Qingdao is renowned as the "City of Sailing" in China. [Photo/Guanhai News] 

The 2024 Sailing Night event came to a successful conclusion in the Qingdao West Coast New Area, Shandong province on Feb 27. The event was aimed at preserving maritime culture and inspiring more people to take up the sport.

Zhao Shengcun, vice-mayor of Qingdao, mentioned in his speech that the annual meeting of the Chinese Yachting Association was held in Qingdao for the first time, which is not only an honor for the city but also a responsibility. Qingdao is the birthplace of Chinese sailing.

Zhao added that from the Olympic Sailing Regatta to the post-Olympic era, Qingdao has consistently persevered and innovated, advancing towards the goal of becoming the world-renowned "City of Sailing". Over the past year, the Chinese Yachting Association has made continuous efforts to promote the integrated development of "sailing + tourism + culture", which has in turn advanced the high-quality development of Chinese sailing industry.

In 2023, sailing in China saw a boost in popularity, gradually integrating into urban development, people's lives, and youth education. Represented by the Chinese Family Sailing Regatta, mass public events helped make the sport more accessible and a part of family life.