News

Chinese sailors lauded

By Zhang Ying (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-02-26 07:29

The Qingdao was cheered by thousands of excited locals from all walks of life as the yacht sailed into her homeport, the host city of the 2008 Olympic sailing competition.

However, the Qingdao came in last among the 10 in the race, as a Chinese sailor's serious illness had forced the crew to alter course.

Crew members of "Qingdao" wave at spectators.

Skipper Marcus Cholerton-Brown, a 37-year-old Briton currently living in Hong Kong with his family, once served as a British Royal Air Force officer and began driving small yachts at the age of seven. He is a veteran of several important yacht races.

"I am very glad to visit Qingdao, our homeport, and see the Olympic Sailing Center for the first time. The fact that I live in Hong Kong draws me even closer to Qingdao city, on behalf of which all my crew and I are participating in 07-08 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race," Cholerton-Brown said.

The Qingdao represents the second instance of cooperation between the Qingdao municipal government and Clipper Ventures Plc, after the 05-06 Clipper Race. It is the second time that the yacht has participated in the grand event, which started on September 16 last year and will last for about 10 months, touching 14 ports around the world.

Among the 17 crew members on the Qingdao, three were Chinese - Yan Xinmin, Gao Jun and Du Fei.

Despite having no professional sailing training before the race, Gao always maintained a positive attitude towards his work and tried to perform his duty well.

Cholerton-Brown said Du Fei's performance has been perfect despite her illness. Yan, who is from China Radio International (CRI), was also a great help on board, ably fulfilling all her duties.

"All of us are amazed at their work. I want to give them 100 points, " said Cholerton-Brown, who was really proud of the Chinese racers' performance during their voyage from Singapore to Qingdao under adverse conditions.

Though they have finished their duties at this year's race, the three Chinese have harvested an invaluable store of experience and will continue their exploration of greater life adventures.

The Qingdao, as the city's representative, will try her best to showcase Qingdao's glorious brand and vigorous image to the world during her 10-month voyage.

"The Clipper Race will help Qingdao accumulate important experience in holding large-scale yacht races, popularize the city's sailing sports and enlarge the domestic yacht market," said Zang Aimin, Qingdao vice-mayor and executive chairperson of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee.

(China Daily 02/26/2008 page24)