The coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, beat out other Asian cities in a bidding process and will continue to host the ISAF Sailing World Cup in the next two years after its success in 2013 and 2014, the Qingdao sports bureau announced on Dec 24.

Ji Gaoshang, director of the city's sports bureau, said the success in 2013 and 2014 solidified Qingdao's reputation as a home for sailing renowned to the world. The city also gained recognition from the ISAF and Chinese Yachting Association.

Croce, chairman of the ISAF, said that the sailing world cup held in Qingdao would promote the development of China's sailing sports, facilitate their popularity in Asia and enhance their influence all over the world. It has played a leading role in Asian sailing sports.

The Asian stop of the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup will start from Sept 14 to 20, 2015.