Harboring big hopes on high seas

China-backed team gaining global glory in World Match Racing events

A China-backed sailing franchise is making major waves in international competition while providing a timely shot in the arm for the nation's burgeoning maritime sports ambitions.

Five years after Xu Lijia won China's first Olympic gold medal in the laser radial class at the London Games, sailing is again a source of national pride thanks to Team China-One Ningbo's hat-trick of victories on this season's World Match Racing Tour.