Eleven teams of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, or Clipper Race, arrived in Halong City in the northern province of Quang Ninh today, February 20.

Qingdao, a Chinese boat with 20 crew members, was the first to dock at the Halong International Cruise Port.

The Clipper Race is a challenging competition divided into eight legs, featuring six ocean crossings. Halong City is one of the designated stopovers for Race 5 of this season.

About 400 sailors will be berthed at the port until February 27.

This season showcases 11 teams, including the Race 4 winner “Halong Bay, Vietnam.” The boat ranked third overall in its inaugural participation in the previous season.

Initiated in October 1996 in the United Kingdom, the Clipper Race has evolved into a prestigious sailing event attracting global entrepreneurs, celebrities, tourism experts, and social activists.

More than 50 renowned cities worldwide have served as stopovers for the race.