June 12,2008 (Chosun Ilbo)

The port city of Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province plays host this week to one of the year’s leading professional sailing tournaments. The Korea Match Cup, third stage in the 2008 World Match Racing Tour, kicked off its five-day run on Wednesday.
With US$300,000 in prize money, it is one of the most sought-out competitions this year. The event brings top yacht racers from nine countries, including last year’s world number one Ian Williams from Britain and runner-up Mathieu Richard of France.

Around 12 yacht teams will be competing against each other through Sunday, the final day of competition. From Korea, a team from South Jeolla Province will give it their all as they put their skills to the test.

Event organizers the Korea Yachting Association and the Gyeonggi provincial government say the event reflects the growing interest in yachting as a leisure sport for many Koreans.

The sailing tourney runs side by side with this year’s Korea International Boat Show. It’s a showcase of around 200 yachts and specialty equipment made by over 200 companies around the world.

For anybody planning to visit, there are numerous things to enjoy with the family, including places to build a model yacht at booths near the exhibition hall. Others can enjoy combing the beach for seashells, music by the navy band and fireworks at night.

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