The Volvo Ocean Race is being held for the first time in Hong Kong. The fleets have almost reached their inaugural Hong Kong stopover with the boats expected to touch base this weekend. In preparation, a two-week racing festival has been set up to welcome the teams. CGTN's Mao Dan took part in it.

Opening an international event in a very traditional Chinese fashion. Hong Kong is ready to welcome the Volvo Ocean Race at the end of the fourth leg of the eight-month around-the-world sailing competition. The city will present a host of performances and activities in a public sailing festival at Kai Tak Runway Park, heralding a once-in-a-lifetime experience for locals to watch racing at its best.

MAO DAN HONG KONG "In the coming days, the seven boats of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet will arrive in Hong Kong after a complex 11,000-kilometer voyage which started around two weeks ago from Melbourne. Hong Kong is just a stopover in the grueling journey. While racers will get some well-deserved rest here, they will also take part in some interesting activities like in-port sailing races."

Renowned as the Everest of Racing, Volvo Ocean Race is an exceptional test of sailing prowess and human endeavor. The sailors have to endure conditions ranging from freezing cold to searing heat, while waves constantly slam the boat. What's it like when life is just eat, sleep, sail, and repeat? "Wolf" Yang Jiru, one of the Chinese sailors for Dongfeng Race Team knows it full well.

"WOLF" YANG JIRU DONGFENG RACE TEAM CREW "You miss land. That's the first thing comes to my mind. Once you get on the boat, you suffer from the extreme weather, race for twenty days. During the equator it's really hard, 40 degrees Celsius, no air-con, it's horrible. You miss coca-cola, miss everything, and your family, and then you begin to appreciate when you are back on land. It's really good experience."

Dongfeng is in tense competition with other boats as they near Hong Kong. "Wolf" says he has full confidence in the team.

"WOLF" YANG JIRU DONGFENG RACE TEAM CREW "The first legs we got second and third places, just missed the first place, so I hope they can get first place on this leg. Our team they perform very well, now they are on their way coming here, I think they will arrive in next few days, maybe on the 20th, best wishes for them."

Best wishes for all the sailors. And while waiting to welcome them back on land, Hong Kong sailing fans are wasting no time enjoying the festival atmosphere. Mao Dan, for CGTN, Hong Kong.