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The National Organisation of Community Sailing Programmes (NOCSP) was founded in
2004 and was the inspiration of a few keen sailors to enhance and bring the sport to local children.
With the Olympics 2008 in China, Qingdao became the sailing city that it is today. Over the last
few years since, the Olympic Marina was developed and extensive facilities were built for the
thousands of visitors to benefit from. For those of us who have been in Qingdao for a number of
years, will continue to be impressed with the increase of infrastructure compared to earlier times.
The walk along Aomen Lu will never be the same!
Qingdao International School Network was initiated in 2008 to increase and share
opportunities with extracurricular activities for the foreign students of the four international
schools; KISQ, QISS, QMIS and YCIS. Representatives of each school meet periodically and host
different events. Since 2007 YCIS has recognised the sailing programmes offered by the NOCSP
for local children and have continually supported with sponsorship. This has led to sailing
programmes being share with international students as young as eight years old. A special five
week sailing programme was generated by NOCSP and offered to students of the four schools
mentioned. A total of fifty students registered to join the NOCSP programme in April 2010.
The students’ sailing ability varied due to age and experience. Two classes of boat were
offered, the Optimist and Splash; with a beginners’ and advanced division being set up for
Optimist sailors.
Care for the different parts of the boat, terminology, how to rig the boat, tying knots required,
understanding the principals of sailing, controlling the boat with wind change, safety, rules of
racing and how to deal with capsizing were items on the training programme. For some
participants confidence had to be sought and improved whereas for others it was a chance to
develop their skill and really feel the thrill of the open water.
The concluding regatta in May gave the students the chance to experience sailing racing. As per
usual conduct, the sailors gave their oath to sail with good sportsmanship. A simple course was set
up by the trainers; using strict regatta practices and rules, their skills were tested. Trophies were
awarded to first, second and third places per race and two School Races (Optimist and Splash)
were the ultimate events - each school pulled on their most successful sailors to head for the
bigger trophies! The closing ceremony was honored with a key member of the Yachting
Association as they acknowledged the spread of the love of sailing amongst the youth residing in
Qingdao.
For further information about future programmes expected, please contact:
