Highlights from the Inaugural Shanghai Sailing Open at Dishui Lake

The inaugural Shanghai Sailing Open at Dishui Lake concluded with a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. Chen Jiaming from Guangdong Province emerged as the champion of the ILCA6 Open, showcasing her sailing prowess against tough competition from around the world. She was closely followed by Santiago Villax Sampaio from Portugal and local Shanghai sailor Shang Zitong.

In the J80 race, the Shanghai Qilang sailing team secured victory, overcoming the challenge posed by Olympic gold medalist Xu Lijia’s team. Despite her impressive sailing background, Xu Lijia admitted to being a newcomer to the J80 competition, highlighting the diverse range of talent and experience present at the event.

With 35 ILCA6 boats and 25 J80 boats in the competition, the Shanghai Sailing Open brought together 300 racers, including professionals and amateurs from both local and international backgrounds. Xu Lijia expressed her enthusiasm for promoting sailing in China and nurturing a new generation of talented sailors to compete on the global stage.

The event not only showcased the competitive spirit of the participants but also highlighted the growing popularity of sailing in Shanghai. With the establishment of the Shanghai Sailing and Windsurfing Association in 2021, the city has seen a significant increase in the number of sailing clubs and enthusiasts.

Former Chinese national sailing team coach Jon Emmett from Britain praised the development of sailing facilities in Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of events like the Shanghai Sailing Open in providing a platform for athletes to hone their skills and compete at a high level.

The inaugural Shanghai Sailing Open was not just a sporting event but a celebration of culture and tourism, with activities such as a symphony orchestra performance and exhibitions at the China Maritime Museum adding to the vibrant atmosphere at Dishui Lake. As the city’s third self-developed sports competition, the Shanghai Sailing Open has set a high standard for future events, promising even more excitement and competition in the years to come.