Qingdao charting a true course

Leveraging its Olympic legacy, Qingdao is establishing itself as one of Asia's premier sailing hotspots.

In return, the sport has triggered growth in other fields and helped drive the city in Shandong province toward becoming an international metropolis.

"After hosting the 2008 Olympic sailing event, Qingdao has been highlighting its 'Chinese sailing capital' brand by hosting several world-class events," said Zang Aimin, vice-president of Qingdao Major International Sailing Events (Festivals) Organizing Committee.

Over the past decade, the city has served as host port for many international sailing events, including the Clipper Round the World yacht race, Volvo Ocean Race, Extreme Sailing Series and ISAF Sailing World Cup.

"The city has cooperated with the Clipper Round the World race for 14 years and the Clipper yacht named after Qingdao has circumnavigated the world seven times, which has promoted the city's image and reflected its internationalized process," said Zang.

"The cooperation with Clipper has extended to 2020 and I hope it will go deeper."

Qingdao is also applying to host the 2020 International Optimist Regatta and 2021 Laser Radial Women's World Championship.

The city's shipbuilding industry is also thriving. Since the 2013-14 season, the clippers used in races have been manufactured by Qingdao Mazarin Yacht Co Ltd.

According to Ji Gaoshang, director of Qingdao Sports Bureau, the number of sailing schools reached 107 last year, training a total of 2,000 youngsters.

Zhang Xiaodong, chairperson of the Chinese Yachting Association, said Qingdao has been leading in Chinese sailing sport and the sport has become a shining name card for the city.

"The sport of sailing tends to boost to a city's economy and infrastructure development," said Zhang.

"The booming sailing events will help ordinary people experience the sport's charm and give professional sailors more opportunities in competition."

(China Daily 03/20/2018 page24)