Yacht race on Dianshan Lake raises funds for charity
Yachts competing in a yacht race on Dianshan Lake on Sunday race downwind.
A yacht race that raised money for public welfare was held in Qingpu District on Sunday, where 24 teams gathered for a thrilling competition as sailing, sometimes called the "sport of kings," is becoming popular among the Chinese public.
As the first event in Shanghai's sailing league, the competition attracted both young teams in the domestic sailing field and veterans to compete in J80 keeled sailboats.
Shanghai Yunfan took the crown in the J80 competition.
Shanghai's Qingpu District is a favorite spot for sailors. Located in the westernmost part of the city, it is dotted with many rivers and lakes, including the city's largest freshwater body, Dianshan Lake, where the races were held.
Crew members aboard a competing yacht work to raise their spinnaker as they come around on a leg of the yacht race.
"All the participating teams were competitive, and tacit cooperation and an unremitting spirit were behind our win," said Wang Wentao, leader of Shanghai Yunfan.
The event was hosted by the Shanghai Yachting Association and Qingpu District Sports Bureau.
Funds raised from the competition would be donated to charity programs that help vulnerable groups and children.
"This good deed will not only deliver material aid to recipients, but also strong spiritual power," said Xia Yanru, a council member of the Xia Zheng Nong National Culture Education Development Foundation.
Sailing is gaining popularity among the Chinese public, as shown by the large number of participants in the race, said Lin Jie, director of the Shanghai Yachting Association.
China has a rich coastline and ample inland water resources, which provide good conditions for the further development of the sport, he added.
Spinnakers fill with a following wind as yachts compete in Sunday's race on Dianshan Lake.
The racing J80 yachts created a colourful display on Dianshan Lake on Sunday.
Yacht crews jockey for position during the race on Sunday.
