Shanghai International Regatta 2015 announced

Historic First Professional Sailing Regatta Announced on Huangpu River, Shanghai

British sports consultancy Five West partners with Yachting Shanghai to deliver regatta in central Shanghai

On 28th January 2015, Shanghai Yuanzhou Cultural Communications Co. Ltd (Shanghai Yuanzhou Cultural) and Five West Ltd. announced the creation of Shanghai International Regatta, the first ever professional sailing regatta to be held on the Huangpu River in central Shanghai. The regatta will take place on 9th July to 11th July 2015 near the Shanghai World Expo Park, during the Yachting Shaghai Expo.

The large turnout of government officials, local businesses and journalists is an indicator of a fast-growing interest in the sport in China. Yachting Shanghai Expo is the first on-water marine expo in the city, so the addition of this regatta is a positive step for the marine industry in Shanghai.

Stewart Hosford, CEO of Five West, commented: "We are very excited to be announcing our long-term strategic partnership with Yuanzhou and the creation of Shanghai International Regatta. This is a unique opportunity to host the first ever professional sailing regatta on the Huangpu River, one of the world's most important rivers. The Five West team are working hard to finalise the full schedule of events and look forward to sharing that in the coming months."

Shining Li, General Manager of Shanghai Yuanzhou Cultural added: "This regatta is a very important part of Shanghai Yachting 2015. It's our grand vision to establish the sport of sailing across China and there are plans to support more marine events and programs in the years ahead. I will send our sincere invitations to the international sailing community and I hope these events will help us make this vision a reality."

Mr.Xi Qunfeng, Vice President of Shanghai Expo Development Group, in a speech at the press conference expressed that Shanghai Expo Development Group will give exceptional support to Yachting Shanghai 2015 and Shanghai International Regatta. It will provide a variety of indoor and outdoor locations to create a festival atmosphere.

The regatta will be held at Pu River basin between Lupu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge. It sits perfectly next to the World Expo Park and gives spectators a great view from the riverbank. As well as world class hospitality facilities for sponsors and VIPs, a dedicated spectator area will allow the general public to get involved in shore-side activities. The Shanghai International Regatta will be an annual regatta held on the Huangpu River.

Supported by Expo Shanghai Group the event will be co-organised by Shanghai Yuanzhou Cultural and Five West. The event has gained huge local governmental support from Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, Shanghai Sports Administration, Shanghai Pudong Municipal Commission of Economy and Commerce.