One may wonder, why would you hold a Sailing Forum when all the sailors are out on the water racing. In China, educating the masses plays a big part when introducing something used and important to the community. Pleasure boating pursuits are activities that successful businessmen and upwardly mobile people in the community, are likely to undertake as a sport or leisure activity. Therefore a variety of specialist speakers were invited to the 6th Asia Sailing Culture Development Forum to present their case, to a mixed audience, mainly students from the Tourism University undertaking a study in this field. There were also some big future plans announced by CEO David Zhong on the way forward for the China Cup.

Since the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, there has been tremendous growth in sailing and the Chinese Yachting Association is responsible for sailboat racing and has a saying in everything that happens when organising and running events in China. As Shenzhen is closest to Hong Kong (Biggest pleasure boat center in Asia) and the Chinese are keen to develop the sailing industry, infrastructure and evolve with a sailing culture, both Zhang Heyun and Zhu Gang from the Shenzhen government authorities are paving the way forward for their province and support the China Cup to showcase this growth.

Bao Jilai the Vice Director of Policies and Regulations of Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China, outlined how the department has tackled the design and building regulations since 2008. Seventeen provinces are along the coastline and hand in hand with the healthy growth of the industry, the diversified and better lifestyle boating activities, bring concerns about safety, security and anti pollution have to be addressed. Used regulations also aim to improve free movement of boats in future.

Jean-Pierre Champion President of French Sailing Federation outlined the established set-up in France and Atalia Chubenko Member of the Racing Rules and Appeal Committee of the Russian Yachting Federation gave a historical account, including Peter the Great’s sailing achievements. Roger Eastman, Marine Services Manager of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club explained how the traditional member owned yacht club was established and grown into one of the biggest in the world. Lorenz Walch, ISAF Constitution Committee Member made a fantastic case how disabled sailing can be incorporated into everyday life with Sport for all.

When David Zhong, the Deputy Secretary-General of Organizing Committee of China Cup International Regatta, addresses the crowd, you can expect something big in the offering and he didn’t disappoint. First of the rank was launching the ‘Sailing Yacht and Powerboat Operation Guidebook’. As their future plans include introducing lengthy offshore events, Zhong preformed the signing ceremony for the acquisition of a used 40m Chinese built Heysea superyacht and 70ft Lagoon sailing catamaran to accompany and support vessels during these races.

Allen Leng, Chairman of Heysea Yachts Co, went on to explain how they became the first and top yacht manufacturer in China by increasing the number of skilled workers to produce and assemble superyacht’s designed in Europe. Maarten Voogd Designer/co-owner of Simonis Voogd Design Company guided us through the design process and how the used Fareast 28R made its debut at this year’s China Cup.

All the big boat regattas in China are grandeur events full of glitz and glamour. No expense is spared and Chinese companies seem to be embracing sponsorship opportunities in a big way. The race village is more akin to sideshow alley at the annual fair. One thing that did capture my imagination was the loudspeaker announcement that the bikini clad girls, foam wrestling on roller blades was coming up shortly. Funding the Forum would be an added expense to running the regatta, but if it helps educate future boat users into realizing there is already a full structure, Governing body (NMA) and rules in place that comply to International safety standards, is a good thing.