A mark of success

While China plans to host more international regattas and seeks to establish Qingdao as a sailing hub, growing legions of Chinese millionaires are also eyeing the chance to own luxury yachts as a mark of success.

China's newly affluent are driving a new wave of lifestyle spending from luxury goods to sports cars and overseas holidays - and yachting is no exception.

"More people want to own yachts as a sign of success and to take their friends and family out on weekends," said Loik Morgant, in charge of marketing yachts for Beneteau in Qingdao and who also teaches sailing at the local sailing school.

"But trying to convince yacht owners to get their children into the sport is another thing. Chinese generally do not like being in the sun," he said.

Sales remain small. The country accounted for about 1 to 2 percent of global yacht sales of $3.4 billion last year, industry estimates show - but with the worldwide yachting industry in a slump, China is a welcome bright spot.

Two representatives from Helly Hansen, purveyor of yachting wear, were on hand at a local sailor's pub in Qingdao and there were no lack of manufacturers' logos dotting the hulls and sails during the race.

"China's sailing continues to grow fast and is now providing a good source of income for some," said Rick Pointon, captain of Team Beijing Sailing Center. The team won the Mayor's Cup, adding the trophy to the Lushang Cup, an earlier event in the 3rd Qingdao Sailing Week that lasted from Aug 20 to Sept 4.

Pointon said that beyond encouraging the wealthy to buy yachts, China needed to groom good sailors to crew them and put in place international qualifications.

"There needs to be more grassroots sailing so that kids grow up with a passion for the sea that develops into yachting, and there needs to be more done to protect the maritime environment," he added.

The US-China Sailing Association, which sent two teams to take part in the regatta, has raised some funds to promote sailing for Chinese youth. It has also invited sailors from China to participate in a US regatta next year.