10/2007 –

The inaugural China Cup is a race for IRC and One Design yachts to be held from 19 and 21 October between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Organised by the China Yachting and Sailboarding Association and the Government of Shenzhen, this event promises to be very international, with over 100 boats and crews from all over the world expected to compete. Racing will include coastal courses (between Hong Kong and Shenzhen) and 3-buoy races.
Other events, including a music festival and fashion shows, will be held alongside the racing to give the China Cup a broader dimension.

David Zhong, General Secretary of the China Cup International Regatta Organising Committee, explains that “Local Shenzhen companies will be seizing on this opportunity to publicise themselves, and hope that the race will provide a point of contact for interaction and synergies between East and West “.

The organisation also plans to invest 200-300 million Yuan over the next three years to develop the Chinese sailing industry and sailing training initiatives in order to encourage people to take up sailing.

Having sold a fleet of eleven First 40.7s to China in January this year specifically for this event, Bénéteau is closely associated with the race, which is intended to promote sailing and offshore racing in the country.

Crews from Dubai, France, Japan, Brazil and Australia will fight it out aboard these First 40.7s, whilst local boats will compete under IRC rules.

Bénéteau has had a presence in China since 2005, with a business and market monitoring office in Shanghai, and exhibits its boats at the Shanghai Boat Show.

For more information, please visit: www.chncup.com and www.beneteau.com

– PR –