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Qingdao Sets Sail

Qingdao has done better than we expected,” said David Kellett, vice-president of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), following the conclusion of the 2006 Good Luck Beijing International Regatta.

As the earliest held test event for the 2008 Olympics, the 2006 Good Luck Beijing––Qingdao International Regatta was a major focus of the sailing world for more than ten days. The Regatta, which began on August 20 and ended on August 31 at the Olympic Sailing Centre on Fushan Bay in the Olympic co-host city Qingdao, coincided with the two-year countdown to the August 8, 2008, and the opening of the 2008 Games in Beijing. Satisfaction with the event was reported by Olympic Family members, journalists, representatives of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) and local residents.

Kellett, a member of the Organizing Committee of the Qingdao International Regatta, said, “We feel that the Qingdao test event was better than any previous Olympic test race. So far the city has done quite well, and has moved ahead. We would have no problems even if the Olympic Regatta was held next year. I believe the 2008 Olympic Regatta will be very successful.”

Briton Ben Ainslie, a champion in the Finn class at the regatta, praised Qingdao, describing it as “nice and clean” and “more internationalized” than he had expected.

More than 300 boats and 456 athletes from 40 nations or regions participated in the test event. Over 400 reporters from 28 overseas and 70-plus domestic media organizations covered the event, including the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. More than 50,000 spectators watched the regatta.

Organized by the Chinese Yachting Association and the Qingdao City Government, the test regatta was the largest and highest-level sailing event ever held in China. It included 11 sailing events in nine classes, the same as the 2008 Olympic sailing events. The 11 racing events are: RS:X(M), RS:X(W), Laser, Laser Radial, Finn, 470(M), 470(W), Star, Tornado, 49er and Yngling-class wind-surfing boards or sailboats.

The UK Sailboat and Sailboard Team was the biggest winner at the regatta, with four gold medals, two silvers and two bronzes. French sailors followed with two gold medals and three silvers, while the United States walked away with two golds and one bronze. China won one gold, two silver and five bronze medals, winning worldwide attention in the RS:X(M) and RS:X(W) classes, and in the Yngling-class wind-surfing competition.

In addition to the fierce competition, athletes and Olympic officials came to Qingdao to familiarize themselves with the 2008 Olympic competition venue and the city. Qingdao is eager to know what improvements should be made before the Games, whether in competition venues, events organization, transportation, security, media affairs, medical and volunteer services. 

David Tillett, jury chairman of the 2006 test regatta said, “Facilities in the Olympic venue worked extremely well. The sailing committee must be very proud of the venue, especially of the breakwater, from which spectators are able to view sailing competitions.”

The hospitality of the people in Qingdao left a deep impression on officials, athletes and journalists, Tillett said. “They are very warm and friendly. What the smiling volunteers have done are beyond our expectations.”

A journalist from Reuters expressed his astonishment after his 11-day stay in Qingdao. “It is worth the visit. Qingdao has withstood a great challenge. I paid much attention to details such as competition organization, first-aid and catering services. Qingdao did quite well, and I believe it will bring us an even bigger surprise in 2008.”

Referring to cooperation between International Technical Officers (ITOs) and National Technical Officers (NTOs), Kellett made some suggestions about how to improve operations. “One of the few ideas includes the need to practice out on the water, because we have a team of ITOs and a team of NTOs that are working together as a team for the first time. We need some practice in 2007, and by 2008 we are sure to be ready.”

“The test regatta offered a good opportunity to enhance Qingdao citizens’ awareness and enthusiasm on sailing events,” Kellett added.

Xia Geng, the mayor of Qingdao, said, “Our citizens still have much to learn about the Olympic Sailing Regatta and about the modern sport of sailing. Therefore, the process of preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games will also involve popularizing sailing knowledge among the residents.”

Just like the banners easily found on the streets in Qingdao, “Sailing with Heart, Sailing to Success,” the city has set the sail for the 2008 Olympic Games. Qingdao citizens are more than happy to welcome friends from all around the world to enjoy an exciting Olympic sailing regatta and its world-famous Tsingtao Beer along the city’s beautiful coastline.