The 2007 Qingdao International Regatta, a trial event for the 2008 Olympic Games, opened in Qingdao, Shandong Province on Sunday.

Teams from 49 countries and regions are participating in the event. The regatta is being held at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

Qingdao, a port city in east China's Shandong Province, will be the venue for the sailing competition for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The 2007 Qingdao International Regatta is the second trial event for the 2008 Olympic sailing events.

The regatta runs from August 9 to 24 and features 11 events of 9 classes.

Goran Peterson, president of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), thanked the Qingdao Sailing Committee (SSCQD) for their expert preparation for the 2007 International Regatta in Qingdao on Sunday.

Peterson, who arrived here on Saturday, said that he was satisfied with the preparation made by Chinese friends, especially the volunteers.

"ISAF is very impressed by the first-rate regatta preparation. The venue is outstanding and all the plans are proceeding well," said Peterson.

"I want to say thank you to the Qingdao Sailing Committee and all the volunteers. Without you, this regatta would not be possible."

He attended the opening ceremony of the Qingdao International Regatta that was held in the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2007)