Fishermen find alternative job in sailing centre

Here, one can find the MANTA Sail Training Center, which has been a go-to spot for watersports enthusiasts since 2009. Yet, beyond just promoting sail sports, the center has offered local fishermen an alternative of livelihood.

Tran Quoc Phung, the general manager and sailing instructor of the MANTA sail training center in Mui Ne, said: “I've been in this watersports industry for 10 years. I've instructed nearly 500 people in sailing”.

Like many others in the coastal Binh Thuan province over a decade ago, Phung lived off of the sea. It was a chance to encounter with British-born founder of MANTA sail training center - Julia Shaw that Phụng's life took a turn. Julia taught Phung and other fishermen the ins and outs of watersports.

From being traditionally a fishing town, Mui Ne has developed to become a watersports destination with many training centers offering courses in sailing, surfing and other watersports. Many fishermen have even become professional watersports-men, going to compete professionally. Instructor Nguyen Van Rot here is the region's top windsurfer.

While fishing remains a vital source of livelihood in Binh Thuan, jobs related to watersports within the context of growing tourism offer these former fishermen an alternative - contributing to the development of a watersports culture in the region.