Family sailing race draws sailors to Shanghai's Jinshan coast

The Shanghai Jinshan leg of the 2026 China Family Sailing Race kicked off at Shanghai Jinshan City Beach on Saturday, bringing 50 teams and more than 160 sailors from across the nation to the city's coastal waters.

The two-day event features T1, T2 and Getaway classes, with competitors ranging in age from eight to 63. Many participants turned the racing weekend into a family holiday by the sea.

The opening ceremony included flyboard and powered surfboard demonstrations. Wu Bin, Party secretary and chairman of Shanghai Jinbinhai Group, welcomed sailors and officials, inviting them to explore Jinshan district's beaches, ancient towns and blocks.

The race offers a window into the wider Shanghai Bay Area. The event coincides with the ongoing 37th Shanghai Tourism Festival, running from July 8 to Oct 6, during which Jinshan City Beach is offering half-price tickets and promoting nearby attractions such as Fengjing ancient town and Jinshanzui fishing village, alongside local specialties.

Over the years, the race has drawn growing crowds to the district, deepening the integration of sports and cultural tourism and helping foster a unique coastal lifestyle. Organizers said they are looking to develop sailing into a signature beach attraction, offering visitors two- or three-day tourism packages that link nearby sites.

"The China Family Sailing Race has entered its ninth year, and Jinshan has been one of our most important partners. With the event serving as a bridge, we hope to transform sports and cultural tourism into a tangible experience for all participants," said Fu Danqing, vice-chairman of the Chinese Yachting Association, which hosts the race.

Ma Tan contributed to this story.