SHENZHEN: The China Cup International Regatta (CCIR) set sail here on Friday with a passage race from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club to the Shenzhen Longcheer Yacht Club.

After last October's inaugural event, this year's race has set new records in terms of participating yachts and nationalities. Nearly 100 fleets from more than 20 countries and regions, including France, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Norway, the Philippines, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, China and Hong Kong, will race on Daya Bay over three days.

Among the crews are former winners of Olympic titles, South American Regattas and the King's Cup of Thailand, and their presence is certain to help promote sailing in China. This is the country's first top class yachting event, and the first keelboat regatta to be organized by China's yachting authority.