Sailing center 'one of the best'

By Zhang Xiaomin (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-09 17:26

On the course at dusk.

The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, the sailing venue of the 29th Games, is winning plaudits from sailors and officials from around the world.

"This is the best regatta venue to any Olympics we've had. The Qingdao government must be very proud of supplying such an excellent venue," said David Kellett, vice-president of International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

"The center is very nice. I have been to many Olympics. It is one of the best venues," said American Luther Carpenter, coach of the Laser Radial team.

Located on Fushan Bay, near the seat of municipal governmental residence and Qingdao's May 4th Square landmark, construction on the sailing center started in 2004 and was completed this April, according to Sun Lijie, secretary-general of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee.

The city of Qingdao invested 3.28 billion yuan in the project - including 1.7 billion yuan for relocation of the Beihai shipyard.

The 45-hectare center includes the Qingdao Olympic Village and separate state-of-the-art centers for athletes, administration, media and logistics.

Its 534-m-long main breakwater can accommodate nearly 10,000 spectators, the first of its kind in the world.

Many innovative techniques and environmentally friendly and energy-saving materials were used in construction of the center.

Its marina has top-class pontoons without stakes that can maintain position whether the tide is at ebb or flow.

A heat exchange system using seawater maintains the temperature in the media center. Solar energy provides hot water to the athletes and the logistics centers. Public lighting uses 168 solar-energy lamps and 41 lamps powered by windmills that have become a tourist magnet.

With a French-made drinking water system and advanced environmental monitoring equipment imported from the United States, the center ensures a comfortable and eco-friendly environment for international sailing competitors, according to Sun.

Officials and sailors applauded its barrier-free facilities during the 2008 International Federation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Qingdao International Regatta held in May.

"I am very impressed with the center's facilities. They are amazing. Everyone can use them easily," said Serge Jorgensen, president of the IFDS.

"It has three 60-m-long pontoons, barrier-free lifts and special passages ensure the disabled an easy access to every functional building," Sun said.

(China Daily 08/09/2008 page38)

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