Spring has reached China's capital, and at Beijing's Olympic water park Aofan sailing club is getting ready for the 2012 sailing season.

Boats are rolled out ready for the new season at Aofan sailing club. [CRI]

Probably not the most likely destination that springs to mind when one thinks of sailing, but the organisation is seeking to bring the sport to the city's residents, and give local kids a taste of life on the open water.

For the owners of the club the biggest challenge has been in raising awareness of the sport, which remains little known outside from the country's coastal cities. However, Those already converted to the sailing scene are confident of the future potential of the sport in China, pointing to its advantages as an environmental sport close to nature.