Sailboats race across Qingdao's coastal waters during the 2026 Qingdao International Sailing Week. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Qingdao International Sailing Week has grown from a sailing-focused event into an expansive marine sports showcase, as the coastal city continues to increase the scale, international reach and public appeal of its signature sporting event.

The 18th Qingdao International Sailing Week and the third China (Qingdao) International Marine Sports Conference concluded on Sept 6. This year's program featured seven categories and 31 sporting and cultural activities, including 19 competitions and one training camp.

More than 3,000 athletes from 13 countries and regions competed in events ranging from sailing and stand-up paddleboarding to surfing, coastal rowing, kayaking, powerboat racing and powered surfing.

The event has grown consistently since Qingdao launched its first international sailing week in 2009, a year after hosting the sailing competitions of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The inaugural edition featured just six events, mainly domestic sailing competitions. In 2024, the China (Qingdao) International Marine Sports Conference was introduced, further broadening the event's scope.

This year, competitions spread beyond the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center to coastal venues including Shilaoren Beach, Liuqinghe, Golden Beach and the First Bathing Beach, bringing marine sports closer to the public.

Youth participation has also become a key part of Qingdao's sailing development. Since 2009, more than 110,000 young people have taken part in sailing classes, while 114 schools across the city now offer specialized sailing programs.

The annual event has become a platform connecting competitive sports, youth development, public fitness and coastal tourism.