Qingdao

Following Qingdao’s victory in the 2019-20 edition, the Chinese Sailing City is set to return as a Host Port and Team Partner for the next two editions of the Clipper Race.  Qingdao first sponsored the Clipper Race in 2005, and used the event as a focal point for both building its credentials to host the Beijing 2008 Olympic sailing events and creating a powerful legacy as China and Asia’s leading location for international sailing events. There was also the aim to develop Qingdao as a powerful maritime city with a strong ‘blue’ marine economy, and create a leisure sport cluster along the route of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Over the course of the partnership, the Clipper Race has brought thousands of crew, visitors, VIPs, and business partners to Qingdao and China to boost tourism, representing Qingdao’s winter season travel offer, and develop trade, with tangible deals and visitor generated economic impact.

The unique business and government network associated with the Clipper Race has also developed Qingdao’s international relations and improved its global profile as a top Chinese port city and resort.

The Qingdao branded yacht has represented the city and China on the race route around the world, and has been used as a platform for a comprehensive promotion of China’s ‘Sailing City’ in major ports of call such as London, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Sydney, Seattle, and New York.

In addition, the Clipper Race has developed sailing skills, with 16 Chinese crew representing Qingdao selected to take part in each race to build ocean racing experience. The first Chinese sailor to join the Clipper Race on board the Qingdao yacht in the 2005-06 edition was Guo Chuan, who went on to become the first Chinese person to sail solo, non-stop around the world in 2013 aboard a 40-foot yacht. In the Clipper 2013-14 Race, Qingdao Ambassador Vicky Song became the first Chinese woman to sail around the world.

Zhao Shengcun, Vice Mayor of Qingdao Municipal People’s Government and Vice President of Qingdao Major International Sailing Events (Festivals) Organizing Committee at Qingdao Organising Committee said: “Congratulations on the signing of the partnership agreement between Qingdao and Clipper Ventures Plc for more editions of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

“The renewal of the agreement between Qingdao and Clipper Ventures Plc marks that the two sides have embarked on a new journey of sincere cooperation. Since 2005, the two sides have become close and trusted partners achieving mutual benefits. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has witnessed the continuous development of sailing in China and made concrete contributions to Qingdao’s efforts in establishing the city as a Sailing City.

“The Qingdao yacht has sailed around the world, and weathered winds and waves to chase dreams, showing the world Qingdao’s charm as a vibrant ocean city and a liveable and lovable city. As the stopover city that has the longest partnership with the Clipper Race, Qingdao will continue to closely communicate and cooperate with Clipper Ventures Plc and leverage the race to build the Sailing City brand and boost the development of the sports industry in Qingdao. I wish the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race more success, and the two sides fruitful cooperation in the future!”