QINGDAO: The Olympic Sailing Center received top marks from the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and International Federation for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) on May 11 at an inspection tour during the 2008 IFDS Qingdao International Regatta.

Ninety-five delegates participated in 2008 ISAF Mid-Year Meeting held in Qingdao, the host city of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition, from May 8 to 12.

Accompanied by Zang Aimin, vice mayor of Qingdao and vice chairperson of Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, the two delegations inspected the Olympic Sailing Center and Qingdao Olympic village.

All of them gave high praise to Qingdao's favorable climate, the full-prepared facilities, and volunteers' excellent performance.

"The city provides a fantastic venue and good place for such a big event. Now it has become one of the most prestigious facilities in the world," said G?ran Petersson, ISAF president.

"Qingdao has every chance to win bids for big sailing events that ISAF plans to hold after the Olympic sailing competition this year," he added.

Constantine from Greece is an enthusiastic sports fan. In 1960 he competed in the Summer Olympics in Rome when he was 20 and won a gold medal in sailing. He helped Greece win its first gold medal since its 50-year participation in the modern Olympics.

"The preparations for the sailing venue here is outstanding and I am sure that all the athletes will be satisfied with the facilities here," he said.

Great impressed by the lighting with energy produced by wind power, Constantine said, "Those lights are good proof of the favorable wind conditions here, which is very important for sailing."

David Kellett, vice president of ISAF, is very familiar with Qingdao's equipment, facilities, and the surrounding areas of the sailing center, since he has been to the coastal city several times including the last two test events. He even worked as the guide for other delegates and helped to introduce the city to them.

"They have thought of everything to make it a great place for the competition," said Hal Haenel, a member of the ISAF Committee from the United States.

All the delegates wished the athletes the best of luck in their sailing come August.