The annual promotion for school sailing activities started on July 13 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province.

More than 170 teenagers from Shinan, Shibei, and Licang districts started this year's first training course at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center (for Shinan and Shibei districts) and the Qingdao Yinhai World (for Licang district).

The sailing courses are mainly carried out during summer vacation, and each session lasts five days to ensure students are able to become competent sailors.

Teenagers attend a sailing course in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

The Qingdao sports bureau, the Qingdao education bureau and the Qingdao Sailing Sports Management Center have thoroughly prepared for the event and taken precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Training programs and epidemic prevention programs have been formulated by education and sports bureaus, colleges, and sailing clubs in Qingdao to ensure a safe environment for students.

Over 33,000 students have participated in the sailing courses since they were launched in 2006. Qingdao has implemented policies on the development of sailing among students, outlined annual plans, and reviewed rules and budgets for promoting the sport among the city's students and youth.

Students take part in a sailing course in Qingdao. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

This year, Qingdao plans to train about 2,000 students in the city's seven districts, namely Shinan, Shibei, Licang, Laoshan, Chengyang, West Coast New Area, and Jimo.

Qingdao is considered China's sailing capital and has a thriving water sports industry. It has hosted several world-class sailing events, including the Olympic Sailing Regatta in 2008, the Extreme Sailing Series, the Clipper Round the World Race, and the ISAF Sailing World Cup.

The Qingdao International Sailing Week has been held in the city every third Saturday from August to September since 2008.

In addition to hosting professional races, Qingdao is also promoting sailing among the public.

The sport is enjoying rising popularity, and since 2006 professional sailing courses at more than 140 local schools and clubs have opened.

Qingdao has been promoting sailing at local schools to increase the popularity of the sport and cultivate more talented players. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]