International yacht clubs from China and the United States are building up closer ties to develop recreation sailing sports, according to a home port plan signed on May 26 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

The plan, namely Pacific Ocean Home Port Plan, was jointly declared by the Haiyang International Yacht Club based in Haiyang, a county-level city of Shandong province's Yantai, and two US-based clubs, the San Francisco Yacht Club and St Francis Yacht Club.

In light of the plan, a yacht alliance will be established to connect all the resources from yacht clubs in North America, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and China.

These three yacht clubs will advocate "a chain of sailing life", in which services from yacht clubs will focus more on sailing lovers' request for sailing life, instead of just yacht manufacturing and port construction. "In the future, sailing enthusiasts will have more chances to experience an integrated lifestyle both on land and sea and enjoy home-like services," said Shao Xianli, a senior officer with the International Sailing Federation.

The Haiyang International Yacht Club is determined to become a large tourist resort that is characterized by residential life along the bay. The club will provide first-class services including yacht maintenance and cleaning, and seaside resorts and hotels.

The club is located in Haiyang of Yantai, but is only 40-minute driving distance from downtown Qingdao. Haiyang is to host the third Asian Beach Games from June 16 to 22 this year.

By Huang Yaning and Hu Qing (China Daily Qingdao Bureau)

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Rakhee M