The opening ceremony of the 8th KELME City Clubs Open Regatta International 2017 (CCOR) was staged in grand style at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center on April 22 in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

A poster for the 8th KELME City Clubs Open Regatta International 2017. [Photo/qdsailing.org]

Jointly organized by the Chinese Yachting Association, the International FE28R Class Association, the Qingdao Major International Sailing Events (Festivals) Organizing Committee and the Qingdao International Marine Club, the five-day event consists of nine classes, and has attracted 72 teams of more than 340 competitors from home and abroad.

Hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony, including Zang Aimin, vice president of the Qingdao Major International Sailing Events (Festivals) Organizing Committee, Ji Gaoshang, director of the Qingdao Sports Bureau, Qu Chun, vice president of the China Marine Sport School, Su Ke, executive secretary of the Chinese Yachting Association and Du Yingying, chairwoman of the International FE28R Class Association.

The regatta's racing area (except for the Open Class C and the radio sailing events) is located near the water area of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, the same venue used for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Overlooking Jiaozhou Bay, the site is one of the world's best yachting and sailing centers.

With the goal of "creating a century event, leading the development of sailing city, expressing sailing culture", CCOR always adheres to the principles of professionalism, justice and internationalism. After eight years' development, it has become more market-oriented and internationally recognized, integrating the sports industry with a unique urban culture.

Hundreds of attendees take part in the opening ceremony of the annual International City Clubs Open Regatta at the Qingdao International Sailing Center on April 22. [Photo/qdsailing.org]

Distinguished guests from the sports world pose for a group photo at the Qingdao International Sailing Center on April 22. [Photo/qdsailing.org]