Spirited sailors start racing in China Cup

Writer: Chen Siqi | Editor: Zhang Chanwen | From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated: 2023-11-03

Nearly 200 teams of more than 1,200 sailors from over 30 countries and regions set sail at the 15th China Cup International Regatta (CCIR) 2023 at Daya Bay in Dapeng New Area today. The race was launched yesterday and will last through Monday.

“We participated in the race this [Thursday] morning, which was a good way to prepare ourselves for the upcoming competition,” Max Lepichon, a young Frenchman residing in Hong Kong, said. Shenzhen-Hong Kong rally racing commenced yesterday, a bright, sunny day after a three-year hiatus, serving as a prelude to the CCIR.

Having started sailing just three years ago, Lepichon joined the professional team SeaWolf. “I'm thrilled to be here, experiencing sailing on the Chinese mainland for the first time. I look forward to meeting rivals, making new friends, and learning from them,” Lepichon said.

“We are all passionate about sailing. Our main goal is to really enjoy the event, and the second goal is probably to get a good result,” said Michele Valenti, an Italian sailor with 35 years of sailing experience who has resided in Hong Kong for the past eight years. This marks his third participation in the CCIR.

“The sailing community in China is becoming bigger and bigger, and the level is getting higher. After a four-year gap, sailors, boats, and the community are back in good shape,” the seasoned sailor said. He also recognized the committee’s endeavors in sustainability and marine life protection. “Sustainability and marine life are important for safeguarding the future of our planet. As sailors, we love the sea and we need to respect nature,” Valenti said.

Mike Sherretz, an experienced sailor who has competed in the China Cup five times, shared his thoughts on the event. “After COVID, it will be interesting to see how things have bounced back, with many good teams making a comeback. There will be a lot of good boats here and we will see a lot of friends that haven’t seen in a long time.” Now settled in Shanghai, the American competes in more than 10 sailing contests annually worldwide. He also expressed a desire for more international jury members to ensure a fair competition.

The presence of international jurors is one of the highlights of this year’s regatta. Richard Slater, chairman of the international jury team, introduced the six-member team comprising jurors from Australia, China, China’s Hong Kong, the U.K., and Germany. “We are here to serve the sailors and guarantee a fair game,” stated Slater, who is also a seasoned sailor himself.

“This is not only my first time at the China Cup but also my initial visit to the Chinese mainland,” Slater told Shenzhen Daily. “I’m looking forward to witnessing this event that everyone keeps telling me is good. And I expect to see these players are gonna really fight hard for all their wins,” he added.

A sailing boat in action during the Shenzhen-Hong Kong rally racing yesterday in Dapeng New Area. Photos courtesy of CCIR

Richard Slater, chairman of the international jury team.

Participants in competition at yesterday's Shenzhen-Hong Kong rally racing.

Sailing boat in action during the Shenzhen-Hong Kong rally racing.