WINDSURFING VIETNAM

Reports have been coming in of a windsurfing spot in Vietnam, called Phan Thiet. Phan Thiet is 190km east of Ho Chi Minh City on Highway 1, on Vietnam's south east coast. From November to May, the wind blows from N-NE often 25 knots, sometimes up to 40. The rest of the year is S-SW 15 knots sometimes 25.

Vietnam's first windsurfing event

Vietham's first windsurf event, The Victoria Fun Cup was held recently at the Victoria Phan Thiet Resort. Lots of wind, 35 knots, during the two days of slalom racing. The beach party went on until sunrise for some, sponsored by Havana Club Rum and Cafes Folliet. 14 competitors entered the race. The winner was Olivier Hubert from Ho Chi Minh City (board AHD, Sail Gun), Pascal Lefebvre was 2nd (board Tiga, Sail Gun). The first Vietnamese competitor Mr Nguyen Hoang Phi Ho from Victoria Phan Thiet was 3rd overall (board Fanatic, sail Hi Tech). All of them went back to practice for the 2001 edition of the event.

The Victoria Phan Thiet Resort is at the beginning of a 12 km beach, with 700m of private beach. Reportedly it is a good launch spot (slalom, freeride sometimes wave), wind side onshore. For waves during the windy season Hon Rom beach 10km from the Resort, is a reportedly a great spot.