Empty vessels to be filled with sailing craft

SHANGHAI: As the Olympic Games approaches, a new project aiming to teach Chinese youngsters the sport of sailing was launched here earlier this month at the China International Boat Show (April 10-13).

The non-profit 2008 National Olympic Community Sailing Project (NOCSP) was initiated by the China Yachting Business Partnership (CYBP) and local sailing centers.

It seeks to establish a national network of schools within three years, in line with the ISAF's (International Sailing Federation) Connect-to-Sailing program. By 2008, the NOCSP will teach more than 1,000 Chinese youngsters the art of sailing.

"The aim of the NOCSP is to give Chinese youth from all backgrounds an opportunity to learn the sport of sailing," said Thomas Annicq, general manager of CYBP.

"(They) are showing a great passion for this activity. More than 2,000 will receive sailing training by the end of this year, far beyond our expectations," he said.

Throughout history sailing has been instrumental in the development of civilization. The great Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644) adventurer Zheng He built a massive fleet and went on seven voyages to discover the West, traveling to over 30 countries.

Sailing was first contested at the 1900 Olympics and was introduced into Asia at the 6th Asian Games, in 1970, Bangkok, Thailand.

The sailing program has generated a lot of enthusiasm already.

"Sailing is the art of controlling a sailing boat. Mastery of the skill requires experience in varying wind and sea conditions, as well as knowledge about sailboats," said mother Li Yingshan, who wants her 10-year-old son to participate.

"It's really good to develop a child's self-confidence and willpower," Li said.

"With the highest-level professional coaches, training schools provide an ideal environment for confidence building, exploration and fun," the CYBP's Annicq said. "We hope there will be more Chinese coming to learn and participating."

The NOCSP uses international education materials, combined with Chinese culture, tapping top coaches from Western countries to educate Chinese youth through translators.

At the end of each summer, a national sailing competition will be organized with trainees from each respective community program competing for the championship.

In 2005, NOCSP held its first program in Qingdao, which is a partner city for the Games' sailing events, with some 35 youths receiving training. In 2008, there will be six programs operating throughout the country.

(China Daily 04/24/2008 page23)