Seven Editions Continue to Write New Chapter in Sports Exchange Along Maritime Silk Road
On the evening of December 7th, the 2025 Belt and Road International Regatta concluded in Beihai, Guangxi. After five consecutive days of intense competition, Xiamen City Vocational College Sailing Team One, Zinie Photovoltaic Sailing Team, and Nansheng Sailing Team claimed the championship, runner-up, and third place respectively. The awards ceremony was held at the Yintan No.1 International Conference Center Hotel, marking the successful conclusion of this high-level sailing event which brought together nearly 200 athletes from 30 teams representing nine countries.
International Dignitaries Gathered for Sailing Feast
Since its opening on December 4th, the event has attracted widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Distinguished guests including Mr. Li Quanhai, President of World Sailing, Mr. Tomasz Chamera, Vice President of World Sailing, Mr. Liang Jianbo, Deputy Director of the Guangxi Sports Bureau, and Mr. Lei Chen, Vice Mayor of Beihai City, attended the opening ceremony and jointly launched the event. At the closing ceremony, Mr. Tomasz Chamera, Vice President of World Sailing, Mr. Chen Chao, Director of the Guangxi Water Sports Development Center, and officials from relevant departments of Beihai City presented awards to the top six teams.
To express gratitude for the support from all parties, the Guangxi Sailing and Windsurfing Association presented specially invited technical officials with Beihai's intangible cultural heritage shell carving souvenirs, while Guangxi Tourism Development Coastal Investment Co., Ltd. issued honorary certificates to volunteer representatives, highlighting the event's humanistic warmth and spirit of international collaboration.
High-Level Competition Showcases Sailing Charm
This year's event adopted a combined format of "inshore races + long-distance race," comprehensively testing the athletes' skills and teamwork. On the windswept waters of Beihai, teams navigated the waves and competed with precision. Xiamen City Vocational College Sailing Team One secured the championship through consistent performance, followed by Zinie Photovoltaic Sailing Team and Nansheng Sailing Team. Teams from the United States, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and other participating countries also demonstrated excellent competitive spirit.
Sports as a Bridge, Deepening Belt and Road Exchange and Cooperation
Since its inception in 2019, the Belt and Road International Regatta has been successfully held for seven editions, with its footprint reaching Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Croatia, Turkey, and other countries, becoming the first Chinese large-scale sailing event to land in Europe. Beihai, a crucial departure port of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, leverages its exceptional maritime environment to continuously develop an event model integrating "competition + tourism" and "competition + commerce," promoting the deep integration of sports with cultural and tourism industries.
At the opening ceremony, Vice Mayor Lei Chen of Beihai stated that Beihai always adheres to the philosophy of "hosting one event to invigorate a city," injecting new vitality into the cultural, tourism, and sports industries through such events. Deputy Director Liang Jianbo of the Guangxi Sports Bureau pointed out that this event has become a key platform for Guangxi's international sports exchange. In the future, efforts will continue to promote the deep integration of sports with tourism, culture, and other industries, building a new sports development model with Guangxi characteristics.
With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Belt and Road International Regatta, Beihai has further solidified its status as an excellent venue for international sailing events. The event not only showcased the passion of high-level sailing competition but also embodied the integration of sports and culture, injecting new vitality and meaning into the development of the Maritime Silk Road.
