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The 15th Admiral Yi Sun-sin Cup International Yacht Race was held for five days from the 17th in the Hansan waters of Tongyeong, Gyeongnam.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Se-ryeong] The 15th Admiral Yi Sun-sin Cup International Yacht Regatta was held in Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, from the 17th to the 21st.

The Admiral Yi Sun-sin Cup International Yacht Regatta is the largest yacht sports event in Korea and is recognized as one of Asia's top three yacht competitions alongside the China Cup and the King's Cup Yacht Regatta, making it a world-class sports event.

Tongyeong City aims to foster the yacht industry as a future core growth engine by expanding yacht mooring facilities in island areas and promoting the construction of a marina business center to revitalize marine leisure tourism and broaden the base of yacht enthusiasts.

The event, held in Donam Port and the Hansan sea area of Tongyeong City, featured 37 yachts and 292 athletes from 11 countries including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia.

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, participation was limited to domestic athletes and foreign athletes residing in Korea, and the event was held without spectators and without side events.

The competition was divided into three categories: International Cruiser Class Group 1 (ORCⅠ), Group 2 (ORCⅡ), and Group 3 (J/24), and took place over three courses.

The courses were the Turtle Ship Course held in front of Hwado Island, centered around the Hansan sea area and the outer sea of Bijindo, where the Battle of Hansan took place; the Crane Wing Formation Course, which goes back and forth between Hansando and Sojido; and the Yi Sun-sin Course, which goes back and forth between Bijindo and Sojido.

The overall championship was claimed by the Vikira team in the Cruiser ORCⅠ category, achieving their fifth consecutive victory. The Southern Breeze III team took first place in the Cruiser ORCⅡ category, and the Byeokrando team secured first place in the Sports J/24 category.

The awards ceremony held on the 21st at Kumho Tongyeong Marina Resort Chungmu Hall was attended by about 130 people, including Kim Je-hong, Deputy Mayor of Tongyeong City; Son Kwae-han, Chairman of Tongyeong City Council; Kang Geun-sik and Jeong Dong-young, provincial council members; Noh Seong-jin, President of the Gyeongnam Yacht Association; Park Ki-cheol, President of the Korea Yacht Association; distinguished guests; and 15 award-winning teams.

Tongyeong Mayor Kang Seok-ju said, “It was an inspiring festival that showcased the charm of yacht sports and the passion of yacht enthusiasts,” adding, “I hope people will remember the islands and seas of Tongyeong, the marine leisure mecca city, and I look forward to meeting everyone in good health at the next competition.”