A top-ranking International Sailing Federation (ISAF) official
can't wait for next year's Olympics after watching the test regatta
unfold off Qingdao in the past two weeks.
The upcoming Olympics "will be great", ISAF Vice President David
Kellett concluded at yesterday's press conference.
During the test event, weather was unpredictable because of
typhoons in South China, but, according to Kellett, ISAF was
satisfied with the results.
He rated this year's regatta a very good test event, but noted
certain arrangements still needed tweaking.
"They are down to the fine-tuning stage now," he said. "There
are some little problems, but nothing major that needs to be
addressed."
Innovations in the victory course and medal ceremony earned
praise from Kellett and ISAF President Goran Petersson.
For the first time in sailing history, the boats of medal
winners were placed on the platform as a perfect backdrop for a
cherished photograph during the medal ceremony.
"The boating background is very stylish," Petersson
remarked.
"Also, the sailors need not wait for the medal ceremony. That is
very good."
Petersson regards Qingdao key to developing sailing in Asia.
"I am sure that, even after the Olympics, Qingdao will become a
prominent sailing center that hosts many international events," he
said.
His opinion was echoed by his deputy.
"Qingdao is a great example for promoting sailing," Kellett
said.
"The sailing organizations have purchased 1,000 boats for
children, and are holding clinics to teach people to sail."
Both ISAF officials have faith in Qingdao's ability to run big
sailing events after the test regatta.
"Apart from the magnificent venue and facilities, one of the
legacies is that probably more than 100 Chinese officials have been
trained to run sailing competition," Kellett said.
(China Daily August 24, 2007)