The racing yachts of the 09-10 Clipper Round the World yacht race sail off from Qingdao, a coastal city of China, on March 2 to their next stop—California, USA.

This is the longest stretch of the race, and the crews will be at sea for about 35 days. On this leg, the yachts will sail across the Pacific Ocean, the biggest expanse of water on the planet, crossing the International Date Line.

At the Qingdao Olympic sailing center, a grand race start ceremony is held to see off these strong-willed crew members. “Thanks to the Clipper Round the World yacht race, Qingdao citizens have the chance to experience the charm of the world’s top sailing event,” Zang Aimin, minister of Qingdao United Front Department said at the ceremony.

Crew members from all over the world were sad to leave the city. “The beauty of Qingdao and the hospitality of Chinese people have really impressed me,” said Paul Rogers, crew of the Edinburgh yacht, “and I’ll never forget it. I hope to come back here with my family on a trip one day,” said Paul Rogers, crew of the Edinburgh yacht.

The Clipper Round the World yacht race, held every two years, is the world’s largest amateur sailing event. This year’s race marks the third time it has made a stop in Qingdao.

The crew members of the Jamaca Lightening Bolt are waving farewell to Qingdao. (by Wang Qian)

Yachts sailed off from Qingdao (by Ju Chuanjiang)

Yachts sailed off from Qingdao (by Ju Chuanjiang)

By Ju Chuanjiang, Wang Qian and Dai Yan (China Daily Shandong Bureau)

Editor: Li Jing