On March 22nd, following ten days of intense competition, the Qingdao Yacht, along with eight other vessels, triumphantly arrived in Qingdao from Zhuhai. The 2023-24 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race drew an impressive 11 teams and over 700 sailors representing 55 countries and regions. Notably, Qingdao served as the first stopover to host unique, themed cultural activities specifically for the race. These events garnered widespread acclaim from crew members experiencing Qingdao for the first time.
Thomas Newsom,Yacht“CV21”sailor:"The welcoming we've had has been very impressive kind of very majestic. Compared to every other port around the world,This has been the biggest one. It’s been pretty like an amazing experience so far."
A remarkable aspect of this season's race is that all eleven competing yachts were manufactured in Qingdao. Notably, the renowned Qingdao Yacht secured the top position in Race 7, further solidifying the city's reputation as a hub for world-class yacht construction.Buoyed by their recent success, the sailors of the Qingdao yacht are brimming with confidence as they prepare for the next race.
Klas Abrahamsson,Yacht “Qingdao”sailor:"It's a fantastic boat realizing its going around the world. And it's solid when we are riding storms and you feel safe on this boat. When the wind goes up to the ten fifteen, it sticks away quickly. We had really enjoyed it."
This season, ten ambassador sailors were recruited to represent Qingdao. Among them is Wang Ziqi, a crew member of the 'Qingdao' yacht and a native of the city. After participating in several races, Wang Ziqi expressed immense excitement about returning to his hometown. He has already made plans for his brief rest period in Qingdao, eager to reconnect with his roots and share his experiences with the local community.
Wang Ziqi,Yacht “Qingdao” crew member:"After circumnavigating half the globe, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of emotion to finally return to Qingdao. This port is where I first learned to sail as a child. This homecoming journey carries profound personal significance for me. I am eager to explore Qingdao with my crew members and share with them the city's rich maritime heritage and vibrant culture, as we prepare for the challenging sprint across the North Pacific in the next race."
Following a well-deserved rest, the crew members will depart from Qingdao for Seattle on March 27th. During their stopover, Qingdao will also host the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Partner Brand Promotion Conference. These events are designed to foster connections between sports, trade, tourism, and culture, while exploring the collaborative possibilities for Qingdao, renowned as the "Sailing Capital." By leveraging its maritime heritage and hosting this prestigious race, Qingdao aims to strengthen its position as a global sailing destination.
Liu Xinyu, Cultural Organizing Director of the 2023-2024 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race (Qingdao):"Qingdao has experienced a significant boost by leveraging the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as an international sailing event platform. The city has made remarkable strides in cultivating sailing talent, propelling the growth of the sailing industry, and popularizing the sport of sailing. Notably, all 11 large sailing vessels participating in this season's race were manufactured in Qingdao,showcasing the city's expertise in yacht construction. This involvement has significantly elevated Qingdao's global profile, introducing the city to a wider international audience."