Hualien Sailing Race Kicks Off: A Splash of Colors on the Pacific

▲ The National Sailing Championships and the 3rd HuiLan Cup Sailing Regatta are underway. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

The 2013 National Sailing Championships and the 3rd HuiLan Cup Sailing Regatta kick off this weekend in Hualien, where a vibrant array of colorful sails dot the Pacific, creating a stunning and magnificent scene that adds unique charm to the region.

Yesterday (27th), the Hualien County Government held the opening ceremony at the HuiLan Bay Special Area Sea Worship Site in Guanghua Lohas Park, Hualien County. Magistrate Fu Kun-chi, along with distinguished guests such as Tuntex Group Chairman Chiu Fu-sheng and Hualien County Council Speaker Yang Wen-chih, jointly raised the sails, marking the official start of the event. The aim is to combine water sports competitions with educational and recreational tourism activities, offering people across the nation a blue-hued summer holiday full of ocean charm.

 
▲ This year’s sailing and regatta events have expanded, with sailboats racing against the wind and speeding through waves in the Pacific waters. (Photo / Provided by Hualien County Government)

Guided by the Hualien County Government and organized by the Republic of China Sailing Association, Hualien Jian Township Sports Association, and others, with the support of Taiwan Land Development Corporation, the “Hualien HuiLan Bay Sailing Festival Competition” has entered its third year. The event runs from July 26 to July 30, where sails chase the wind and race across waves in the Pacific between North Bin Park and HuiLan Bay, forming a picturesque and maritime-themed highlight of Taiwan’s summer.

Magistrate Fu Kun-chi noted that the waters of HuiLan Bay are highly suitable for water sports such as sailing. With the strong support of the Republic of China Sailing Association, the 3rd Hualien HuiLan Bay Sailing Festival has grown into a national-scale sporting event, adding to its appeal. He hopes athletes can fully enjoy the thrill of riding the waves in these ideal waters, achieve great results, and create unforgettable blue-summer memories on the left coast of the Pacific alongside visiting spectators.



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The 3rd HuiLan Cup Sailing Regatta has expanded its race area, extending the competition zone from HuiLan Bay to the outer sea. Among all water sports events held in Hualien, this edition is the largest and most spectacular to date. The 2013 National Sailing Championships will also take place concurrently.

Following the official five-day schedule of international championships, the race results will be recorded in the official logs of Taiwan’s competitive sailors. The event has attracted many national sailors, including Zhang Hao and Guan Qi, as well as sailing enthusiasts, totaling 180 participants—more than ever before. Over a hundred elegant sails will grace the vast blue Pacific, bringing a refreshing and lively summer vibe to Hualien Bay.

Taiwan Land Development Corporation has also arranged a variety of land and water activities around the Toucheng Farm area, including canoe performances, equestrian shows featuring hurdle jumps and artistic routines by Seoul Olympics athletes and current Asian Cup team members, as well as lohas painting sessions, HuiLan Kiln pottery tours, and hands-on clay creation experiences. These activities bring sports and art culture enthusiasts closer to nature in Hualien.