A China national sailing team, named "China. Sina" is looking to challenge the 19th Phuket King's Cup Regatta, to be held from December 4 to 11 in Thailand.

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta, held in honour of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand to commemorate his birthday on December 5, has grown into the biggest sailing event in Asia.

Though there have been participants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in previous events, this is the first time a sailing team from the Chinese mainland to join Asia's most popular sailing party.

"King's Cup is an event in Asia but is labelled as one of the world's top 10 sailing tournaments. More than 100 sailing boats come and compete every year," said Li Quanhai, vice director of the National Aquatic Administration Centre.

"Sailing is not as popular in China as in other countries. So to compete in a major sailing event is a great chance to gain experience and help develop the sports in China," Li said.

Inaugurated in 1987, the regatta had modest beginnings but is now widely regarded as Asia's largest. It combines top-quality racing with spectacular scenery and sailing conditions and outstanding social events. Each year, His Majesty the King sends a personal representative to present the King's Cup trophies on his behalf. This special Royal awards ceremony is the highlight of the event.

Though the Chinese team comprises amateurs, it is not lacking in confidence.

"Sailing is a sport that mostly depends on teamwork. All of us have the experience of working together. I believe we will have a good result in the King's Cup," said Wang Bin of Sina Corporation, a leading online media company and also the main organizer of the team.

Wang, also the captain of the 14-member group, and his team-mates sailed more than 11,000 sea miles in the first half of this year, crossing the Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean from France to Shenzhen of South China's Guangdong Province.

Their brave attempt greatly boosted the sport's popularity and won high praise from top officials.

"Sailing is an internationally popular event. I am so glad to see that Chinese people have overcome poor conditions and tackled all difficulties to record such accomplishments," said Li.

(China Daily December 2, 2005)