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Mainland sailboats cross Taiwan Strait

By Hu Meidong and Liu Xintian (China Daily Fujian Bureau)
Updated: 2009-08-06 19:03

The first six-day "Strait Sailing Competition" ended on August 4 after 15 sailboats successfully traveled across the Taiwan Strait.

Sailboats such as the JOCOOL (Xiamen) and Cindy reached Xiamen's Wuyuanwan harbor at 5:30 am, August 4, realizing many sailors' 60-year dream of direct sailing between the mainland and Taiwan.

The sailing teams made several night voyages during the journey to Tainan Anping Harbor, fighting against strong winds and waves to travel around Da Dan Island, Pescadores and Black River Ditch. Under the protection of Xiamen and Taiwan cruise ships, the sailboats created a new sailing path which has now been written into history.

The Shenzhen Redbud Club sailing team was the biggest winner of the competition, being the first to reach Anping Harbor and winning the "Best Power" award. "Hai Feng" ranked first in the endurance race.

Mainland and Taiwan media have been paying close attention to the competition, with Taiwan's China Times reporting the competition as headline news.

Contestants from the mainland said the Taiwan Strait was beautiful, adding they enjoyed the various sunrise colors, the sunset's glow on the sea and starry skies throughout their voyage.