The Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) Boryeong Asian Cup started in 2022 during COVID, only 6 boats participated.  In 2022 10 boats contested with NZL winning.  In 2023 there were 15 entrants, and the aim is for 20 boats in 2024.  Teams are invited to submit their credentials and Team Madness based out of Sandringham Yacht Club were selected on the basis of being the first Corinthian crew at the 2023 Australian J70 Championships.

The Koreans want to develop a tourism industry (national & international) based around beaches and water based activities.  They see economic opportunity in developing leisure/maritime activity based around marinas, sailing and power boating as a means to developing regional areas and cities outside of Seoul.

Boryeong is a sailing centre with a travel lift.  It supports Opti’s, 49ers, 470s, 420s, ILCA’s.  For training there are Picos, Hobie 18s and three keel boats (one being a j24).  Within 2 years a massive Marina complex will be built nearby.  There are approximately 5 locally owned j70s and 10 owned by a company (2021/2022 models made in China & 2023 models from France).

L to R Adam Keyes-Tilley, Daniel Abbas, Ed Higson and Murray Mc Donald

An update from Adam Keyes-Tilley ….

ASAF Keel Boat Cup & Boryeong International Championship done and dusted for Team Madness Adam Keyes-Tilley Daniel Abbas Murray Mc Donald and Ed Higson.  Congratulations to the winning Team from Turkei (reigning European Corinthian Champions), holding off a fast finishing China in the last race.

Local Favourites Korea did well using their home water advantage in challenging conditions (2-8 knots & big tides) to finish strongly and round out the podium.  Winning NZ Team from 2022 finishing in 7th demonstrates the step up in competition for the 2023 iteration.

13 countries represented from Asia/Australasia & Europe with a mixture of j70 sailors, National Sailing League Teams & Combined 470/49er Olympic reps & aspirants sailing with their Olympic Coaches on board.

We certainly mixed it with them all off the starts and regularly in the top 3/4/5 positions at the top mark. Boat handling in super light conditions and amazing use of the constantly changing fast running tide downwind by our fellow competitors often left us bamboozled.

Such a wonderful experience on and off the water. Koreans are fantastic hosts and everyone from the National Government down to the locals in the region are all really getting behind this event and want it to grow.

I am sure it will!

Well done Boreyong 👏👏👏👏

Check out the event website for some great video footage http://asafcup.com/index.php?lang=en