Qingdao has long been connected with sailing events. The earliest sailing race in Qingdao dates back to 1904, when the German Royal Yacht Club held a sailing competition there. This was also the earliest sailing event recorded in Chinese history.

A sailing sports association was formed in Qingdao in 1906. Most of the association members were from the United States and different countries of Europe.

In the 1920s, Europeans and Americans living in Qingdao founded the Tsingtao Yacht Club. With ten yachts and 100 members, the Tsingtao Yacht Club held sailing races every year, starting in 1937.

The year 1939 saw a total of 25 races in Qingdao, and 1949 saw 28 official races and seven amateur races held there.

Tsingtao Yacht Club was disbanded in 1951.

With the establishment of Qingdao Sailing Club in 1953—later changed to China Sailing Club in 1957—Qingdao became the sailing training center of China, starting sailing events such as surfing, motorboat racing, water skiing and the navy pentathlon.

China’s first yacht training, spanning eight months, was held in Qingdao in 1978.

China’s first sailboard was created in Qingdao in 1979. China’s first Sailing Regatta was held in Qingdao in 1980, making Qingdao the place of origin of China’s sailing events.

By Zhao Ruixue (Shandong Bureau)

Editor: Li Jing