Fifth regatta of 2015 ISAF World Cup set to get underway in Qingdao

Qingdao hosted sailing competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympics ©ISAF

More than 300 sailors from 32 nations are preparing to take part in the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Cup event in the Chinese port city of Qingdao, with action set to get underway tomorrow.

Sailors and officials were welcomed to the fifth World Cup event of the season with an Opening Ceremony today, which featured cultural dancing and a traditional song from a local children's choir, while they were also able to try local cuisine.

Following the ceremony competitors completed their registration to take part in the final qualification regatta ahead of the ISAF World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, which will also see sailors strive to secure a share of a €150,000 (£110,000/$169,000) prize fund.

Antonio González de la Madrid, the ISAF technical delegate, praised the organisers of the World Cup event and believes an exciting five days of racing will take place in the city before the regatta draws to a close on September 20.

"On behalf of ISAF I would like to thank the city of Qingdao for the incredible welcome that you have shown all the sailors and officials who have come here,” he said.

"It is the third time Qingdao has hosted an ISAF Sailing World Cup regatta and it is very important for ISAF to continue our strong relationship with the Chinese Yachting Association and the Qingdao Municipal Government.

A children's choir took part in the event's opening ceremony — A children's choir took part in the event's Opening Ceremony ©ISAF

"The organising committee have done an outstanding job in preparation for ISAF Sailing World Cup Qingdao and we have more than 230 sailors from 32 nations in attendance, highlighting the strength of the event as it continues to grow.

"This week, the sailors will be aiming to qualify for the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi, claim a share of the prize fund as well as sealing an ISAF Sailing World Cup medal."

Asian sailors will also have an added incentive in Qingdao, which hosted the Olympic sailing competition during the Beijing 2008 Games, with the men’s and women’s 470, Finn and Nacra 17 classes offering qualification for Rio 2016.

Across the four fleets competitors from Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and hosts China will all be aiming to seal berths at next year’s Games.