Kellet: New sailing center 'best venue' in Olympics history
QINGDAO: The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center located on Fushan Bay has been widely applauded as the embodiment of a green, hi-tech and people's Olympics - in fact, David Kellet, vice-chairman of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), calls it the best sailing venue in Olympics history.
Its world-class sailing capacities are now proven through successful 2006 and 2007 international regattas.
Just 10 days ago, the Clipper around the world fleet stopped over in Qingdao, when Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman and founder of Clipper Ventures Plc, gave a thumbs up to the center.
"The facilities here are magnificent. It is hard to say that anything more needs to be adopted. The committee is very efficient and friendly. All the sailors here are enjoying it," he said.
"If it is willing, Qingdao will be a perpetual stopover for the Clipper race because of its top-ranking venue and friendly people," he said.
Among the center's achievements are design and construction of its main and subsidiary breakwaters.
"The breakwater dam fills a blank in the history of Olympic sailing," said Qingdao Deputy Mayor and Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee Vice-President Zang Aimin.
"Sydney and Athens planned to build a spectator dam, but they were forced to give up due to expense, security and construction concerns. The breakwater at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center for the first time enables spectators to enjoy high-level sailing competitions at close range."
A row of stylish windmills on the main breakwater are now a magnet for tourists and photographers, with rotating blades not only producing power for lighting, but also showing if the wind is strong enough for sailing. The 41 windmills are expected to reduce electricity consumption by 300,000 kW every year.
The sailing center is also proud of its pontoon system, the most advanced without the stakes in the world. No matter the tidal ebb or flow, the pontoons maintain the same horizontal position and remain at the same half-meter boarding height. The center also holds the record for the widest launching ramp in the world - it stretched fully 150 m.
Other hi-tech systems include the use of seawater to regulate ambient temperature in the 8,138-sq-m media center. The system uses a heat exchange pump placed 10 m below sea level that helps cool air used in the center. Without the need for a coolant like freon, the system not only eliminates greenhouse gas, but also saves more than 100,000 yuan in electricity costs annually. It is the first time the technology has been used in large public building in China.
As well, roofs of the logistics center carry dozens of large solar panels.
"We optimize the use of solar energy. It solves the problem of air conditioning and hot water," said Zheng Anping, researcher for solar engineering and technological applications at the Qingdao Olympic Center. In 2006 the system won an award for best renewable energy from the magazine Asia Power.
(China Daily 03/05/2008 page24)
