World top sailing regatta to haul anchor in Guangzhou

A press conference is held at Nansha Marina on Jan 15 to introduce the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 Guangzhou Stopover. [Photo provided to govt.chinadaily.com.cn]

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18, one of the world's top three sailing events and an exceptional test of sailing prowess and human endeavor, will haul its anchor in Guangzhou on Jan 31.

The event, generally known as the "Mount Everest" of the sailing field, has a total of 11 stopovers in its 2017-18 regatta, with Guangzhou's Nansha being the sixth. All participating teams set off from Alicante, Spain in October last year to travel 45,000 nautical miles and cross seven oceans.

It is recognition of Guangzhou as a great coastal city to be a stopover of the international event, said Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, honorary president of the management committee of the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 Guangzhou Stopover. He made the remark at a press conference held for the event in Nansha Marina on Jan 15.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, honorary president of the management committee of the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 Guangzhou Stopover, speaks at the press conference. [Photo provided to govt.chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2017-18 event features seven sailing teams including the Dongfeng Race Team which represents China in this international event.

According to Bruno Dubois, team director of Dongfeng Race Team, who also spoke at the press conference, the crew for his team this year includes three Chinese sailors -- Chen Jinhao, Liu Xue and Yang Jiru.

Bruno Dubois, team director of Dongfeng Race Team, introduces the three Chinese sailor on the team. [Photo provided to govt.chinadaily.com.cn]

The Dongfeng Race Team are back for a second shot at the Volvo Ocean Race under inspirational French skipper Charles Caudrelier, after far exceeding expectations with a podium finish in 2014-15.

Apart from enjoying the heated world-class sailing competition, Guangzhou citizens will also be treated to a raft of cultural activities and special sailing contests featuring professional and amateur sailing teams.