HNA Sailing Team claims maiden awards at China Cup International Regatta

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th China Cup International Regatta organized by the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China was held in Daya Bay, Shenzhen from October 24 to October 27. The HNA Sailing Team, which made its maiden entry in the competition, beat top sailing teams from all over the world to claim the top spot in Division C, IRC and won the second prize in SOTO, thanks to their proven sailing skills, excellent teamwork and well thought out strategies.

This is the eighth consecutive year for the China Cup International Regatta, the most influential big yacht sailing regatta in Asia. The four-day competition consisted of track and rally races. Since debuting eight years ago, the Regatta has brought together sailing teams from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania and Africa and attracts over 100 teams from more than 33 countries and regions who compete in the event every year. More than 140 teams enrolled for the eighth of the annual events with 108 teams from 32 countries and regions qualifying to compete in the competition, representing the highest number of qualified teams ever for the event.

Established in July 2014, HNA Sailing Team is China's first full-time professional sailing team made up of retired members of the national sailing team. All the members are Chinese sailing professionals at the top of their game. The Beneteau 40 CR yacht built by Beneteau Group has a length of 12.58 meters and full beam of 3.89 meters, with a maximum speed of 10 knots. It is the first sailing yacht bought by the HNA Sailing Team.

The HNA Sailing Team, which made its maiden entry in the competition, claimed the top spot in Division C, IRC and won the second prize in SOTO. It is the first Chinese team to claim the championship, demonstrating the sailing team's leadership position in China as well as its endurance, energy, confidence and competitive spirit.

SOURCE HNA Tourism Group