Sanya steps up efforts to build international sailing city

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

The event, that 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 more than 50 million audience have been reached, according to statistics.

Sanya's work is 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."

Martin Berardo, coach of Argentina, who came to China for the first time, said he would give Sanya and this year's event 11 point 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 "Hawaii of China", and he was impressed by the efficiency of the organizers of the game.

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

As a tropical costal 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 in hosting competitions.

"This year's race was broadcasted through live show for the first time in history," said Wen, "this does attract more 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."