10 Clipper Round The World Yacht Race Boats Arrive In Qingdao, The Race Enters Chinese Time

China News Service, Qingdao, March 4 (Wang Yu, Zhang Xiaopeng) After 10 days of sailing, 10 2025-2026 Clipper Round the World Race boats, including Qingdao, Scotland, and UNICEF, all arrived at the berthing dock in Qingdao, Shandong on the 4th, marking the official entry of the world's top global sailing event into "Chinese time."

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a world-famous global sailing event. Since its inception in 1996, the event has led sailing enthusiasts around the world on a journey around the world for 14 seasons. This competition will set sail from Portsmouth, England, on August 31, 2025, local time. More than 700 crew members from 10 teams will sail 40,000 nautical miles and pass through 13 port stops.

On March 4, the Qingdao boat participating in the 2025-2026 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race sailed into the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. Photo by Miao Wei

At about 4 o'clock in the afternoon that day, accompanied by passionate boat songs and long whistles, the Qingdao led by captain Philip Quinn entered the port. The people and sailing enthusiasts at the scene waved flags and cheered to welcome the triumphant sailing warriors.

As the first port of call in Asia for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, Qingdao has named the "Qingdao" sailing ship for ten consecutive events since 2006, and continues to serve as an important port of call to welcome fleets from around the world. When each fleet arrives in Hong Kong, a unique welcome ceremony is held, and traditional folk customs such as Yangko, dragon and lion dances are performed in turn, integrating Chinese style and international style.

Among the many sailors who landed triumphantly, Lan Jun, a 30-year-old girl from Qingdao, stood out. From serving as a volunteer for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 12 years ago to now embarking on a global journey as a full crew member of the Qingdao, her journey to pursue her dream is moving. "We set off from the UK, traveled through more than 20,000 sea miles and finally returned to Qingdao. I hope my coach and friends can be proud of me."

According to reports, the participating fleet will set sail on March 12 after completing supplies and rest in Qingdao, Shandong Province, heading for Tongyeong, South Korea. (over)