The Chinese Yachting Association has launched the first sailing league in China, the China Sailing League at a launch ceremony in Beijing on September 10. 

This is the first professional sailing league in China and marks great efforts by the Chinese Yachting Association to professionalize the sport. 

The league is open to sailing clubs across the country and professional athletes from provincial and city teams. There will be two stops in the competition, in Shandong and Hainan Province for the 2018 edition. From 2019 onwards, it plans to organize events in 8 to 10 Chinese cities and organize a final each year, gradually setting up more events in more disciplines. Sailors will have the chance to win prize money depending on their results in each event. 

The league has been organized in partnership with Mitime Sports who will help with the operations and promotion of the new league. Mitime Sports have experience in operating events and venues in motor sports, marathon, triathlon and golf. 

In addition to organizing and developing the China Sailing League, Mitime Sports will work with the Chinese Yachting Association around sports events operations, events partnership, manufacturing of boats, training, club management and others. 

The Chairman of the Chinese Yachting Association, Zhang Xiaodong, says that this was a new idea put forward after the association finished its reforms. The association aims to build a comprehensive competition system to enable long-term development of the sport at various age groups and levels. 

Reference: Sina

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick