Sanya steps up efforts to build international sailing city

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China's southern coastal city of Sanya has a big plan to make itself an international sailing city, and hosting this year's Youth Sailing World Championships was one of the many efforts leading up to their goal.

The event, which concluded on Friday, attracted a total of 380 sailors from 60 countries and regions to the city in Hainan province. There were also reporters from 24 countries and regions covering this event and it was watched by more than 50 million viewers, according to statistics.

Sanya's work was highly praised by its guests. Kim Anderson, president of World Sailing, said, "Sanya is gifted in its weather and waters, we should utilize them to the best. Hope to see more world-class games be held in Sanya."

Sailors compete at the Youth Sailing World Championships. /VCG Photo

Martin Berardo, coach of Argentina, who came to China for the first time, said he would give Sanya and this year's event 11 points if the full mark is 10.

"Chinese people are very nice and friendly here, I love Chinese people, I love this place," Berardo said.

South Korean sailor Kim Seung referred to the host city as the "Hawaii of China", and he was impressed by the efficiency of the games' organisers.

"We don't have to wait too long before one race, that is better than many other games I've attended," Kim said.

Youth Sailing World Championships concludes in Sanya, Hainan on December 15, 2017. /Sanya Daily Photo

As a tropical coastal city, Sanya already hosted various world class tournaments, including the Volvo Ocean Race and the Clipper Race. Boasting favorable natural conditions for sailing, Sanya also strives to build more harbors and other facilities to make the sport more accessible.

Wen Zijin, coach of Chinese team said that Sanya had done a great job as a host.

"This year's race was broadcast live for the first time in history," said Wen, "attracting attention from all over the world."

"Hosting this year's championships showcased that Sanya is capable of organizing large-scale competitions," said Sanya mayor Wu Yanjun. "I hope that Sanya and World Sailing can work together to attract more and more big matches come to Sanya."

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency