Applications for yachting licenses are soaring in Hainan as the island promotes itself as a major international resort. Hainan is to announce the opening of a yacht exchange during the Haikou Yacht Forum to be held March 19 to 20 as part of the Boao International Tourism Forum.

Haikou Maritime Bureau says increasing numbers of people are attending sailing courses and applying for yachting licenses. In the first two months of the year, 21 people took the examination required to obtain a license – equal to the number for the whole of the previous year. The bureau expects license applications to increase exponentially.

The Haikou Maritime Bureau was given the right to issue yachting licenses in 2008. As of January 2010 it had issued 41 licenses. (China.org.cn March 1, 2010)

http://www.bitf.org.cn/2010-02/28/content_19117698.htm