Spectators, sailors able to interact
QINGDAO: While building the venue to host the 2008 Olympics sailing competition, Qingdao created many firsts with innovative approaches that solved long-standing difficulties faced by the sport.
Sailing, a traditional competition in the Olympic Games, has always faced a challenge - it is difficult for spectators to see the races far out on the water - so organizers formulated a new approach that will be used for the first time in the history of the Games.
The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee (QOSC) conceived and built a breakwater or "spectator dam" to provide the public a closer vantage point to watch races.
Organizers say the 534-meter-long dam, with a capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, will help further popularize yachting and inspire athletes through closer contact with their fans.
"Both IOC and ISAF showed their appreciation to Qingdao for providing favorable conditions for spectators," said Zang Aimin, Qingdao vice-mayor and vice chairperson of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee.
Following Qingdao's efforts, the ISAF revised its rules for the Beijing Games, bringing yachts closer to land and allowing spectators on the dam to see the finals held 100m to 200 m offshore.
The coming events during the Summer Olympics this year are expected to draw the most spectators in the history of sailing competition as people could also watch the contestants from the May 4 Square and Music Square nearby. In 2006 and 2007, more than 700,000 people watched two test events held in Qingdao.
The QOSC also decided to move the awards ceremony from land to sea on two platforms built near the dam.
"Medal winners can sail their yachts to the back of the platform and climb on to receive their medals. That is a fabulous creation," said Sun Lijie, vice-chairperson and general secretary of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee.
"This kind of award ceremony well serves spectators, who face the sea to see competitions and then can turn around and witness the awarding of medals. The idea has won the backing of the ISAF."
Calm weather with weak winds could be another challenge facing Qingdao. But two test events held in 2006 and 2007 showed that 92.6 and 77.8 percent of races had sufficient wind, much higher than the 70-percent standard set by ISAF.
In addition, the QOSC has also made preparations for days without wind during the competition.
To build a world-class sailing center, the Qingdao municipal government sent several delegations to countries and regions with rich experiences in hosting Olympics events.
(China Daily 03/05/2008 page24)
