World Sailing President officially opens ILCA Asian Cup 2026 in China

Speaking at the opening ceremony at Seatopia in the Beidaihe New Area, President Li’s emphasised World Sailing’s commitment to expanding participation and strengthening athlete pathways across Asia.

The four-day regatta on Bohai Bay has brought together more than 200 sailors, coaches, and officials representing 16 countries and regions, while the newly established training centre is set to become a vital regional hub, dedicated to athlete development, coaching education, race official training, and international sailing exchange.

A distinguished delegation joined President Li for the dual celebration, including ILCA Asia Chairperson and ILCA Vice President Aileen H Loo, Chinese Yachting Association Vice President Fu Danqing, and ILCA World Council Member and Principal Race Officer Hugh Leicester, alongside key representatives from Hebei Province and the Qinhuangdao Municipal Government.

With excellent conditions on Bohai Bay, Qinhuangdao is rapidly establishing itself as a premier venue for international events where sailors can train, compete, and share expertise.

Racing is underway across multiple divisions of the three ILCA classes, offering a crucial testing ground for several competitors who have been earmarked to represent their nations at the upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, later this year.

In addition to elite preparation, the event serves as a critical ranking regatta for the ILCA Asia Annual Ranking, alongside December’s 6th ILCA Asian & Open Championships. To further incentivise development, the top-ranked sailor from each division at the end of the year will be awarded “Waiver of Entry Fee” for all 2027 ILCA Asia events.