Changshu Shanghu International Elite Regatta
by Tom Ahlheid 21 Apr 15:42 BST
19-21 March 2026
2026 Changshu Shanghu International Elite Regatta © CSL
The 2026 Changshu Shanghu International Elite regatta was hosted on Shanghu lake, a 2 hour drive from Shanghai. 20 teams from 14 nations competed in Fareast 23 keelboats, with many world and national champions present within the fleet.
Three days of intense, tricky racing, with the shifty and sometimes fickle winds ensuring the racing remained close right until the finish!
Day 0
The event started with a practice day, with most teams having arrived the day before so they could sleep off some of the jetlag. The boats were provided as part of the event, so the equipment was unseen prior to this day. Team GBR (made of Helm: Tom Ahlheid, Main Trim : Bee Nee, Jib Trim: Sam Nee, Bow: Fiona Nee) had never sailed together, with minimal keelboat experience, so some acclimatisation was in order. We managed to get out for some manoeuvre practice in the light breeze that had filled – a sign of things to come! Practice sailing was followed by a fantastic opening ceremony, with a performance by some traditional Chinese dancers. We met some of the other teams over the delicious buffet that had been provided, before returning to the hotel for some rest before racing the next day.
Day 1
We launched in perfect sunshine and a consistent 6-8kts running down the lake: excitement was high as we headed towards the start line. Alas, as the land heated up during the race, the breeze started shifting by up to 90 degrees, with large puffs coming down from the mountain keeping the racing tight. After a 45-minute wait, the breeze shifted and somewhat stabilised, allowing for 3 tough races in about 6-10 knots.
Day 2
More breeze was forecast for day 2, but it was looking very similar to the first day as we headed out to the racecourse. Races 1 and 2 were light, with signs of the breeze picking up in race 2. Race 3 was slightly more consistent, although both wind strength and angle were still varying by 20 degrees, so it was crucial to keep heads out of the boat to link up the pressure and stay in control of the fleet. This race was made more interesting by the windward mark being set just to the right of a shallow patch marked with red flags, making for a tough strategic decision as we approached the windward mark. The day was cut short after 3 races so that the competitors could watch the boxing in the event village!
Day 3
We were not expecting much wind today due to a pessimistic forecast, and sure enough we arrived to a glassy flat lake. Nevertheless, zephyrs were forming whilst we were rigging; we launched into a gentle 3 knots which carried us to the start line. The orange flags were up, and the breeze was looking more promising until a 90-degree right shift came in, putting us under AP. This was the story of the day until racing was cancelled, resulting in some swimming from our team! After a few post sailing interviews, we headed back to the hotel for the closing and award ceremony. This was another stunning event with a red-carpet entrance. After a few words from some event organisers, the top 8 were announced, with Team GBR placing 7th overall in a very competitive fleet.
This was a fantastic event and great to experience the local culture alongside the competitive racing. It was amazing meet so many people, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming. A massive thank you extended to Arthur Sports for organising such an extraordinary event. We hope to return next year!
Overall Results:
| Pos | Bow No | Team | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 2 | Malina Racing Team (KGZ) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 |
| 2 | 16 | Binks Marine (AUS) | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 16 |
| 3 | 19 | Ullman Sails (CAY) | 7 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 20 |
| 4 | 13 | Vladmore Sailing Team (ROU) | 4 | DPI 65 | 1 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 245 |
| 5 | 17 | * (CHN) | 2 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 26 |
| 6 | 14 | * (CHN) | 6 | 10 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 38 |
| 7 | 18 | Knot A Clew (GBR) | 10 | 7 | 11 | 6 | 14 | 10 | 1 | 45 |
| 8 | 3 | Amigos Sailing Team (TUR) | 11 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 20 | 49 |
| 9 | 12 | SINO‑AFRIKA (RSA) | 5 | 8 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 6 | 8 | 53 |
| 10 | 5 | Team Rosebud (USA) | 8 | 15 | 4 | 15 | 8 | UFD | 7 | 57 |
| 11 | 4 | * (CHN) | 16 | 9 | 13 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 59 |
| 12 | 10 | The Viking (DEN) | 15 | 12 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 61 |
| 13 | 1 | * (CHN) | 9 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 67 |
| 14 | 20 | Lord of the Sail (RUS) | 12 | 13 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 8 | 14 | 74 |
| 15 | 9 | Fire (ARM) | 13 | 19 | 16 | 18 | 6 | 15 | 11 | 79 |
| 16 | 6 | * (CHN) | 17 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 80 |
| 17 | 11 | Wind Rises (UAE) | 14 | DPI 155 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 13 | 16 | 925 |
| 18 | 7 | (CHN) | 19 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 98 |
| 19 | 8 | Sabai Sabai (BEL) | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 19 | 110 |
| 20 | 15 | * (CHN) | 20 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 114 |