THE inaugural Yantian Sailing Open officially kicked off Sept. 11, marking the district’s first major yacht regatta and doubling as the first domestic certified points site for the 2025 ASEAN Cup.

The event’s innovative format attracted about 200 high-level sailors from 10 countries and regions, including teams from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The regatta also features a youth division, with competitors aged 10 to 15 competing in two Optimist classes: boys and girls.

Organizers said the addition reflects the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s rapid rise in sailing training for youth and aims to accelerate grassroots sailing education while cultivating a “blue-sea spirit” in a new generation through a mix of maritime tradition and innovation.

The Yantian Sailing Open pairs elite competition with an extensive public program to boost community engagement.

Activities range from a beach livestream, fashion shows, hands-on sailing experiences, and a sailing masterclass to a meet-and-greet with an Olympic sailing champion and yacht cruises for spectators.

(Lian Jiaqi)