Sailing under the easy wind

On May 2, Yachts with colorful sails created a spectacular scene in front of Hae-Woon-Dae, Pusan. Three yachts from Korea, 8 from Japan, and 3 from Russia (unofficial entry) participated in the Korea-Japan Good-Will Yacht Race 2001 (Dong-a Ilbo & Asahi Shimbun Joint). It was the third commemorative race that celebrated the joint host by Korea and Japan of 2002 FIFA World Cup. The first yacht that finished the line was Riverte Express from Japan. However, after the reevaluation of various functions of yachts and other criteria for ranking, Nopuzo from Japan became the winner. Riverte Express and Excel V finished in the second and the third. Seven Japanese yacht made the race within two hours. The Korean yacht Swift finished in the eighth, while two others finished in the tenth and the last. Northeast wind was perfect for the race.

As soon as the race started in 10 a.m., Riverte Express of Japan, Cracker Jack of Russia, and two other yachts sailed quickly leaving behind other yachts. The turning point was made at the O-Ruk Island where Riverte Express emerged as the first, while Nopuzo, which was on the fifth at the time, caught up with Cracker Jack. On their way back to the final line, all the yachts were sailing as swiftly as possible.

``Due to the frequent changes in wind direction, it was adventurous race,`` said Hanaoka Kazo (49) of Riverte Express, which finished the line first. ``The key for the efficient race was using the supporting sail alone,`` he added.

Meanwhile, on the third day of the race, there will be A-Ri-Rang Race, which launch out on a voyage from Sooyoung Bay all the way to Port Hakata, Hukuoka.

Lee Hyun-Doo ruchi@donga.com