The prestigious sailing event kicked off in Beihai, China, and sees active participation from Malaysia, reflecting the nation’s significant role in fostering international sports and cultural exchanges through the Belt and Road Initiative.

On the morning of October 10, the 2024 “Belt and Road” International Regatta officially kicked off at Beihai Guanling Bay marina in southern China. The pre-launch ceremony attracted 30 sailing teams from countries including Malaysia, Croatia, Turkey, Italy, France, South Africa, and Singapore, underlining the event’s international scale and its role in fostering global sports cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The regatta, organised by Arthur Sports, showcased the significance of sports diplomacy and highlighted Beihai’s growing reputation as a centre for international marine events. Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were Li Li, Beihai’s Deputy Secretary and Mayor; Li Quanhai, President of World Sailing; Wei He, Deputy Director of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sports Bureau; and Azlan Abdullah, Executive Director of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in Malaysia, among others.

The highlight of the ceremony came when Mayor Li Li presented the official flag to the captain of Beihai’s sailing team, marking the start of the regatta. Speeches were also delivered by Wei He and Beihai Deputy Mayor Mai Chengzhu. Wei He praised the regatta as the first national-level sailing event linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting the continued support from World Sailing and Chinese government agencies. He noted that the event has significantly boosted the popularity and development of sailing not only in China but also internationally, fostering cooperation between participating nations, including Malaysia.

Mai Chengzhu, Deputy Mayor of Beihai, warmly welcomed all participants, drawing attention to Beihai’s historic role as a key port along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Beihai’s unique geographical location has cemented its status as a critical hub for Belt and Road cooperation. In recent years, Beihai has rapidly developed into a premier location for marine sports, hosting numerous high-profile events that have accelerated the city’s goal of becoming the “marine sports paradise” of southern China. The “Belt and Road” International Regatta, which has now run for six consecutive years, has played an important role in expanding cultural and sports exchanges with Belt and Road countries, helping to solidify these ties through marine sports.

The event also holds great significance for Malaysia, which, as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, contributes to the regatta both through its active participation and by promoting the strategic cooperation underpinning the event. The Malaysian team, led by representatives from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, showcases the country’s robust engagement with marine sports on an international level. With Malaysia’s long coastline and vibrant sailing community, this collaboration further highlights the country’s commitment to the BRI and its support for fostering people-to-people exchanges through sport.

The 2024 “Belt and Road” International Regatta will be held in four countries – China, Malaysia, Croatia, and Turkey. Beihai serves as the opening venue, hosting hundreds of top-level sailors, making this the largest and most prestigious sailing event in China this year. The regatta is expected to captivate sailing enthusiasts around the world, offering a unique mix of high-level competition and cultural exchange. In Malaysia, the event will build on the country’s established reputation for marine sports, with a leg of the regatta expected to be held at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, further reinforcing Malaysia’s role in promoting international sailing competitions.

In addition to the excitement of the race, the regatta offers a variety of side activities aimed at promoting Beihai’s rich cultural and tourism offerings. The “Belt and Road” International Regatta Village features a market area, food stalls, an interactive outdoor space, and public displays that blend sports with tourism. Visitors can not only enjoy the thrilling sailing competition but also experience Beihai’s unique local culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty. By integrating marine sports with tourism, the event attracts a large number of citizens and tourists, injecting new life into Beihai’s marine sports industry and further boosting the city’s economy.

This year’s regatta is not just a competitive sports spectacle but also an important cultural event that strengthens international ties through sports, tourism, and shared experiences. As Beihai celebrates 40 years as one of China’s first coastal cities to open up to the world, the regatta serves as a reflection of the city’s achievements in connecting with global partners and embracing the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of collaboration and shared prosperity.