Even as it is being hoisted, the mainsail begins to fill and the J/80 picks up speed. Although a sport boat, it’s well built for its size, easy to sail, safe and certified for offshore sailing. It’s an ideal boat for learning how to sail and it’s put to good use at Sanya Sailing Academy, located in Sanya Serenity Marina.

Hainan, and in particular Sanya, is beginning to replace Qingdao – the site of the 2008 Olympic sailing events – as China’s sailing capital. It may be a small scene at present, but thanks to a busy calendar of events including a stopover on the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race this year, it’s growing rapidly.

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