The World On arirang

The Stage of Dreams and Passion:
Korea Cup International Yacht Race 2011

Spectators of any yacht race will be re-energized by the thrill and the vast ocean, but a closer look at each of the crew reveals nonstop tension and continuous days of physical strain without sleep. We meet a group of sailors who are willing to fight against these hardships and test their own limits.

The Korea Cup International Yacht Race, founded in 2008, is now in its fourth year! The race attracts more participants, domestic and international, every year, and is gaining recognition as an international competition. This year, 61 teams representing 9 nations take off from Pohang and race 205 km to Ulleung Island, then race 250 km back to Pohang from Dokdo Islets.

For five days, the sailors will have to fight hunger as they give up meals to watch the sails, and face the frustration of not having enough wind to propel forward. The boats begin to break down unexpectedly, adding to the sailors' challenge. They face constant exhaustion and disappointment, but their passion refuses to allow them to give up.

The Korea Cup International Yacht Race 2011 features a yacht parade stretching between Ulleung Island and Dokdo Islets, providing a natural opportunity to promote the fact that Dokdo is Korean territory! The ocean helps the sailors to befriend each other, regardless of nationality, and depend on each other as they reach for their dreams and overcome the greatest challenge of the year.