The China Sports Industry City Clubs Open Regatta International 2024 kicks off in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong on April 27. [Photo/Qingdao News]

The China Sports Industry City Clubs Open Regatta International 2024 kicked off in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong on April 27. Zhang Xiaodong, chairman of the China Sailing and Windsurfing Association, announced the opening of the event.

The China Sports Industry City Clubs Open Regatta International has taken place in Qingdao for 14 years, and the event has promoted the high-quality development of Qingdao's sailing industry, contributing to the development of Qingdao into China's sailing capital, according to Wang Dongxiang, deputy secretary-general of the Qingdao municipal government.

Li Quanhai, president of the International Sailing Federation, said he hoped that the Chinese sailing and windsurfing team can lead the way at this year's Paris Olympics.

Zhang Fenghao, Party secretary of the Qingdao Sailing School of the General Administration of Sports, said that this year's event will actively promote the integration of sports and tourism, fully leverage the comprehensive benefits of sailing events, and further boost the influence of Qingdao as China's sailing capital.