Video by Liu Xudong. With consistent winds and a scorching sun Friday morning, more than 200 teams sailed off from Dapeng Bay in Dapeng New Area to kick off the first day of competition for the 2024 China Cup International Regatta. The largest regatta in China this year has attracted around 1,260 competitors from over 30 countries and regions. They are competing in 11 categories, including Beneteau First 40.7, J80, Fareast 28R, IRC, PHS, and Topper (youths). This five-day regatta will continue until Nov. 4. Regarttas with smile logo on its sail on the 2024 China Cup International Regatta. Photos by Liu Xudong The sailors were in high spirits and excited to partake in the rigorous competition. “It was pretty good. We coped with each other well, and we got a good result,” said Alerc Tracy, an American crew member of Whiskey Jack. Tracy introduced his team from China's Hong Kong, which has an international background and has participated in the competition for 15 years. He also expressed his anticipation to join every year. Sail teams sail off from Dapeng Bay on Friday. “The competition has become better. There are more Chinese sailors,” said Tracy. “Sailing has become much more popular in China, and there’s a whole new younger generation of sailors who are very skilled.” Daisy, one of the women sailors in the H3O, said that sailing regattas are open and inclusive sports where people of all ages and genders can brave the wind and waves at sea. “We did much better than in the rally race yesterday. The wind ripped our sail, so we had to switch to a smaller sail. Fortunately, today’s wind is good, and everybody enjoys it,” said Daisy, who came with her team from Hong Kong. “We hope we can do our best and achieve a good result in the end,” said Daisy. Howard Elliott, chairman of the China Cup’s international jury, who has participated in the China Cup for 14 years, recognized the regatta's high international standard. “We have a jury of high caliber here due to the nature of the event, with so many international competitors and such a high standard overall,” said the Australian chairman. He praised the tightly contested races yesterday, noting that many competitors were highly competitive, with a couple of teams very close in performance. “The competition started off as a small event but has gradually grown significantly. It attracts many international players,” said Elliott. Competitors on the sailing boat NO. 85 setsail agilely. In addition to the sailing competition, a variety of entertainment events and cultural offerings are being held at the race village and around Dapeng. To enrich the experience, competitors and visitors can enjoy marine-themed activities, including a marine sports tech expo, food and beverage stalls, intangible cultural heritage markets, and 12 musical performances.
