the wind and knew we'd have our work cut out to hold them off. When the wind lifted us and both boats cracked off however, we hoisted an a5 and started to draw away from the Fling. It was a nervous sail in to the finish, getting into the bay under the a1 with a fading breeze we knew anything could happen and our hard-won gap could evaporate. The Nha Trang fishing fleet on their way out for the night welcomed us with their loud diesel chuggas and big lights. We finally finished around 8pm with Island Fling finishing 40mins later.
After a quick clean up it was off to the famous Nha Trang sailing club, for some well earned drinks.
Thanks to the RHKYC and the sponsors for running the race and to Neil Pryde for providing us with the boat, gear and crew to win...
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