August 22, 2025—The"Far East Cup" International Sailing Rally (hereinafter referred to as the"Sailing Rally") is set to set sail from Qingdao, bringing together sailing teams from around the world to deliver a thrilling and fiercely competitive sailing event. As the"Sailing City," Qingdao holds a special significance for sailing. The Sailing Rally, established in 2016, is an international ocean racing brand pioneered by Qingdao. Through years of meticulous cultivation and continuous upgrades, the rally has not only filled the gap in long-distance sailing races in the Asia-Pacific region but has also further deepened the comprehensive advantages of Qingdao’s"Sailing City" brand. It showcases the unique charm of the Olympic Sailing City, enhances Qingdao’s international image, and adds more international elements and fresh vitality to the city’s sailing industry.
Using sailing as a medium to build a platform for dialogue, the sport symbolizes strength and courage, embodying the pioneering spirit of navigation and unwavering determination. This year’s Sailing Rally route spans Qingdao, China—Russia—South Korea—Qingdao, China, covering a total distance of approximately 2,900 nautical miles. Currently, the event has attracted over 130 athletes, referees, and arbitrators from more than 10 countries and regions, including China, Russia, the United States, France, Austria, India, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong, China. They will gather in Qingdao before embarking on their ocean voyage. During their stay in Qingdao, an interactive exchange platform will be established, featuring opening ceremonies, maritime parades, award ceremonies, and other activities, presenting a grand sailing feast to the world.
With thousands of sails taking to the sea, the event aims to deepen exchanges and cooperation. Qingdao is an important node and pivotal city in the"Belt and Road" initiative, and sailing is a defining characteristic of the city. As the host of the sailing events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the birthplace of modern sailing in China, Qingdao has leveraged sailing as a vehicle to develop a leisure sports development belt along the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, strengthening connectivity in maritime leisure sports with countries involved in the"Belt and Road" initiative. The Sailing Rally is one of the key platforms for Qingdao’s international cooperation in sailing events. Focusing on the sustained impact of branded events in sports, culture, and economic trade, the rally will also feature supporting activities aligned with the"Travel with the Event" theme, promoting outstanding traditional Chinese culture, Qingdao’s urban scenery, and local cuisine to international participants. This will allow them to further recognize, understand, and linger in Qingdao.
The pervasive presence of sailing has become integrated into the city’s DNA. International experience shows that sailing significantly impacts the image, culture, and economic development of coastal cities, playing a major role in their high-quality development. Adhering to the concept of"sharing Olympic heritage with the public," Qingdao has introduced and hosted top-tier international events such as the Volvo Ocean Race, Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, and Extreme Sailing Series. In addition to the Sailing Rally, Qingdao has also established its own branded events like the Qingdao International Sailing Week · Qingdao International Marine Festival and the China (Qingdao) International Marine Sports Conference. For years, the city has continued to promote sailing through initiatives such as"Sailing in Schools" and"Welcome to Sailing" public participation programs. It has also fostered ongoing exchanges and cooperation in Olympic sailing culture and sports with over 20 countries and regions, achieving remarkable results in building the"Sailing City" brand.
However, compared to countries with advanced sailing cultures, Qingdao still has considerable room for growth in the sport. Using sailing as a medium to host more events will help promote the integrated development of sailing and the city, further polishing the"Sailing City" brand, expanding its international recognition and reputation, and contributing to the high-quality development of Qingdao through the power of sailing.