The Fareast Cup International Regatta 2025 kicks off in Qingdao, Shandong province on Aug 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in Shandong province illuminated the night sky as the Fareast Cup International Regatta 2025 officially launched its seventh edition on Aug 22. More than 110 participants— including sailors, referees, and event organizers from over 10 countries— gathered to celebrate the prestigious opening of the event.

Over the past six years, the Fareast Cup has grown from a sporting event into a cultural and economic platform connecting Northeast Asian nations. Since its inception in 2016, the race has been awarded the Best Event Organization Award four times at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia, reinforcing its role as a key driver of regional exchange and cooperation.

A groundbreaking highlight of this edition is the participation of two all-female crews, a first in the event's history. Composed of sailors from China's Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Russia, and other regions, these teams are set to tackle the 2,900-nautical-mile extreme voyage, challenging the traditional male dominance in long-distance sailing and demonstrating the courage and determination of modern women.

The fleet set sail from Qingdao to Vladivostok, Russia, on Aug 24, where crews will participate in the Eastern Economic Forum, to be held in Vladivostok, Russia, in early September. More than a race, this journey symbolizes friendship, cooperation, and the pursuit of dreams.

Sailing embodies humanity's spirit of ocean exploration and represents a shared desire for peace and mutual cooperation. As athletes navigate vast blue waters and towering waves, they will not only demonstrate skill and resilience but also build deeper understanding and friendship across cultures.