The annual Welcome on Board (WOB) Sailing Regatta was held on May 31 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

This was the first sailing event to be held in Qingdao since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nine teams from Weihai, Yantai, Rizhao, and several other cities participating in the competition.

The annual Welcome on Board (WOB) Sailing Regatta is held on May 31 in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/bandao.cn]

"We didn't attend a single competition in the first half of the year because of the epidemic. So it's very exciting to be onboard again," said Yang Sen, president of the Yantai Sailing Association.

"Qingdao has earned global recognition for its international sailing events and has strong supporting facilities and infrastructure," said Yang, who added that the event will help increase communication among sailing teams from different cities.

Sailors are seen off the coast of Qingdao. [Photo/bandao.cn]

As the epidemic wanes and control and prevention efforts become a part of everyday life in China, the holding of sporting events is helping revive the sports industry, said one local official.

Che Jinghua, director of the Qingdao sports bureau, said that a series of sailing events will be held to turn the city into the sailing "Sailing Capital" and promote fitness in Qingdao

Che added that the five cities in the Jiaodong area will also strengthen cooperation in sports and contribute to the integrated development of the Jiaodong Economic Circle.

A sailboat braves wind and waves during the competition. [Photo/bandao.cn]