ISAF official: International regatta good test event

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)