The Jinji Lake in SIP was pulsating with passion as the 2024 (15th) Lake Cup Regatta (LCR) took place. Boats with sails of varied, bright colors ran fast on the crystal-like lake which was rendered particularly beautiful by the blue sky and white clouds. From Oct 17 to 20, over 20 teams, comprising about 150 contestants from different countries and regions, competed in the exciting races and, at the same time, gained a better knowledge of SIP and the city of Suzhou in a diversity of activities. “In recent years, sailing events in the country have seen innovations, tending to meet international norms and be closer to the public, and even to be artistic. The LCR has stood out with unique advantages, and plays a leading role nationwide,” said Liu Weidong, vice chairman of Chinese Yachting Association. Liu said Suzhou had become a center for the spread of the sport of sailing, hoping that the LCR would lead better development of the sport in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. An event organized based on international standards Sailing has a long and illustrious history, captivating both athletesand spectators with its unique blend of skill, strategy and teamwork. The LCRhas been upgraded year by year, not only in its scale, but also in the detailsof its organization. It is on a par with many international sailing events interms of the competition system design, the participants and the jury. As the previous sessions, this year’s event adopted the handicap system,and allowed the contestants to compete with their own boats. It also had an arbitrationpanel composed of Natalia Chubenko from Russia, Pilsung Lee fromthe Republic of Korea and Lu Qidong from China to ensure the event went on in afair and standard way.“I am very honored to be a member of the arbitration panel. My colleagues are very professio... [MORE] Sailing becomes a feature of urban landscape Viewed from the Jinshuiwan Trestle, the Jinji Station 06 iseye-catching. The giant sculpture of sailboat on its roof composes a beautifulpicture with the boats dotted on the lake. Chen Wangjun, chairman of Suzhou Baqi Sailing Club who initiated the LCR,said the biggest highlight of this year’s event was the use of the Jinji Station 06 as a venue of the event, whichhe believed provided both the contestants and the spectators a new experience. Sailing is winning the favor of more and more people in Suzhou, a citydeeply associated with water. The LCR organization has made consistent effortsin recent years to make the sport part of the local life. Sailing classes areoffered to youngsters, and competitions held for them. Statistics show that, averagely,the number of youngsters joining sailing ... [MORE] A grand gathering offering multiple experiences The bazaar, parties, sports, food, music andperformances made the event more than a competition. It was a carnival forthose who fancy trendy sports, culture and art. Since its initiation, the LCR has been shouldering the task topopularize the culture related to sailing, and has demonstrated highperformance in combining water sports with business, tourism, culture and art.It has developed into one of the most influential urban lake sailing events inthe country.Thanks to the event, night sailing has become acommon sight on Jinji Lake, and also a new feature of SIP. “Through the Jinji Station 06, we will enhance efforts to popularizesailing. The service station offers people chances to try sailing and joinprofessional sailing training. More water projects will be added in the futurefor stand... [MORE]