International sailing tournament - the Vung Tau Marina Cup - kicked off in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau on February 17. 

Jointly held by the provincial Department of Culture and Sports and Vung Tau Marina One Member Co., Ltd, the event saw the participation of 48 local and foreign racers. 

The US, the Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic sent their athletes to the event. 

Phan Thanh Sang, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, who is also head of the organising board of the event, this is the fourth consecutive year the tournament has been held in the locality. 

The event serves as an attractive playground for local and international professional and amateur sailing athletes, contributing to drawing more tourists to Vung Tau, he added.  

The winner of the race will receive 100 million VND (4,300 USD).

A kayaking and photo contest featuring the city will also be held during the event.-VNA