The 2014 ISAF sailing World Cup kicked off on Tuesday in east China's coastal city of Qingdao, with the participation of nearly 200 sailors from 21 countries and regions.

The World Cup, launched in 2008 and featuring the Olympic sailing events, includes six classes: Laser, Laser Radial, Men's 470, Women's 470, Men's RS:X, and Women's RS:X.

The event Qingdao will conclude on Oct. 18, and the next leg will move to Melblurne, Australia in December 2014.

Qingdao, the sailing venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, hosted several top sailing events such as Volvo Ocean Race, Clipper Round the World Race and America's Cup.