This week the International Sailing Federation ISAF world cup takes place in Qingdao.
From the 14th to the 19th of October 2013, Qingdao is not only host to a variety of different Sailing boats decorating the horizon but also to 131 sailors from 24 nations, including sailing world champions from all over the world.

The ISAF sailing world cup is said to be “the definitive guide to the best-of-the-best in the Olympic sailing world”. Starting in China before moving to Australia, the USA and finishing in Europe over 2000 sailors from 75 countries compete in it.

Right in time for the opening event, a shift in the wind brought a strong northerly breeze that took “the world’s finest Olympic sailing talents” close to their limits.
Wind speeds in between 20-23 knots (around 40 km/h) and gusts up to 30 knots (55 km/h) made the first races exciting to watch.

The schedule of the Sailing Week includes two days Qualification Series, three days Final Series with the concluding final day Medal Race.

Since Qingdao was host of the Olympic and Paralympic sailing regattas in 2008 an area of 450.000 square meters has been reconstructed with lots of new buildings, the port and regatta fields making Qingdao the perfect scene for the ISAF Sailing world cup.

With the strong breeze and sudden gusts the weather makes the races lots of fun to watch even though I have no clue about regattas, the rules or basically sailing at all.

And I am not the only one who thinks that Qingdao and its beautiful coastal area is the perfect scene for a Sailing World Cup.

“Qingdao is a wonderful city with a magnificent sailing culture. Every time I come to China I am overwhelmed by the Chinese hospitality with such friendliness. Qingdao has fantastic spirit, keep doing what you’re doing and ISAF looks forward to continuing our wonderful relationship for many years.”
– Carlo Croce – ISAF President.

For more information check out the official ISAF world cup website! https://www.sailing.org/worldcup/home.php

Would you like to explore Qingdao´s beautiful seaside as well? Then apply for an internship now!