Sports Life Magazine October 2024

SPORTS LIFE OCTOBER 2024

NEW CHAMPIONS EMERGE AT 2024 IKA ASIANS TP52 ARKAS BLUE MOON WINS BOSPHORUS CUP ORIENT EXPRESS WINS AN UP AND DOWN BOSPHORUS RACE

UCLA VS INDIANA FOOTBALL PBR ANAHEIM BREAKS RECORD BELLATOR CHAMPIONSHIP VGC TEES UP STRONGER COMMUNITY TIES

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TP52 ARKAS BLUE MOON WINS BOSPHORUS CUP ORIENT EXPRESS WINS UP AND DOWN PBR ANAHEIM BREAKS RECORD IN TEAM COMP MMA BELLATOR CHAMPION SERIES SAN DIEGO

NEW CHAMPIONS EMERGE AT 2024 IKA ASIANS VGC CLUBS TEE UP STRONGER COMMUNITY TIES VGC SETS ITS SIGHTS ON AUSTRALIA

NEW IMAGES SHOWCASE BEAUTY AT LAGUNA LANG

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UCLA LOSES 3 CONSECUTIVE GAMES IN SEPTEMBER

ISSN 2164-7119 LARRY REICHE - PRESIDENT CHUCK NULL - VICE PRESIDENT sportslifemagazine.com

W TP52 ARKAS BLUE MOON WINS BOSPHORUS CUP There was a close tussle on the final day of the Bosphorus Cup 2024, but in the breezy finale it was the TP52 Arkas Sailing Team - Blue Moon who surged to victory in Istanbul.

Article by Andy Rice and Bosphorus Cup Photos provided by Bosphorus Cup Courtesy of Icarus Sports

ith a variety of wind strengths and different course configurations, the 23rd edition of the Bosphorus Cup demanded solid all-round skills and Serhat Altay’s well-drilled crew looked ready for any challenge.

Having only just taken over ownership of TP52 less than five months ago, Altay and his team have been getting used to the power of the 52-footer which formerly competed on the TP52 Super Series as the Germany boat Container.

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he wind was blowing 9 to 10 knots at midday but built later in the afternoon to 17 knots.

Principal race officer Nino Shmueli sent the 95-boat fleet into a two-lap windward/ leeward race followed by the finale of a 13 nautical mile coastal race through the islands in the Sea of Marmara.

Throughout the three-day event, four boats have broken clear of the pack after the first 10 or 15 minutes of each race.

The sea dragon on Arkas Sailing Team’s mainsail has been chasing the bigger boats all weekend, the Farr 55 Orient Express 6, the Volvo Ocean 70

Aiolos and the 86ft Maxi called Meliti, owned by Stratis Andreadis.

The windward/leeward courses were always going to play to the strengths of the smaller boats, which is why the race committee set a coastal course to enable ocean-going thoroughbreds like Aiolos and Meliti to stretch their sea legs.

Through the twists and turns past the idyllic Marmaran islands of Burgaz, Kaşık and Heybeli, a duel ensued between George Procopiou’s Aiolos and the Arkas TP52.

However, on the final windward

push back to the finish in Kadikoy, the canting-keeled power of the VO70 was too mighty to resist and the Greeks on Aiolos sailed away to an easy line honours victory.

Big cheers rang out of TP52 Arkas Sailing Team - Blue Moon when the Turkish team crossed the finish line in second place.

As Queen’s “We are the Champions” rang out across the water from a jubilant and crowded spectator vessel, Altay’s crew knew they had done enough to secure overall victory on corrected time.

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he winners had been pushed hard by early series leaders, Timofey Zhbankov’s JPK 11.80 Rossko Racer, who had sailed beautifully in the lighter breeze of the first day but didn’t quite have the horsepower to match the bigger boats in the bigger breeze. Arkas finished first in today’s windward/leeward race and were third on corrected time at the end of the coastal race.

Rossko Racer were second overall with former winners Coca Cola Içecek - Das Asterisk racing their Farr 40 to third place overall.

The 40ft division was the tightest and closest fought at all the turning marks on the windward/leeward courses, and small details translated to a big difference in the outcome.

Yaşar Doğa Aribaş’ team on Coca Cola sailed their Farr 40 very consistently to come out just ahead of Orient Express VI, the Farr 55 owned by sisters Zeynep Atabay Taşkent and Ayşe Atabay.

Orient Express was always in the running and the team’s victory on the fast-flowing currents of the Bosphorus

Strait on Saturday was the high point of a series that led to them claiming fourth place overall.

As for Blue Moon’s overall victory, British crew member and team coach Martin Watts put their success down to one overriding goal. “These past three days we just kept it very simple.

Avoid doing anything silly at all times,” he said. “For the reaching course on the coastal race we could have put up bigger sails and we could have done more complicated things, but we resisted the temptation.

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t was good fun racing against the bigger boats like the VO70.

The mechanics on our boat are very good, and sometimes when we’re tacking the crew aren’t even talking to each other. Everyone just gets on with their jobs and it all seems to work.”

Turkish trimmer, Fikret Oral, said the Blue Moon crew has been working hard to get to grips with the new boat as quickly as possible after only importing it from Australia in May. “Eight or nine years ago we managed to win the Bosphorus Cup in the Kerr 40 and now we are happy to win again with this boat. It’s good to see the size of boats in

Turkey getting bigger and to have the 70 and 86-footers here this year in this tricky venue. We are from the south of the country where the wind is very stable and here in Istanbul the wind is very shifty, very interesting and it’s a great challenge of sailing skills, so we love it when we are able to win here.”

The shifting, ever-changing breeze of Istanbul is why event founder and organiser Orhan Gorbon introduced the concept of ‘Theater of Winds’ to this year’s regatta.

“The Bosphorus Cup started as a regatta purely for the sailors, and that is still the most

important element,” he said.

“But this year we really pushed the broader aspects of the Bosphorus Cup, bringing the six dancers to represent the six different winds that sailors and others will experience on the swirling currents of the Bosphorus Strait."

“Saturday’s party at the Çirağan Palace Kempinski was a great opportunity for many people to feel more connected with the maritime history and culture of Istanbul. With posters, banners and billboards up all around this city of 15 million inhabitants, the Bosphorus Cup is our greatest opportunity connect more people with this beautiful sport of sailing.”

THE BOSPHORUS CUP Orient Express Wins An Up And Down Bosphorus Race

Article by Andy Rice and Bosphorus Cup Photos by Bosphorus Cup Courtesy of ICARUS Sports

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rient Express VI may not be the biggest boat at the regatta but today she was the fastest. Yildirim Kaynaz’s Farr 55 sailed a tactically strong Bosphorus Race, the showpiece race on the middle day of the Bosphorus Cup in Istanbul.

The forecast was for moderate breeze but after a wait for the wind to arrive, Principal Race Officer Nino Shmueli sent the 95-boat fleet on its way, launching out of a fast downwind start towards the southern end of the Bosphorus Strait.

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atalin Trandafir’s Soto 40 Essentia was fastest out of the start, speeding close to the Asian shore and beating a lot of the bigger boats to the bottom of the course near Dolmabahce Palace.

Then came the long tacking battle upwind as the boats tacked close to the European shore to escape the strongest currents. As Orient Express’s double Olympic representative Arif Gurdenli commented: “We don’t have a lot of time to look around and enjoy the view. We were too busy focusing on our manoeuvres and racing the other boats as well as trying to avoid the motor boats getting in our way. It’s very busy and there is a lot to think about at all times.”

Meanwhile on shore, hundreds of guests including VIPs and celebrities were enjoying the yacht race from the grounds of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a lavish five-star hotel.

Reflecting the theme of the ‘Theater of Winds’, six dancers - each representing a different wind of the Bosphorus entertained guests with their interpretation of how wild and varied the wind can be in Turkey’s greatest city.

It was as though the wind gods had been watching the dance for themselves. All six different winds made an appearance during the afternoon’s two-hour race. Rain squalls in between the sunshine made for a difficult tactical race through the Bosphorus, but it was Orient Express who took

top honours at the end of an intriguing afternoon. With strong currents, rain squalls and big gusts as well as patches of light wind, the 95 boats were constantly tested through the Bosphorus Strait.

Gurdenli estimates he has competed in more than 15 editions of this famous race, and twice won as Orient Express’s tactician back in 2016 and 2017.

He put the team’s success down to accurate execution of manoeuvres. “There are so many tacks and gybes involved in this race, and you had to be able to react quickly,” said the double Olympic representative from 1988 and 1992. “Today there was rain, then strong winds, very strong current in the channel, but we were able to execute on our strategy, especially in some risky places on the race course.”

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hile Gurdenli is a veteran of the Bosphorus Race, another double Olympian was competing for the first time, also on board Orient Express. Finn representative for Turkey at Tokyo 2020 and earlier this summer as Nacra 17 catamaran sailor for Paris 2024, Alican Kaynar was calling tactics on the 55-footer.

“Sometimes we went really close to the shore, maybe less than three metres away, because at points on the race course the current is running at five or even six knots against you. It was very challenging but we have such a good team with so much experience, and that really helped us sail the best course today.”

In past editions of the race Orient Express VI has been the biggest on the race course, the scratch boat.

Gurdenli was more than happy to concede that title to bigger boats at this year’s event. “I want to say thank you to the organiser Orhan Gorbon for doing such a good job of bringing some really competitive big boats to the regatta. This year there is a well sailed Volvo Ocean 70 (Aiolos owned by Greek businessman George Procopiou) and also some very fast boats like the TP52s."

“There is a big boat coming from Greece, so that provides us good fight with bigger boats because usually in Turkey when we are racing on our own, we are always the biggest boat and we sail on our own. This time we need to compete with at least three or four different teams, boat to boat. So that also keeps us alive, and it means that we can push further and improve our game.”

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ut now this time we need to compete with at least three or four different teams, boat to boat. So that also keeps us alive, and it means that we can push further and improve our game.”

Gorbon continues to emphasise the great potential of the Bosphorus Cup to become bigger and bigger by the year. “Today showed what great racing and great spectacle it’s possible to enjoy here in the heart of Istanbul.

Today’s race provided the centrepiece for people across Istanbul to enjoy a stunning spectacle, and for our sponsors and supporters it

obviously means even more to them. Today was a special day for many reasons, and it was wonderful to celebrate the city and the Bosphorus with so many people.”

In the overall competition, Timofey Zhbankov’s JPK 11.80 Rossko Racer is still leading ahead of Arkas Sailing Team Blue Moon, Serhat Altay’s Judel/Vrolijk designed TP52.

Sunday brings the final day’s racing when the 95-boat fleet heads back out on to the open waters of Caddebostan. By Sunday evening we will know who becomes the winner of the 2024 edition of the Bosphorus Cup.

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naheim, CA, was the ninth stop out of 12 on the PBR Camping World Team Series season, and it proved to be a great one. Southern California showed how much they love their bull riding, as the Honda Center had fantastic crowds every night. In this third year of team competition, two more teams were added to the fray: the Oklahoma Wildcatters, coached by JB Mauney, and the New York Mavericks, with Kody Lostroh.

And by the way, a record was set in Southern California.

There were more qualified rides than ever before in team competition—67 qualified rides in Anaheim! Keep coming back to California, guys; we love you!

PBR ANAHEIM BREAKS RECORD IN TEAM COMPETITION Article by Barbara Pinnella and Photos by Nancy Lares

NIGHT ONE

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n the first night of competition, Game One saw the Texas Rattlers, led by Cody Lambert and Cade Swor, face off against the New York Mavericks, with Lostroh at the helm. The Rattlers were on fire, covering four out of their five bulls. Along the way, they put up an 89-point score, courtesy of Brady Fielder on Watch Out, a re-ride bull. Joao Ricardo Vieira then rode Shot In The

Dark for an impressive 89.50, proving they would not be denied.

In the second game, Michael Gaffney’s Austin Gamblers took on the Arizona Ridge Riders, coached by Colby Yates. It wasn’t until the fourth man out that a score went on the board, thanks to the popular Eduardo Aparecido on TFB Ranch Crackin’ Back, who scored an

81 for the Ridge Riders. That score was immediately bested

by Ramon de Lima and Preston’s Pistol, who received an 86.

The Gamblers came back with two more rides, including a big one by Jose Vitor Leme, who scored an 89.50 and took the lead for MVP away from John Crimber. The Gamblers moved on.

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onsidered a bit of an underdog, the Wildcatters defeated the team currently at the top of the standings, the Carolina Cowboys. New acquisition Tate Pollmeier helped take down his former team, contributing to the Wildcatters’ four-for-five success on Night One. Eduardo Matos scored 85.50, Cort

McFadden scored 87.25 on a re-ride bull, Pollmeier kept his 79.25 per Coach Mauney’s decision, and Austin Richardson scored an 84.

The last pairing of the night saw the Florida Freedom face off against the Missouri Thunder. Led by Paulo Crimber and Ross Coleman

respectively, Boudreaux Campbell struck the first blow for Missouri with an 84.75 on Stay Cool. Joao Lucas Campos quickly responded with an 87.25 on Cowtown Throwdown.

Three rides later, Elzimar Jeremias and Black Gold scored 88.50 for the Freedom, giving them the lead in the game.

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fter the next rider for the Thunder bucked off, young phenom John Crimber took his place on Sober Train. When the dust settled, he scored a huge 90.25, clinching the victory for his team and regaining the number one spot in the MVP standings that Leme had claimed earlier in the evening.

Missouri’s last rider, Paulo Eduardo Rossetto, covered his bull, Striker, scoring 83, but that score did not help them.

Pollmeier; and the Freedom, who elected to take Crimber.

Two men rode: Pollmeier, paired with July, received a score of 88.75, but it was Fielder who took the Shoot Out after his ride on Firewater earned him a score of 90.50 for the Rattlers.

Moving into the Shoot Out round were the Rattlers, who put up Fielder; the Gamblers, who selected Ezekial Mitchell; the Wildcatters, who chose

The highest score in the Shoot Out was Brady Fielder, with his 90.50.

The winning team was the Texas Rattlers.

MVP was John Crimber, with that 90.25 score.

NIGHT TWO

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he first teams up were the Gamblers and the Nashville Stampede, making their first appearance in Anaheim this year, coached by Justin McBride. Kaique Pacheco started off Austin with an 86.50 on Let’s Tango, but he was quickly matched by Silvano Alves on Fajita, who received an 86.

It took six rides before another score hit the board, from Cody Jesus, who scored 83.50 for Nashville. Kaiden Loud sealed the deal with his ride on Desperado, scoring 87 and winning for Nashville.

Game Two saw the Freedom face off against the Rattlers.

Only three rides were recorded in this game, all from the Freedom. The highest score came from Alex Cerqueira on Snoop Dog, who scored 88.50 on this impressive bull.

The next two teams, the Wildcatters against the Mavericks, had four riders—two from each team.

The scores were modest, with the highest being 85, posted

by Eduardo Matos and Lock N Load for Oklahoma. That first ride should have put them in a great spot, but it didn’t work out that way.

Bob Mitchell received a re-ride option after only scoring 65.25, and JB opted to keep it. The end result was the Wildcatters losing the game by 10.50 points.

This was one instance where an executive decision did not work in their favor, allowing the Mavericks to move into the Shoot Out round.

The final teams of Saturday night were the Kansas City Outlaws, coached by JW Hart and Guilherme Marchi, against Arizona. This ruond featured a total of seven ride3s out of ten.

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his round featured a total of seven rides out of ten. The Outlaws came out on top, thanks to one more ride than the Ridge Riders.

Koltin Hevalow, Julio Cesar Marques, Sandro Batista, and Cassio Dias were the contributors who won the game.

Heading into the Shoot Out were Nashville, Freedom, Mavericks, and Outlaws.

Three men rode: Yan Victor Cuhna covered his bull Manaba for Oklahoma with a score of 86.75; Anderson de Oliveira rode Nefarious for a solid 89 for Nashville.

But it was Batista who took the money for his team, Kansas City, when he covered Flapjack for an 89.50.

The winning team was the Kansas City Outlaws.

We had two MVPs: Alex Cerqueira and Julio Cesar Marques, each with 88.50.

The highest score in the Shoot Out came from Sandro Batista with his 89.50.

NIGHT THREE

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he first game of the last night in Anaheim saw the Cowboys go against the Mavericks. Cooper Davis started off the night for Carolina, covering Sharp Shooter for 84.75. The next rider for the Cowboys, Derek Kolbaba, got a re-ride and covered Watch Out for a solid 88 points.

When Leonardo Castro was awarded a re-ride, the decision was made to substitute Leandro Machado, who was matched up with the miracle bull, Ricky Vaughn. This proved to be a great decision, as Machado scored a big 90 points on this impressive bull.

However, since this was the only ride for New York, they did not move into the Shoot Out round, while Carolina secured that honor.

In Game Two, the Gamblers took on the Thunder. Kaique started off with a score of 84 for Austin on Question This.

Campbell quickly responded for Missouri with an 88.75 on Gas Money. The next three riders failed to stay on their bulls, but Casey Roberts for the Thunder came back with a huge 89.50, putting them in the lead.

That was Casey’s first ride of the season, and it was a great one! The next man to ride for Missouri, Andrew Alvidrez, managed to get the eight on Cut Bait, scoring 87.75 and sealing the victory for his team.

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he third game featured many rides, several great scores, and one very scary moment. The two teams involved were the Rattlers and the Outlaws. Brady Fielder started the game off for the Rattlers with a ride on Tropic Thunder for 86.50. Batista responded with an 88.25 on Wingman for Kansas City.

Daniel Keeping put up another score for the Rattlers when he rode Pay Dirt, also for an 88.25.

The rides continued. Hevalow rode Good To Go for 85.50, Claudio Montanha Jr. covered Benjiman Ranklin for an 89, and Maiken Calixton Rocha reached the whistle on Chicken Joe, scoring 84.75. Six rides in a row thus far, with Texas leading Kansas City, 174.75 to 173.75!

There were no more rides until the last man, our PBR World Champion, Cassio, covered Taz for 87.25.

Kansas City was moving into the Shoot Out round.

However, the bad news came when Australian Qynn Anderson was smashed and appeared to take a hard hit to the back of his head and neck.

Sports Medicine ran in immediately and quickly called for the board. It was an ugly, scary wreck, and as of this writing, I do not have an update.

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n the fourth and final full game in Anaheim, Nashville faced off against the Wildcatters.

First up was Alves on Red Dirt, who rode for 82 points. Matos followed for Oklahoma, covering Oyster Creek Brawler for an 87.

The Stampede added another score when Anderson de Oliveira rode Preston’s Pistol for an 84.25. Unfortunately, those were the only rides for the Wildcatters. By two games to one, Nashville moved to the last Shoot Out.

MMA BELLATOR CHAMPION SERIES SAN DIEGO Article by Lauren Rodriguez and Photos by Nancy Lares

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he MMA Bellator Champion series took place the first weekend of September at San Diego’s Pechanga resort and casino. The event entailed ten bouts that included a main event battle for the lightweight world championship title.

The lightweight world championship title fight took place between Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0-0) and Alexander Shabliy (23-3) whose last defeat was 8 years ago. Representing Dagestan, Russia, Nurmagomedov went five rounds against Russian fighter Alexander Shabliy.

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habliy was able to land a solid right hand but Nurmagomedov utilized his leg kicks.

Nurmagomedov’s leg kicks continued and appeared to do their damage before Shabliy’s thumb went into his eye.

After five rounds, the title winner came down to a unanimous decision with a score of 49-46 x2, 50-45 and Nurmagomedov as the winner.

Nurmagomedov retains his Bellator lightweight world championship title and remains undefeated.

In a welterweight contender fight, Lorenz Larkin (27-8, 15 KO) went head to head against Levan “Mountain Man” Chokheli (13-3).

The bout quickly ended with a TKO at 1:53 of the first round.

This is Larkins 15th first round TKO. Larkin is now the #1 welterweight contender.

In a middleweight fight, Douglas Lima (33-12-0) of Brazil went against Aaron Jeffrey (15-5-0).

Training out of Kill Kliff FC in Deerfield Beach, FL, Jeffrey was able to lead.

The bout was scored 28-29 with Jeffrey as victor in a unanimous decision.

In a flyweight fight, Sumiko Inaba (8-1) fighting out of Maui, Hawaii faced off against Mackenzie Stiller (3-1). At 2:45 the bout was ruled a TKO with Inaba as winner.

Yancy Medeiros (17-9-0) and Zhora Aivazian(15-1) came head to head in a lightweight bout. Medeiros, of Waianae, HI and Aivazian fighting out of Armavir, Armenia. The combat sambo world champion scored 27-30, Aivazian led unanimous decision.

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n another middleweight fight, Jordan Newman (7-0-0) from Milwaukee, WI, took on Imamshafi Aliev (9-1-0). The three-round bout ended in a unanimous decision, with judges Felicia Oh, Michael Bell, and Chris Crail scoring it 30-27 in favor of Newman.

The third bout was a bantam weight match between three-time NCAA All-American wrestler Bryce Meredith (7-0) and John MaColooy (4-2-0). At 3:15 of the first round, Meredith achieved a technical submission victory over MaColooy.

The fourth bout of the night featured Masayuki Kikuri (10-2-1, 7 KOs) of Japan against Herman Terrado from Guam.

Terrado held the upper hand in the first two rounds, but Kikuri secured a TKO victory at 2:54 of the third round.

In a heavyweight bout, former NFL player and American wrestler Josh Hokit faced Sean Rose (2-3-0). Hokit won via armbar submission at 4:48 of the first round, improving to 2-0 with two submissions.

The first bout of the night featured professional debuts from Ashley “Whiplash” Thiner (1-0) and Aysia Cortez (0-1-0, 1 KO). Fighting out of San Diego, Thiner began her martial arts journey at 19 in Muay Thai.

Despite Cortez's lifelong experience, having been raised in a family-run martial arts school, Thiner defeated her at 3:11 of the second round with a TKO.

UCLA LOSES 3 CONSECUTIVE GAMES IN SEPTEMBER Article by Lauren Rodriguez and Photos by Jim Sabo

Pasadena, CA UCLA’s first home game of the season against Indiana Hoosiers would set the tone for the month as the Bruins entered the BIG 10 conference.

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espite starting the season with a 16-13 win against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, another victory slipped from their grasp.

The Bruins ended the first quarter with 0 points on the board whereas Indiana’s quarterback, Kurtis Rourke was able to complete two touchdowns with the aid of

Miles Cross and Ke’Shawn Williams.

At 4:52 of the 2nd quarter, Rourke completed a pass to Kross 33-yard first down.

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he team then completed a 1-yard touchdown, bringing them to 21 points. UCLA continued to struggle, unable to hold the ball before Garbers was able to complete a 22-yard

pass to Rico Flores on the 24-yard line.

Taking it into his own hands, Ethan Garbers carried the ball 22 yards just one yard from the

end zone. TJ Harden then carried the ball into the end zone. 78 yards and 9 plays later, the bruins had finally scored a touchdown bringing the tally to 21-7.

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n the third quarter, UCLA’s Mateen Bhaghani secured a field goal, bringing the score to 21-10.

Indiana’s Rourke continued to

throw touchdown passes, extending the gap to 29 points.

He completed one in the third quarter to Ke’Shawn Williams and another in the fourth to Omar Cooper Jr. for a 23-yard

touchdown. The final touchdown of the night was a 14-yard run by Hoosier Elijah Green. The game ended with a score of 42-13 in favor of Indiana.

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he Bruins have struggled to put points on the scoreboard since their first game of the season, failing to demonstrate improvement as the season progresses.

Although he is new in his role as head coach, Foster is no stranger to the young men in blue and gold.

The players and their coach attribute the difficulties to a lack of execution that hasn’t yet transitioned from practice to real games.

“I know it’s going to get repetitive, but we are just not executing. I want to say other things. I’d like to tell you guys something different.

But I’d be lying.

We’re executing in practice, but it is not carrying over to the game, so we’ve got to find a better way to get it done,” said Deshaun Foster.

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he scoring gap against their opponents has persisted, with the Bruins failing to put up more than 20 points in a game.

They have lost 42-13 to

Indiana, 34-17 to LSU, and 34-13 to Oregon. This marks the first time since 1963 that UCLA has gone four consecutive games with fewer than 20 points.

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NEW CHAMPIONS EMERGE AT M 2024 IKA ASIANS

A Championship Marked by Dramatic Conditions

Article by IKA Media and Marina Psychogyiou Photos by IKA Media, Robert Hajduk, and Matias Capizzano Courtesy of ICARUS Sports

ax Maeder, Wan Li, and Yo Pudla Shine at the 2024 Formula Kite and TwinTip: Racing Asian Championship, which concluded under dramatic circumstances as a government-issued weather warning halted the final day of racing. The warning, which also affected local fishermen, highlighted the unpredictable nature of Daishan County's weather.

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eld in the picturesque Daishan County, known for its stunning archipelago and vibrant maritime culture, the championship faced significant weather challenges from the start. The event, already delayed by a day due to a typhoon, saw competitors battling high waves and strong currents on the first day.

Despite these conditions, the sailors showcased remarkable skill and resilience.

This brief respite allowed for intense and thrilling races, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.

The second day brought a stark contrast, with calmer seas and favorable winds, described by many as "the best racing day of my life."

This decision, which even affected local fishermen, underscored the inherent challenges of sailing, a sport deeply dependent on favorable

Weather Forces Abrupt End However, the championship's momentum was abruptly halted when the government issued a weather warning, prohibiting all activities on the water.

weather conditions. The safety of participants and locals was paramount, and the organizers had to respect and adapt to Mother Nature's whims.organizers had to respect and adapt to Mother Nature's whims.

Celebrating Our Champions Despite the abrupt end, the championship saw remarkable performances over the past days. The prize-giving ceremony, attended by several state and government officials, celebrated the achievements of the competitors.

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ax Maeder from Singapore, the Paris 2024 bronze medalist, reclaimed his title from 2022 with a dominant performance, winning 8 out of 12 races.

Maeder's consistent excellence set a high standard for the competition. Reflecting on his competitors, Maeder praised the Chinese sailors for their fearlessness and skill, noting their potential to become a formidable force in international competitions.

Qibin Huang, the defending champion and China's Olympic entry, faced a challenging start with a disastrous first day but

showed resilience by improving his performance on the second day. Despite his efforts, Huang finished in 6th place. He expressed determination to come back stronger, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport.

China kept the title in the women, with Wan Li achieving a significant milestone in her sailing career and showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Narapichit Pudla, also known as Yo, added another title to his impressive record in the TwinTip:Racing category.

The Thai veteran’s experience and skill were on full display, earning him well-deserved recognition.

Khristopher Ken Nacor emerged as the best among many talented sailors from the Philippines, marking a strong return to international competition after a brief hiatus. The team’s performance highlights the growing talent within the Philippines sailing community.

With the championship now concluded, attention turns to the next events in Sardinia this October.

RESULTS RESULTS RESULTS RESULTS FORMULA FORMULA TWIN:TIP TWIN:TIP RACING RACING KITE KITE WOMEN WOMEN MEN MEN 1. Maximilian 1. Wan Li CHN 1. Narachipit 1. Yulu Mo CHN Maeder SGP GOLD Pudla THA GOLD GOLD 2. Chenxue Lie GOLD 2. Qiuyang Li 2. Haoran CHN SILVER 2. Kristopher CHN SILVER Zhang CHN 3. Meijing Xiao Ken Nacor 3. Jingle Gao SILVER CHN BRONZE PHI SILVER CHN BRONZE 3. Jiangang Wu 3. Xing Lin CHN CHN BRONZE BRONZE

Professional instructors from Laguna Golf Lang Co have been giving free golf lessons to kids from local schools.

VGC CLUBS D TEE UP STRONGER CMOMUNITY TIES

ANANG, VIETNAM (August 22, 2024) – Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are strengthening community bonds in Central Vietnam via public-spirited initiatives.

The VGC, a destination marketing collaboration between three of the area’s signature golf clubs—Laguna Golf Lang Co, Montgomerie Links, and Ba Na Hills Golf Club—has made community engagement a cornerstone of its mission.

Signature layouts in Central Vietnam make local engagement a cornerstone of their mission.

Article and Phtos by Balcony Media Group

The clubs are attracting golf enthusiasts from around the globe to a destination that has emerged as one of Asia’s most enticing hubs for play. At the same time, they are dedicating resources and efforts towards the betterment of the communities in which they operate.

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his commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is embodied through various projects that contribute significantly to the welfare of local communities.

Green Hope 2024, supported

by VGC linchpin Montgomerie Links, offers free swimming lessons and anti-drowning skills to children in Quang Nam province.

A standout initiative under this banner is Green Hope 2024, a life-saving project that addresses one of the most pressing issues in Vietnam today—child drowning.

"Our role extends beyond providing world-class golf experiences.

Drowning ranks among the top ten causes of death for children aged 5-14 in Vietnam, particularly in rural areas where access to swimming education is limited.

Rice grown in the paddies at Laguna Golf Lang Co is donated to families and seniors who live near the club.

By equipping children with

with essential skills, we are investing in the future of our community," said Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links.

Green Hope 2024, supported

by Montgomerie Links, offers free swimming lessons to children in Quang Nam province.

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fforts to foster community ties are also in strong evidence at Laguna Golf Lang Co, a club renowned for its sustainability and CSR programs.

Its “edible golf course” initiative — where resident water buffalo tend the rice fields on the course — has captured the imagination of a global audience.

The paddies yield up to 20 tons of rice used to support the organic farm at Laguna Lang Co and donated to families and seniors in the area.

Other important initiatives include free golf lessons in local schools. This initiative promotes the sport among young people and teaches

important values such as discipline, teamwork, and respect for others.

These lessons, taught by professional instructors from the clubs, are offered free of charge and are part of a broader effort to make golf more accessible to the youth of Central Vietnam.

"As we introduce golf to local students, we’re not just teaching them a sport—

we’re providign them with skills an values that will benefit them in all aspects of life," said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co.

Ba Na Hills Golf Club recently played host to the CIFE charity event which raised a significant sum for the education of underprivileged kids in Vietnam.

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ietnam Golf Coast clubs regularly organise fundraising golf events. These events serve as vital platforms for raising funds for local charities and community projects.

Funds are channelled towards various causes, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, reinforcing the clubs' commitment to being a force for good in the community.

The Vietnam Golf Coast clubs also contribute to the local economy through employment.

The clubs employ a significant number of local staff — as caddies, greenkeepers, admin,

and hospitality roles — offering stable jobs with competitive wages and opportunities for professional development.

"Our clubs are deeply intertwined with the local community, and we see our employees as an integral part of our success,”

said Gary Dixon, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club.

“By offering meaningful employment, we are helping to sustain local families and contributing to the broader economic health of the region.”

Sandwiched between jungle-clad hills and the ocean, Laguna Golf Lang Co offers plentiful variety among its holes.

D VIETNAM GOLF COAST SETS ITS SIGHTS ON AUSTRALIA

anang, Vietnam (September 9, 2024) – Laguna Golf Lang Co is gearing up to showcase Central Vietnam’s acclaimed golf offerings in Australia this month at separate roadshow events in Melbourne and Sydney.

These events, which will take place on 11 September (Melbourne) and 13 September (Sydney) aim to broadcast the exceptional golf experiences offered in Central Vietnam to Australian golfers and travellers alike.

Laguna Golf Lang Co to engage Aussie public at roadshow events in Sydney and Melbourne Article and Photos by Balcony Media Group

Central Vietnam has established itself as a world-class destination for play featuring courses designed by legendary figures such as Sir Nick Faldo (Laguna Golf Lang Co), Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), alongside iconic names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Montgomerie Links is one of Central Vietnam’s most appealing layouts.

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he region's growing acclaim on the global stage was underscored in 2023 when it set a record for the number of rounds played.

Attendees will learn about the unique qualities of Central Vietnam’s golf courses, luxurious hotels, and diverse tourism offerings.

Laguna Golf Lang Co, a cornerstone member of the Vietnam Golf Coast—a destination marketing alliance promoting Central Vietnam’s signature courses—is set to introduce the region to Australian media and tour operators.

Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Center, under the direction of the Danang Tourism Department, will also be on hand to provide insights and answer questions.

In Melbourne, Laguna Golf Lang Co will host an exclusive information session for local media and tour operators interested in discovering why Danang has emerged as a central hub for golf tourism.

The roadshow will move to Sydney where a similar program will highlight Central Vietnam's unparalleled golf experiences.

The Luke Donald course at Ba Na Hills Golf Club is a masterpiece in the mountains near Danang.

“This roadshow highlights our commitment to positioning Central Vietnam as a leading golf destination for Australians,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “By fostering connections with key stakeholders in Australia, we aim to build lasting partnerships and promote tourism growth.

“Central Vietnam is one of Asia’s most complete golf destinations, offering spectacular year-round play, incredible cuisine, cultural richness, and top-tier accommodations.

We’re eager to introduce more Australians to the unique experiences our region offers and welcome them to discover everything we have in store.”

The Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout at Laguna Golf Lang Co is sandwiched between the mountains and the sea.

NEW IMAGES SHOWCASE L BEAUTY OF LAGUNA GOLF LANG CO

US Photographer Patrick Koenig delivers a feast for the eyes with a stunning set of captures.

ANG CO, Vietnam (September 12, 2024)The striking beauty of Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Asia's most visually stunning clubs, is showcased in a new set of images captured by leading US photographer Patrick Koenig.

Article and Photos by Balcony Media Group

Threading between trees, over rice paddies and streams, through rock features and alongside the pounding surf, the course—designed by UK great Sir Nick Faldo—is tricky to categorize. One thing that everybody agrees on though is the sheer visual manna on offer at the course, which is nestled between mountains and the ocean.

Verdant rice paddies imbue the course with a sense of place.

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oenig’s photographs brilliantly capture the qualities that make Laguna Golf Lang Co such a beguiling prospect for visiting golfers.

"We are thrilled to unveil these incredible new images of our course," said Stephen Banks, a fellow of the PGA and Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Co.

"Patrick Koenig’s work captures the essence of Laguna Golf Lang Co, reflecting our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings

while delivering an exceptional golfing experience."

Koenig was commissioned to shoot Laguna Golf Lang Co and other tracks in Vietnam by luxury golf tour operator Asia Golf Trips. And while the weather didn’t always cooperate during Koenig’s nine-day visit, it didn’t prevent him from coming away with images that solidify the country’s newfound international standing.

Many of the holes at Laguna Golf lang Co are secluded in their own world.

“Finally there are photos that do justice to how good Vietnam’s best courses are,” said Asia Golf Trips founder Scott Resch.

While it would be pushing it to call Laguna Golf Lang Co a “links”, the classic “out-and-back” routing and the tang of the salty air certainly offer an invigorating hit of tradition.

The ocean heaves into view on the 9th—a par-4 played alongside the beach. Equally stunning is the short 11th, played from an elevated tee to a green surrounded by rock features.

resorts in Asia in a list compiled by Golf.com, one of the world’s leading golf titles.

Its inclusion in the Asia list also secured it a spot in the top 100 Golf Resorts in the World standings.

The mountains encroach closest to the course at this point, with a tumbling waterfall prominent in the near distance.

The property encompasses the Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design at Laguna Golf Lang Co as well as award-winning resorts Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co.

Other excellent holes, meanwhile, include the closing 18th, a rollercoaster ride of a long hole that plays back to the clubhouse.

Last year Laguna Lang Co was named among the top 11 golf

Laguna Golf Lang Co is one of the draws burnishing the global reputation of Central Vietnam, an area that is now established as one of Asia’s most prized golf destinations.

The short 11th is one of the most picturesque hoels on the course.

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he region, marketed as the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), has emerged as a hub for golf travel in Asia thanks to an array of layouts designed by luminaries including European legends Faldo, Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), as well as other huge names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Holes around the turn play hard by the East Sea.