Qingdao has the wind in its sails
The city of Qingdao, drawing on its Olympic legacy, 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 Olympic sailing in 2008 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) Organising 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 the ISAF Sailing World Cup.
“The city has worked 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 internationalised process,” Zang said.
“The collaboration with Clipper has extended to 2020, and I hope it will go beyond that.”
Qingdao is also applying to host the 2020 International Optimist Regatta and the 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 made by Qingdao Mazarin Yacht Co Ltd.
Ji Gaoshang, director of Qingdao Sports Bureau, said 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 is helping boost a city’s economy and infrastructure development,” Zhang said.