Qingdao is using the upcoming Olympic sailing competition as a springboard to reinvent itself as a new hub for the fledgling sport in China.

Qingdao Wendeng Road Primary School put sailing on the curriculum three years ago. It now has a training team called "Dream of Sailing" comprising 40 pupils. [China Daily]

Dubbed "the Switzerland of the Far East," the coastal city in Shandong peninsula is already one of China's most important ports.

It has established sailing as part of the program at 40 local schools and has 100 youth sailing clubs specializing in teaching theory and technique.

Meanwhile, local companies have donated 10 million yuan ($1.43 million) so schools and clubs can buy 1,000 boats to foster a greater sailing culture there.

Wendeng Road Primary School added sailing to the curriculum three years ago. Its "Dream of Sailing" training team, comprising 40 pupils from third to sixth grade, has a 40-minute class each day. During the summer, they will move away from classroom simulation to the reality of the open sea.

German coach Florian Drtina arrived recently as part of the non-profit project, Kappa National Organization of Community Sailing Programs (NOCSP), initiated by the China Yachting Business Partnership to promote sailing among Chinese youth.

"Today, I will teach you about sailing directions after reviewing what we had learned last time," the 25-year-old told the young team members in front of five training boats at the school's playground. Florian, a former member of Germany's national team, started sailing when he was only six.

"These children are quite interested in sailing and they've made good progress," he said.

Chen Yudong, an 11-year-old fourth-grader, told China Daily: "The first time I sailed on the sea I felt quite nervous. But after two years I'm no longer afraid and I truly love the sport."

Wang Linhuode, a student of the school, won a gold medal at the city's 2006 OP sailing match, and is now a member of the provincial sailing team.

Besides promoting sailing education among children, the local government also connects the city with world-class sailing events. With two pre-Olympic test events under its belt, Qingdao already has plans for three more international sailing regattas after the Beijing Games.

Having participated in the 2007-2008 Clipper Race, Qingdao will continue to be the only Chinese stopover for the competition over the next four years.

It will also serve as the only Chinese stopover of the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race, one of the world's biggest sailing events.

Moreover, the Chinese team that features in the American Cup also has a base in Qingdao.

"These global sailing regattas will help Qingdao accumulate important experience in holding large-scale races, popularize the city's sailing sports and finally help Qingdao become an international sailing city," said Mayor Xia Geng last week.