News
Nation's 'sailing capital' fetes clipper crews
By Zhao Ruixue (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-02-26 08:02
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Victorious Australian competitors are honored by Qingdao Mayor Xia Geng. Photos by Ju Chuanjiang and Dai Yan |
QINGDAO: Hard work by clipper crews battling treacherous waves and extreme temperature changes for 20 days from Singapore to Qingdao was rewarded at a ceremony held by the Qingdao municipal government on Feb 24.
Brendan Hall and his crew on the race-leading Spirit of Australia accepted awards from Huang Sheng, vice-governor of Shandong province and William Ward, ClipperVentures CEO.
Hall and his 16-strong team sailed the yacht first to the finish line at Qingdao, moving them into the overall lead in the Clipper 2009-10 Round the World Race.
"This remarkable feat allows Qingdao citizens to experience the splendor and charm of this prestigious world sailing event," Xia Geng, mayor of Qingdao said at the award ceremony.
Team Finland was in second place over the first four legs of the race, but was last to Qingdao after losing part of its rig off the coast of Taiwan.
The Singapore-Qingdao leg from Feb 2 to 22 had the same tough conditions and headwinds for which it has long been notorious.
"I don't do the cold at all well and there were times over the last few days when I couldn't uncurl my fingers from the helm," said a crewmember named Michael from the Spirit of Australia.
He was echoed by Chris Stanmore-Major, the skipper of the Qingdao. "Singapore to Qingdao is the most difficult - we encountered huge seas, cold weather and strong winds."
The Clipper Round the World race takes 10 months and covers 35,000 miles. The fleet of 10 boats set off from Humber on the northeast coast of England on Sept 13, 2009. After racing over the world's major oceans and visiting more than 10 ports on six continents, the fleet will return to Humber in July this year.
Site of the 2008 Olympic sailing competition, Qingdao has now welcomed the race three times.
"The number of Chinese citizens crewing in our race is increasing, said Clipper Chairman Robin Knox-Johnston. "Clipper has formed very strong relationships with Qingdao, the capital of sailing in China."
Ceremony for each boat
The city has arranged a series of activities for the Clipper's stay from February 20 to March 2, notably a welcoming ceremony for each of the nine boats still in the race.
"We are so thankful for the people's welcome and the great efforts made by them," said Kirsty Whyte from Spirit of Australia. "The people of Qingdao are so friendly - we are impressed by their support and their presents."
Though it arrived two days after Spirit of Australia, sailors on the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital enjoyed the same welcome ceremony with throbbing drumbeats and lion dances.
"What a reception, unbelievable," said crewmember Simon Lemon. "We thought we had missed out on the festivities and to have that in our honor was amazing. It's my first time in China and already I'm impressed with the friendliness of everyone."
Another highlight was a ceremony when national flags and boat-related paraphernalia were given to Qingdao as presents.
During their stay, sailors can enjoy folk art exhibitions, animation shows and also taste local food such as tanghulu, the famed candy-coated haw fruit on a stick.
For Chinese traditional Lantern Festival on Feb 28, 76 crewmembers from around the world will be hosted by volunteer families to experience Chinese traditions and distinctive folk culture.
The fleet is scheduled to set sail from Qingdao on March 2.
(China Daily 02/26/2010 page24)
