Qingdao International Sailing Week and Qingdao International Marine Festival

The Sailing Week and Marine Festival are two major events in Qingdao held every August (or July). The two have been integrated since 2014 in a bid to boost the Blue Economic Zone in Shandong Peninsula.

The event is important in turning Qingdao into a crucial part of the New Eurasian Land Bridge and China's cooperative maritime strategy.

It consists of three routine sailing events - the "Mayor Cup" International Sailing Rally, the "Mazarin Cup" Qingdao International Sailing Competition, and the Qingdao International OP Sailing Camp & Sailing Competition. This year a new regatta for universities was also launched, attracting teams from dozens of colleges from home and abroad

Established in 2009, the Qingdao International Sailing Events were approved by the General Administration of Sports of China, and have gained international influence.

With a history of 18 years, the Qingdao Marine Festival aims at spreading the Olympic spirit and has become a cooperation platform for marine science and technology, seashore tourism, marine culture and water sports around the world.

The organizing committee holds a warm welcome ceremony for Russian guests attending the Qingdao International Sailing Week on Aug 11. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

Young sailors practice for the Qingdao International OP Sailing Camp and International Sailing Competition, one of three traditional international sailing events during the 2017 Qingdao International Sailing Week. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

Established in 2009, the Qingdao International Sailing Events have gained international influence.[Photo/qingdaonews.com]