More participation, more progress in Asian sailing

    “When I was a professional athlete, I thought I would never be a professional athlete in future and did not event want to touch the sailboat. I haven’t took sailboats for two years and I want to do it so much. I thought I could give up but I cannot.”

    Yin Jian, Olympic Golden Medal Winner, he told us the inner change of a sailing athlete. Mr. Göran Petersson said that sailing was a lifelong sports. It should be a part of your life but not a job. The celebrities of sailing suggested that more people should take part in sailing and Asian sailing could make more progress.

    Sailing should be a lifelong hobby.

    Mr. Göran Petersson, never stop loving sailing in 69 years

    “I think there were no other sports could be like sailing that fit all,” Mr. Göran Petersson said, “You can sail in harbor or around the world, you can also take part in speed race no matter what situation or class it is and how old are you. So, this is a special one.”

    His point of view was supported by all attendees. Vice-President of the European Sailing Federation, Mr. Kjell Borking was 67 years old and he was still playing sailing. “Please remember that sailing is a lifelong sport. Kids and seniors all could take part in. I play sailing when I was young in Sweden and I still do this now.”

    CEO of theAustraliaYachting Federation, Mr. Phil Jones had mentioned a very popular sailing competition in Australia. “This competition is held after work and lasts for about 1 and half hours. It is not difficult so many people participated in it.”

    Guo Chuan pointed out that the reason why sailing sports are advanced in Europe and U.S is because it is very popular among ordinary people. They have a very good foundation when they were young so that there will definitely be some excellent sailng players.

    When he was in the Volvo Ocean Race, many captains were experienced. They used their wisdom to compete which impressed me a lot.

    Mr. Kjell Borking, Future is made by younger generation

    In the dialogue, there is one question,”How could the Asian sailing sports catch up with the Europe and U.S.?”

    We have got various answers but some are the same, such as government support, good facilities, and mass participation.

    The professionals of sailing attached importance to the popularity of sailing among teenagers. “Making sailing sports more popular is the key to globalize sailing,” Mr. Göran Petersson said, “We have many activities to attract teenagers to participate in sailing sports.”

    Mr. Kjell Borking said, “We should know that all sports should start from very beginning and basic level.” Mr. Phil Jones mentioned that the reason why Australia had been always in the top level of the world is because they kept attracting more teenagers to join in sailing sports.

    Deputy director of the Water Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, Mr. Li Quanhai talked about the meaning of holding international event in promoting sailing. “Qingdao has set a very good example for us such as holding international sailing event and building more sailing facilities.” He hoped that other coastal cities should learn from Qingdao. So people could know more about sailing from media and the development of sailing will be better and faster.

    Sailing is a city icon.

    Anders Leiwander, sailing is a platform providing more opportunities for the city

    Sailing has become a part of Qingdao, Tie Rui think highly of what Qingdao has done in upgrading city by sailing. “Qingdao has made great achievement in sailing industry and marketing. People in many places know that Qingdao is the city of sailing. I think sailing is the best choice to increase the popularity of the city.

    Barcelona, Kiel and Qingdao are all cities holding Olympic Sailing Competitions, which promoted the development of these cities.

     Qingdao held Volvo Ocean Race before Olympic Sailing Competition and was applying for the American Cup Sailing Games. Sailing is an unique sport which could bring a lot for the city’s development. There are seven media organizations reporting Volvo Ocean Race to meet the needs of the fans all over the world. Each manufacturer of sailboat and each city could be broadcasted to the whold world.The value of a large sailing regatta is popularize sailing and promote the industry. Qingdao International Sailing Week is just an excellent event .