BEIJING - Co-host Olympic city Qingdao is determined to develop itself into one of the world's major sailing centers when this year's Qingdao International Sailing Week takes place at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in east China's Shandong province, from August 21-29.

More than 40 other events have been scheduled, including opportunities for the public to try their hand at sailing, summer concerts and the China International Sailing Expo.

"The event is aimed at promoting sailing to the public in the post-Olympic era," Zang said.

She said the organizing committee was negotiating to take a 32-foot sailboat to the Shanghai World Expo as a presentation platform to promote Qingdao International Sailing Week and the city's International Beer Festival, to be held from August 14-29.

Qingdao's potential to become a major sailing center has been recognized by companies around the world.

In February, the Qingdao International Sailing Week Committee and the largest European yacht manufacturers, Beneteau, announced an ambitious five-year partnership aimed at acclerating the development of the sport in China.

Zang said more companies were expected to support the sailing week.

The Qingdao sailing week will also be linked to the popular Kiel Sailing Week in Germany.

The Kiel event is the largest sailing gala in the world. It attracts about 5,000 sailors, 2,000 ships and 3 million visitors each year.

"We will work hard to expand Qingdao's brand as a world sailing center. We hope to develop Qingdao into the world's top sailing event after co-operating with experienced companies and other events like Kiel," Zang said.

China Daily