Clipper China announces that it will establish the first Clipper China Maritime Training Academy in the coastal city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Sdnews]

Clipper China signed a joint venture agreement with Qingdao Zhenghai Water Sports Management Co Ltd on June 25. Both parties announced that they will establish the first Clipper China Maritime Training Academy in the coastal city of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province.

This will be the first training base established by Clipper Ventures in China after nearly forty years of sailboat teaching development in the United Kingdom. The globally renowned Clipper sailing brand will strive to establish more maritime training academies nationwide, all of which will use their custom-designed range of racing yachts.

The Clipper China Maritime Training Academy is set to open in the first half of 2025. The academy will offer a full range of sailboat courses from beginner to advanced levels and will assist the city in hosting nearshore and offshore sailing events. The location of the first training academy will be in the central area of a new pier in Lingshan Bay in the Qingdao West Coast New Area.

Clipper Ventures is a leading sailboat training brand in the UK. In the 28 years since the establishment of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race brand, it has trained over 6,000 sailors to participate in the global event. Additionally, more than 2,500 students enroll their Hamble School of Yachting for further education every year. The Clipper China Maritime Training Academy will provide various levels of maritime courses for domestic sailing enthusiasts using the sailboat fleet custom-designed and built by Clipper China, with guidance from experienced coaches.