In early summer, the coastal city of Qingdao is brimming with vibrant charm as it hosts the World Sailing Championships and the China Volleyball Open (Northern Division), adding momentum to the "Good Luck Shandong" initiative. Qiao Yunping, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Shandong Provincial Sports Bureau, attended the opening ceremonies of both major events.

From May 10 to 17, the 2025 ILCA 6 Women’s World Championship and ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship are being held at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

"As the host city, Qingdao aims to deliver a world-class sailing event that highlights both international standards and distinctive local characteristics," said an official from the city of Qingdao.

Andrews Bocksi, Chief Operating Officer of the International ILCA Class Association, stated that Qingdao, known as China’s “Sailing Capital,” boasts exceptional sea conditions and a long-standing maritime heritage. As the host city of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Regatta, Qingdao has continued to lead the development of sailing sports. Hosting the ILCA World Championships in Qingdao allows this premier global event to shine alongside the city’s unique charm.

At the opening ceremony, Qiao Yunping and Andrews Bocksi exchanged gifts on behalf of the Shandong Provincial Sports Bureau and the International ILCA Class Association, expressing their shared hopes of building friendships through sailing.

In recent years, Qingdao has leveraged its exceptional marine resources to vigorously promote water sports such as sailing. The city has successfully hosted high-level events including the Olympic Sailing Regatta, the Sailing World Cup, and the ICF Stand Up Paddling World Championships. These efforts have greatly contributed to the popularization of sailing and other water sports, giving rise to a thriving sports event economy and enhancing Qingdao’s reputation as the “Sailing Capital” on the world stage.

The 2025 ILCA 6 Women’s and ILCA 7 Men’s World Championships are classified as Olympic-level international Class A events and serve as a key stop on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This is also the first time the event is being held in Qingdao. A total of 237 elite athletes from 49 countries and regions are participating, including 99 women and 138 men. The competition consists of qualification and final rounds, culminating in the crowning of world champions in both categories.

The event is co-hosted by the International ILCA Class Association, the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Yachting Association, the Shandong Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government.