The 2011 Korea Cup International Yacht Race kicked off on Wednesday with an opening ceremony in the east coast city of Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province.

The Korea Cup, which is organized by Korea Sailing Federation and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, runs until June 6, covering a total of 600 kilometers. 

One of the main purposes of the race is to not only promote the sport here, but also to raise more awareness worldwide about the Dokdo islets in the East Sea, according to the organizer.

The disputed territories, which both Korea and Japan claim as their own, are included in the race course.

The five-day competition is divided into six regattas with courses including the circling of Dokdo, and also Ulleung Island, one of Korea’s most scenic spots.

The international yacht race has become one of the premier regattas in Asia, drawing increasing attention from across the world, according to the organizer. This year, marking its fourth edition, the annual event has invited more than 69 yachts from 20 countries.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)