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ISAF official: International regatta good test event
By Zhang Xiaomin
Updated: 2007-08-24 07:09
QINGDAO: 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 08/24/2007 page24)
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