More than 100 sailors from 10 participating nations celebrated the start of the ASAF Sailing Cup 2016 with an Opening Ceremony in Shanghai, China. The sailors, coaches, family members and event staff were present in the Lawns of Shanghai Yacht Club and Resorts. Mr Lock Hong Kit, the Jury Chairman and the senior most ASAF official present, declared the second event of the ASAF Sailing Cup 2016 series officially open in front of nearly 400 people. The ASAF Flag was officially raised to symbolise the start of the championship.

Dr Malav Shroff, the President ASAF, conveyed his special greetings to the competitors, coaches, officials, parents and volunteers and reiterated the commitment of ASAF to grow sailing in Asia and especially in Shanghai, China. He made a special reference to the support of the Shanghai Yacht Club and Resorts and the Shanghai Sports Administration in making this event a reality. He added that it was his vision to see a rapid development of sailing in Shanghai and that he would do his utmost in attracting World’s premier events to Shanghai in future.

Mr. Sun Wei Min, (CHN) Deputy Director of Shanghai Sports Administration offered his welcome to the competitors, coaches and parents to Shanghai.

“Welcome you all for the ASAF Sailing Cup 2016 in Shanghai; Shanghai literally means "on the sea" in Chinese!! Once a small fishing village on the edge of the muddy Huang Pu River, with a history of 6,000 years, it has today become one of the world's most modern and sophisticated cities. This vivid City of modern China is undoubtedly an economic, financial, trade, cultural, science and technology Centre”

Captain Ajay Narang, the Chairman Events Committee of ASAF welcomed the sailors and wished them success.

“I would like to welcome all the sailors from 10 nations – China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Monaco, Myanmar, Oman, Thailand and Zimbabwe. I wish every success to you all!!

“Let's hope for good weather, good luck, have fun and a memorable championship. I am sure you will leave here with many new friends from around the world.”

He went on to thank the Shanghai Yacht Club and Resorts for making the ASAF Sailing Cup 2016 a reality and thanked the sponsors, equipment suppliers, all the organising committees and the volunteers for their hard work

Oaths were then taken on behalf of the competitors by Hong Kong and Chinese sailor’s Antonio Miguel Franco (HKG) and Yingying Zhang (CHN).

Following the official speeches, the gathering witnessed traditional dance performances by artists from Qingpu District.

Schedule

Wednesday 17 August – Arrival Day
Thursday 18 August – Training Day and Opening Ceremony
Friday 19 August – First Official Race Day (4 races scheduled)
Saturday 20 August –  Second Official Race Day (4 races scheduled)           
Sunday 21 August – Third Official Race Day (4 races scheduled), Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony
Monday 22 August – Departure Day