Though this is the seventh time for Clipper Round the World Race to include Qingdao as a host port on its global racing route, it's the first time that Clipper Race fleet is berthing at the newly-opened Wanda Yacht Club in the West Coast New Area of Qingdao.

Li Fengli, director of the administrative committee of the Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]   

According to Li Fengli, director of the administrative committee of the Qingdao West Coast New Area, Clipper Race will help to inject new vitality to Qingdao's as well as the region's sailing sport and industry development.

Li added that the Qingdao West Coast New Area, established in June 2014, is a national-level new development zone which serves as a strategic support platform for Qingdao to implement China's marine strategy and help build the coastal city into a world-leading marine development center.

The area has quickened the pace of shifting old economic drivers with new ones in line with Qingdao's efforts in supply-side reform. Leveraging its rich resources in marine sector and solid foundation in marine development, the area enjoys rapid development in fields of port shipping, offshore engineering, bioengineering and marine manufacturing.

Li added that the area will further boost its brand marine economy development based on local features.