Clipper Round the World Race is the largest amateur sailing race in the world, running every two years. Qingdao has successfully hosted two Clipper Races in 05-06 and 07-08, respectively. This will be the third time that Qingdao sponsors an entry in the Clipper race. The clippers are scheduled to arrive at Qingdao International Sailing Centre between February 20th and March 2nd.

    Overview

    09-10 Clipper Round the World Race Qingdao Stopover is sponsored by the Qingdao Municipal Government and the British Clipper Ventures Plc, organized by Qingdao Yachting Association, Qingdao City Construction Investment Group. This is another important move for Qingdao Municipal government to brand Qingdao city as “a sailing capital” of China after hosting Olympic sailing regatta, Volvo Ocean Race, Qingdao International Sailing Week and other sailing events.

    The race started from UK in September 2009 and it will be arriving in Qingdao around February 20th, 2010, then departing Qingdao to Los Angles, USA on March 2nd, 2010. During the stopover, Qingdao will host a variety of activities, including a welcome ceremony, awarding evening, starting ceremony, and cultural events. The 09-10 race includes 7 legs, 35,000 nautical miles in total. 10 fleets participate in this race and will stop by 13 port cities around the world.

    Events Preparation Progress

    Since early 2009, Qingdao has been actively preparing for the race with the following tasks complete: recruitment and training of “Qingdao” clipper crew members, daily communication with Clipper UK committee, sponsorship recruitment and fund raising, master planning and scheduling, and initiating various publicity activities to introduce Qingdao to all race participants.

    ‘09-10 Clipper Round the World’ Organizing Committee was formally established on Dec. 2009 with Mayor Xia Geng as the Chairman, Madam Zang Aimin and Mr. Wang Xiulin, vice mayor of Qingdao as the Vice Chairman. The working team is divided into 7 sections: Administration, Race Management, Protocol & Services, Ceremony & Events, Media Operation, Venue Management, Security & Spectator Services. 47 departments and unites of the city government has participated in the organization for the race.

    A well-trained team of technical volunteers and race personnel will provide professional on-water services with high standard to the race with their expertise proven in past Olympic sailing regatta, Volvo Ocean Race and other sailing events. Dozens of working boats with dedicated functions will provide a full escort for the event. Sailing routes are particularly designed to effectively ensure the smooth arrival and departure of the sailing boats and to provide a better view for the public to watch the race.

    Qingdao City will continue to sponsor a Qingdao Clipper for this season. Through rigorous training and screening across the country, 8 Chinese crew members were recruited for Qingdao Clipper. The 8 crew members are of different professions and background. A local female from Qingdao, Gao Hong, has been selected to participate in all legs. The other 7 crew members will participate in one of the 7 legs of the race each. This will set a new record of Chinese people participation in world sailing race. So far the outstanding performance of Chinese crew members has been highly praised by Clipper race organizing committee.

    During the stopover, Qingdao committee has carefully planned a series of activities, including a welcome ceremony (Feb.20th-22nd 2010), an awarding evening (The evening of Feb.24th 2010), and a starting ceremony (March 2nd 2010). In the Olympic Sailing Center, a Chinese New Year carnival will be open for the public at the same time holding activities such as folk art exhibition, lantern riddles, children’s park, etc.

    In order to let all crew experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture, the Organizing Committee has initiated "Happy Lantern Festival - joining in a local family" activity during lantern festival. More than 70 crew members from around the world have applied to participate in activities. This activity aims to demonstrate Chinese tradition and culture of Lantern Festival, as well as the charm of Qingdao to the crew members around the world.

    Qingdao Double Star Group, Shandong Lu Shang Group，China Telecom (Qingdao) and other enterprises support this event to promote the sport of sailing and marine culture.

    With the past successful experience, Qingdao have improved a lot of efficiency and flexibility of customs clearance which has been highly praised by UK Clipper Race Committee. Programs are carefully designed for crew members’ accommodation, catering, tourism, security and so on; a professional team for different areas is set up to ensure a success of Qingdao stopover.