Qingdao’s unprecedented grand welcoming regatta & ceremony will soundly ring in China’s participation and sponsorship to host future Clipper 2013/14 and 2015/16 international sailing events. Qingdao, China’s Sailing City, has now become the first destination in the world to sponsor six editions of the unique biennial sailing event starting back in 2005.
A welcome dinner & grand awards ceremony will be held on February 28th with a blend of local Chinese culture and Western theatrical performances in dance, ballet, and magic.
After a 10 day stopover in Qingdao the Clipper 2011-12 fleet will began leg 6, a long journey across the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco California, USA.
Schedule of main events during the Clipper 2011/12 Qingdao Stopover
- 22nd-25th February 2012 :: Grand Regatta Welcome Ceremony :: Marina & Olympic Sailing Center
- 28th February 2012 :: Welcome Dinner & Awards Ceremony :: Qingdao Sea View Garden Hotel
- 4th March 2012 :: Farewell & Start of Leg 6 Across the Pacific :: Marina & Olympic Sailing Center
Godspeed to all: Photo © onEdition 2011
Although being hit by the “home port curse”, The Qingdao Clipper arrived home safe and sound – greeted with the grandest of homecomings.
I went to see the Clipper yachts today, 8 of them have arrived, it’s really terrific! I met some of the Derry-Londonderry sailors, they enjoy being in qingdao a lot, wish Clipper going on well in qingdao, hey guys come to visit the boats!
Top three podium finishers have reached the Qingdao International Marina:
1 – De Lage Landen
2 – Geraldton Western Australia
3 – Gold Coast Australia