Qingdao Sailing Bulletin - November 2009
by Jeppe Mortensen (revised January 28, 2010)
Dress for the swim, not for the weather
A drysuit keeps you safe and dry
As we get into November, Qingdao’s sailing clubs are packing up their boats for the winter. That’s a pity. Here in Qingdao the colder months offer the best wind conditions of the year, and the prevailing northerly winds give us plenty of days with flat waters which translates into reduced drag on a boat and better speed.
When sailing during the colder months it is important to dress for the water temperature. A few minutes in cold water will steal more heat from your body than hours of exposure to cold air. While ending up in the water is not a frequent occurrence, it is very important that you’re dressed up for that eventuality - which means getting into a drysuit.
A drysuit will not make you look trendy, but being safe, dry, and comfortable is essential to enjoy the great sailing conditions the colder months have to offer.
Keep on sailing
With opportunities for going sailing shrinking dramatically come November, more private individuals have taken matters into their own hands and bought a boat.
This development has seen the number of WETA trimarans in the Olympic Sailing Center grow from one boat in October 2008 to now 10 boats (as of November, 2009).
A WETA trimaran on Fushan Bay outside Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center
Owning your own boat offers distinct advantages. You can go sailing anytime you desire (throughout the year) plus you can sail in comfort knowing that you haven't compromised on your personal safety by renting a boat in a questionable condition.
Buying your own boat in China can also save you money, and a smaller boat easily goes into a container with the rest of your belongings (in case you’re moving somewhere else). If buying a boat on your own is out of the question, sharing a boat with a friend is a cost effective alternative.
One boat buying option in Qingdao is the New Zealand-designed WETA trimaran.
The Olympic Sailing Center - not just for sailing
The Olympic Sailing Center is gradually turning into what it ought to be - a place with lots of boats out on the water and a place where anyone, can go at anytime, to enjoy a peaceful maritime environment.
With free access to the marina, why not make the beautiful light house at the end of the 543 meters long and 47 meters wide main breakwater a destination for your daily exercise? Enjoy the excellent views and fresh air, then have a refreshment drink from one of the convenience stores operating directly under the breakwater.
Bars and restaurants are also opening up in rapid succession under the main breakwater. Take a walk in the marina during the evening and enjoy Qingdao’s impressive skyline - then sit down and enjoy the view with a drink in hand.
Looking a bit ahead...
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is scheduled to arrive in Qingdao February 19-22, 2010. This is the third time Qingdao is competing in, and hosting a stop-over of the race.
In the February issue, this space will have more information about the race and practical information about where you can go to take in the action. Until then you can read more about the Qingdao Team and follow the Clipper Race’s en route to Qingdao here: www.clipperroundtheworld.com
Read also,
the newer bulletin Qingdao Sailing - December 2009/January 2010,
or check the headlines of other sailing bulletins by year: 2008 | 2009 | 2010
Qingdao sailing questions?
Call 138-8463-7870 (Jeppe) or email
This bulletin was published in;
Qingdao Expat Magazine (November 2009)