Sailing Expert: From A Childhood Dream To A 20-Year Journey With The Wind

A 20-year journey of a “sailing expert” on Hon Ong Island

This article tells the story of Mr. Vang, a catamaran sailing expert and water rescue specialist with nearly 20 years of experience on Hon Ong Island. It shares his journey, practical knowledge of water sports such as windsurfing and sailing, important ocean safety skills, and his simple lifestyle close to nature. It is written for travelers looking for meaningful local experiences and a peaceful place to reconnect with themselves.

From a childhood dream to a sailing expert

Mr. Vang’s journey began when he was a young boy. His family did not own a television, so he often visited his neighbors to watch nature documentaries. The programs he remembers most were on National Geographic and Discovery, where he saw the beauty of the ocean and sailing for the first time.

In 2007, he started working on Hon Ong Island as a member of the Environment team, taking care of the island’s gardens and green spaces. At just 18 years old, his life changed when he met a local mentor who taught him how to sail and handle catamaran boats.

Sailing a catamaran or enjoying windsurfing is more than simply controlling a boat or a sail. It requires understanding the wind, reading the waves, and working together with nature. After nearly two decades of learning and practice, Mr. Vang turned his childhood dream into a professional career. Today, every guest learns from him before becoming confident on the water.

Ocean safety skills for water sports

The ocean offers freedom and adventure, but conditions can change very quickly. As a guide for water activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing, Mr. Vang always puts guest safety first.

“Storms can appear very quickly. In just 10 to 15 minutes, the wind can completely change direction and speed. As a guide, I always keep my eyes on the guests and never underestimate the power of nature,” Mr. Vang says.

Over nearly 20 years on Hon Ong Island, Mr. Vang has not only guided guests in water sports but has also handled many emergency situations at sea. Based on his experience, he shares two of the most common problems visitors may face and the correct ways to respond.

The first common problem is muscle cramps while swimming, usually caused by sudden changes in water temperature or overexertion. Mr. Vang advises guests to stay calm, straighten the affected leg, and gently pull the toes toward the knee to stretch the cramped muscle. Trying to keep swimming can make the pain worse and increase the risk of drowning.

He has also performed first aid and CPR many times for guests who became exhausted or experienced emergencies in the water. In these situations, the person should be moved to a safe place as quickly as possible, their airway should be checked, and first aid, including CPR if necessary, should be given until professional medical help arrives. Years of training and experience have helped him stay calm and respond quickly, making every sea adventure safer for guests.

Leaving the island three times and finding his way home

Mr. Vang’s life has not been limited to the island. During the past 20 years, he left Hon Ong Island three times to live in the city, trying different jobs and looking for new opportunities.

However, city life never gave him the same sense of peace that he found by the sea. Returning to Hon Ong Island for the third time reminded him that success is not only about earning more money. It is about finding the place where you truly belong, living freely, and staying connected with nature. For him, that connection is the heart of a true healing journey.

Ngoc Van