The race will start from Hong Kong on Friday 18th July with the fleet anticipated to arrive in Xiamen by that Sunday. Those crews who have work commitments could then fly to a nearby destination for a few days whereas the other crews can visit the city and its surrounding areas.
In view of the possible effects of typhoons in the region, this stopover will allow a buffer zone with the safe anchorage of Xiamen port to serve to maintain the safety of the fleet and the integrity of the event. Consequently, start times may be affected. Other safe haven ports will be advised to the participants should the need for a disabled yacht to put in for repairs or shelter.
The second leg from Xiamen to Qingdao will start on the following Saturday (26th July) leaving Taiwan to starboard and arriving about 1 week before the Sailing Event Opening Ceremony in Qingdao which is scheduled for 9th August, 2008.
The event will be open to local Asian based and international yachts and multi-hulls in the cruising, racing, maxi/super yacht and/or other divisional fleets depending upon the entry list. Careful attention has been paid to the prevailing weather conditions for July and August which should give mild to hot weather, following winds and a favourable current for the majority of the Race.
There is a possibility that entrants may be sent off on staggered starts for the legs with a view to achieving a mass finish of the entire fleet in Qingdao. The boats are welcome to stay in the Qingdao marina and watch the Olympic sailing from their yachts albeit from a respectable distance. Those boats then returning south should be in time for the northeast monsoon to make an easy passage home.
