Recently, reporters learned from the Qingdao Sailing Sports Management Center that the competition regulations for the 2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup Asia have been released, and registration for the event will open on July 1, 2013. Reporters were informed that not everyone who signs up will be fortunate enough to participate in the Olympic-level World Cup sailing regatta, but only athletes who are registered with World Sailing may successfully register.
Providing 300 Boards and Boats
The 2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup Asia will be held at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre from October 12 to 19, lasting eight days in total, including two check-in days and six competition days. This marks the first time the event is being held in Asia.
The 2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup Asia will offer prize money for the first time, with athletes competing in six Olympic sailing events: men’s and women’s windsurfing, men’s Laser, women’s Laser Radial, and men’s and women’s 470. The top three finishers in all six events will share a total prize purse of $180,000.
In addition, the organizing committee plans to provide 300 boats (and boards) for teams to rent during the competition. Liu Wei, head of the Competition and Mass Sports Department at the Qingdao Sailing Sports Management Center, said: “We have purchased 60 men’s Laser boats and 80 women’s Laser Radial boats, and rented 40 brand-new men’s and women’s 470 boats from manufacturers. Although we did not purchase windsurfing boards, the organizing committee will subsidize part of the transportation costs for windsurfers' equipment.”
Signing the Event Memorandum
Reporters learned that World Sailing has entrusted Mr. Antonio, the World Cup Sailing Regatta Manager, to come to Qingdao on June 15 to coordinate matters related to the Asia event. Antonio conducted a comprehensive inspection of the preparatory work for the Asia event in Qingdao, highly commended the early-stage preparations, and held a working meeting with the organizing committee. Both parties jointly signed the 2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup Asia memorandum to proceed with the next phase of preparations.
According to the signed memorandum, the organizing committee is actively advancing the refinement and implementation of various aspects including the competition venue, racing waters, boats and equipment, reception services and media coverage, cultural activities, and safety measures, ensuring steady progress in all preparations and the successful execution of the event.
In addition, the official websites for the 2013 and 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Asia have been launched, where updates on the event and athlete registrations will be promptly uploaded.
Qingdao Secures Two-Year Hosting Rights
The Sailing World Cup was established in December 2008 as an Olympic-level sailing competition, with the same events as the Olympic Sailing Regatta. The results contribute to sailors’ individual rankings in World Sailing and serve as a reference for 25% of Olympic qualification slots outside the World Sailing Championships.
Since its inception, the Sailing World Cup has been held in Australia, Europe, and the United States. World Sailing has decided to add events in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East starting in 2013 to enhance the global reach of sailing.
As the host city of the sailing events for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Qingdao submitted its bid to World Sailing on September 30, 2011, and after multiple communications and exchanges, ultimately secured the hosting rights for the 2013 and 2014 Sailing World Cup Asia.
Jerome Pels, Secretary General of World Sailing, stated that sailing is growing rapidly in Asia, and Qingdao, China, is a clear choice for hosting the Sailing World Cup in the region. With Qingdao joining Australia, France, and Spain, starting in 2013, the ISAF Sailing World Cup will become a truly global event.