Sailors steer a two-man catamaran as water splashes during the 2018 Extreme Sailing Series Qingdao Mazarin Cup. [Photo by Zhong Weihua/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Selected through a contest, the photos captured moments from the 12-strong international Flying Phantom fleet during the sailing competition in Qingdao, Shandong province, held from Sept 30 to Oct 3.

The Extreme Sailing Series, established in 2007, is the original Stadium Racing sailing circuit designed for spectators, delivering high-performance action close to the shore and putting guests at the heart of the battle.

The event has bolstered the coastal city of Qingdao's reputation as the home of Chinese sailing.

A total of 12 catamarans are neck and neck during the 2018 Extreme Sailing Series Qingdao Mazarin Cup. [Photo by Sun Zhensheng/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Sailors are involved in a fierce competition on the sea, which looks like a starry sky as it reflects sunlight. [Photo by Yan shengkui/for chinadaily.com.cn]