World Clipper Fleet in China

Over the past few days thousands of local residents have flocked to the Olympic Sailing Center in Qingdao to see the Clipper fleet. The Olympic Sailing Committee issued 80,000 tickets to the public to attend a number of open days, which have been organized to showcase their new facilities for Beijing 2008 and their entry in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race.

Whilst the crews continued to work on their boats, preparing them for the tough Pacific leg ahead, the public looked on, with onstage entertainment provided in the form of singing and dancing.

The ten teams competing in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race were treated to a spectacular prize giving ceremony yesterday evening at the Haiqing Hotel. Hosted by the Olympic Sailing Committee, the crew enjoyed a glittering evening of entertainment and presentations. Dignitaries including the Governor of Shandong province Huang Sheng and the Mayor of Qingdao Xia Geng also attended the event, which was broadcast on Chinese television to half a million viewers for over two hours.

Fanfares and a dramatic display from a troupe of Chinese drummers heralded the start of the proceedings, the first of many spectacular performances that took place throughout the ceremony. The crews were clearly overwhelmed by the colourful displays of dancing, acrobatics and music, a massive contrast to the grey and cold conditions they had experienced during the last week of the race from Singapore.

Speaking at the ceremony Madam Zang, Executive Chairwoman of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Clipper crews on behalf of the eight million people of Qingdao and I’d also like to thank Clipper Ventures and the Qingdao team for promoting our sailing city around the world.

“Sailing is a sport for the brave and the Clipper Race is helping us to build Qingdao into the sailing city of China. Through our involvement in this most renowned and famous race we are gaining experience in hosting large scale sailing events ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympics.”

A banquet was laid on for the guests and as they enjoyed the Chinese treats, were entertained by series of cultural art displays including an aria sung by performers from of the Beijing Opera House and an energetic Martial Arts demonstration by the China Kungfu Troupe. Crew members from each of the Clipper teams joined in the festivities participating in bamboo dances and a locally-brewed Tsingtao beer drinking competition.

Clipper Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “We thank you Mr Mayor, and your City for the magnificent welcome you have given to us, the friendliness of the people of Qingdao and the wonderful memories that will be taken away by all our crews.

“The welcome ceremonies were stunning and it was wonderful to see the amazed looks on the faces of the crews as they came to shore. When a visit to a port starts so well it is hard to imagine it’s not going to be a great visit.

“The facilities at the Olympic Sailing Center here in Qingdao are truly impressive and we all wish you every success for the 2008 Beijing Olympic sailing event this summer.”

Clipper 07-08 will restart on 24 February for Race 7 in the ten-month series from Qingdao to Hawaii, a 4,400-nautical mile stage across the Pacific