THE World Extreme Sailing Series, one of four international sailing events held by the International Sailing Federation, was held in Qingdao from April 13 to Sunday at the city's Fushan Bay.

This was the first time for the extreme sailing series to organize a leg in China since 2007. The event has nine legs this year, Qingdao being the second one.

A total of 44 competitors are representing 11 crews from 13 countries, including winners of Olympic gold medals and other international sailing competitions. The crews competed in six races a day during the five-day series.

The crew from New Zealand won the races on the first day, April 13. According to the event organizer, the races on the first day were the most important because the points that the crews won on that day would be the only ones added into the overall performance.

At this top-level sailing event there was also a Qingdao competitor, Zhang Yanzhi, who represented Yacht Qingdao to compete at Clipper Round the World Yacht Race last year.

"Among the crews are past winners of Olympic Games, world championships and America's Cups. There is a huge gap between me and them, but after the event, the gap will hopefully be reduced," Yan said.

After the event, the gloves used by the competitors are shown at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center Museum.

Apart from the Extreme Sailing Series, the International Sailing Federation has also organized three other international sailing events-Volvo Ocean Race, America's Cup and World Match Racing Tour.

The Extreme Sailing Series is a class of sailing catamaran constructed of carbon fiber. It can reach 75 kilometers at its maximum speed. The event features speed, thrill and challenge.

In addition to Qingdao, this year's series will be held in other eight cities - Muscat in Oman, Istanbul in Turkey, Boston in the United States, Cowes in Britain, Trapani in Italy, Nice in France, Almeria in Spain and Singapore. (Jane Lai, Sun Fei)