2024 World Bay Area Regatta brings vigor to Bao'an waters

The 2024 World Bay Area Regatta, held from Dec. 6 to 8 in the waters of OH Bay and Qianhai Bay, attracted thousands of spectators. Four winners were crowned across different competition groups.

This year’s event featured two main sections — the keel boat group, divided into FE28R and FE23R categories based on boat types, and the youth group.

Sailors compete during the 2024 World Bay Area Regatta at OH Bay last week. Photos courtesy of the organizer

The keel boat division saw the participation of 20 renowned sailing teams from countries such as China, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Russia. Meanwhile, the youth division welcomed nearly 120 young sailors from regions and cities including Macao, Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

After intense competition, the HCP Technology team emerged victorious in the FE28R category under the keel boat group, while Shenzhen Seawolf took first place in the FE23R group. In the youth group, the winners were Zhang Bocheng and Liao Ziqing.

A notable achievement came from the Shenzhen Bao’an Sailing Team, which debuted at home and secured third place in the FE28R class. This marked a new record for the local team since the event’s inception two years ago.

Yan Yuye of the Shenzhen Seawolf team reflected on the race, saying, “The competition is fierce. The key to this race is who can catch the wind first to take the lead. Perhaps we were a bit luckier this time, as we managed to control our mistakes better.”

Bob, a Canadian resident of Bao’an for 14 years, competed for the Canadian Voilà! team, which finished fourth in the FE28R class. He shared, “The warmth, diversity, and vitality of Shenzhen have drawn me to live and work here for a long time. OH Bay is also my ‘home field,’ and I often bring my family here to enjoy ourselves.”

World champion Chen Peina, representing the Peina Wonsea team in the FE28R class, praised the competition’s organization and the comprehensive facilities at OH Bay, which allowed teams to easily go ashore to rest or eat after the race, highlighting a key advantage of Bao’an over other venues.

Related, the 2024 World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) Shenzhen• Bao’an Final wrapped up Dec. 15.