Qingdao welcomed the 2025–26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet on March 4, as all 10 vessels completed Race 7 — the Sailing Capital Qingdao Cup from the Philippines — and docked at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. This year holds special significance as the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Qingdao and the Clipper Race.

Upon arrival, each crew was greeted with lively welcome ceremonies featuring traditional yangko, as well as dragon and lion dance performances, combining Chinese cultural charm with Qingdao's renowned hospitality. Skippers received custom Chinese-style robes and pennants, while crew members were given Year of the Horse mascots and festive scarves as tokens of good fortune.

As the first Asian host city of the Clipper Race, Qingdao has named Qingdao yachts for 10 consecutive editions. The 2025–26 race spans 40,000 nautical miles over 11 months, with 13 port stops and over 700 crew members. The Qingdao stopover runs from March 4–12 at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

A series of cultural exchange activities are planned, including crew visits to local communities and schools, International Women's Day events, heritage tours, and sailing experiences.

After resupply and rest, the fleet will depart for Tongyeong, South Korea, on March 12, continuing their global adventure. This event highlights Qingdao's dedication to becoming a modern, international metropolis and strengthens its reputation as China's sailing capital.

Qingdao welcomes the 2025-26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet on March 4, as all 10 vessels completed Race 7. [Photo/WeChat account: sailingcity-qingdao]

Local performers welcome international crews with traditional dragon dances and festive Year of the Horse scarves. [Photo/WeChat account: sailingcity-qingdao]

The fleet's arrival celebrates 20 years of partnership between Qingdao and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. [Photo/WeChat account: sailingcity-qingdao]