Qingdao organizers said on Saturday that they have worked hard to handle the four major challenges while preparing for the sailing competition of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Addressing a press conference in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Saturday, Qingdao Mayor Xia Geng said that the city fell short of experience in holding a large-scaled regatta, especially one of international standard.

The second challenge was that Qingdao hadn't boasted one single venue for formal regatta events until just two years ago.

The other two challenges were Qingdao's lack experienced staff in staging an international regatta and local people's poor knowledge about the sailing sport.

"During the past three years, Qingdao has done its utmost to deal with the challenges," Xia said.

"For instance, we have tried our best to publicize the sailing sport and send many staff to study abroad.

"In addition, we will have difficulties in August as in this month the wind speed, sea current and tide range are adverse to holding an international regatta of high level. Despite this, our technicians will find appropriate solutions," Xia added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2006)