Int'l fleets sailing into Shenzhen
China's fledgling reputation as a nation keen on aquatic sports will get a shot in the arm when sails are hoisted in the China Cup International Regatta in Shenzhen next month.
Nearly 100 fleets from more than 10 countries and regions including the United States, Britain, France, Australia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates will race on Daya Bay from October 19-21.
Some of the crew members who will take part have previously won Olympic titles, South American Regattas and the King's Cup in Thailand.
Their presence will help China's efforts to utilise its long coastline for more aquatic sports.
Wei Di, Director of the Aquatic Sports Administration Center under the General Administration of Sport, said yesterday at the Diaoyutai State Guest House that the event aims to build the brand of sailing in China.
He said the event would award a One Champion Cup for the overall winner from all of the regatta's races, a different format from the America's Cup and a first for international sailing.
International rules for keelboat racing, including ISAF Racing Rules for Sailing, will apply to the China Cup and several ISAF-certified judges will preside over the races.
They include field racing, a Hong Kong to Shenzhen Passage Race and an Island race.
Officials of Shenzhen Municipality Government stated at yesterday's press conference that it was well prepared to host the event after winning international recognition as a sailing center.
David Yong, Deputy Standing Chief Secretary and CEO of Shenzhen Across Four Oceans Business Consulting, revealed that China Cup had purchased 10 Beneteau First 40.7s for the One Design Class, a typical category on the the international racing scene.
"The only difference comes from crews of various nationalities and their diversified experiences and skills," Young said. "This is the special charm of One Design Class in which the crew's performance is the soul."
The China Navy Team that recently competed in the Italy International Regatta in May will race at the China Cup.
Women's teams from Hong Kong and Xiamen will also compete against their male counterparts.
Of the five racing classes, a sportsboat class for Laser Radials has been especially scheduled by the China Cup because it is an Olympic category.
But Wei said the Chinese national team members will not take part as the team is preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games in Qingdao.
Meanwhile, the China Cup Celebrity Invitation Golf Tournament was inaugurated yesterday, enriching the China Cup together with the F-Space Art Gallery and the Crocs Music Festival.
(China Daily 09/21/2007 page22)
