??? THE International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has announced that Qingdao will host the Asia leg of the ISAF Sailing World Cup in 2013 and 2014. ??? The announcement has made Qingdao the only domestic Chinese city to host the top international sailing event. ??? The events in 2013 and 2014 will be held at the city’s Olympic sailing center, respectively between Oct. 12 and 19 in 2013, as well as between Oct. 11 and 18 in 2014. ??? Each event will last eight days, including six competition days. ??? It is predicted that 1,010 boats and up to 1,470 contestants will take part in the sailing world cup. ??? Qingdao will provide US$180,000 in prize money for each event, as well as 300 boats for contestants to rent. ??? The city has played host to many international sailing events, including the Clipper Round the World, since 2008 when it successfully hosted the sailing event of the Beijing Olympics. ??? In 2009, the city initiated Qingdao International Sailing Week, which has become the most influential sailing event in Asia. ??? In addition, the city has been sparing no efforts to promote sailing sports on campus and among residents. ??? The ISAF Sailing World Cup was launched in 2008 and is set to be upgraded to an Olympic event. The event has been hosted in Australia, the United States and Britain. ??? Qingdao submitted to the ISAF its application to host the event on Sept. 30 last year and won thanks to its developed venue facilities, sound natural environment, rich experience in hosting sailing events and the popularity of sailing sports in the city.(Li Hao) | 