Shenzhen, China, announced as new host of World Match Racing Tour Finals 2021-2025

Organisers of the World Match Racing Tour today announced a new agreement with the People’s Government of Bao’an District of Shenzhen, China to host the World Match Racing Tour Finals from 2021-2025.

The agreement marks a first major step in a strategic development by the World Match Racing Tour to expand and promote match racing in China and other Asian markets.

The Tour has been sanctioned by World Sailing as a ‘Special Event’ since 2006 and annually awards the Match Racing World Championship.

The event was approved by the General Administration of Sports of China. The new event, Shenzhen – Bao’an Match Cup, will be hosted by the Organising Committee of the World Match Racing Tour and the China Yachting Association, the Shenzhen Municipal Administration of Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports, and People’s Government of Bao’an District of Shenzhen.

“We are delighted to announce this important new partnership with the People’s Government of Bao’an District of Shenzhen,” commented WMRT Executive Director James Pleasance.

“Shenzhen is well-known for hosting major international sports events, including the WTA Tour and World Cup of Golf. Importantly for WMRT, it is an exciting opportunity for us to promote and develop match racing in China including at regional and local levels.”

The event will be organised by the Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Bao’an District of Shenzhen, and operated by Shenzhen Across Four Oceans Sailing Club Co., Ltd.

The first Shenzhen – Bao’an Match Cup will take place in Dachan Bay, Bao’an District, Shenzhen from 15-19 December, 2021 and will award a minimum prize purse of USD $200,000. The race area will be located close to the Qianhai Free Trade Zone and Bao’an Coastal Culture Park, providing spectators the opportunity to enjoy and watch the racing from close to the shore.

Average temperatures in Shenzhen during December are around 21°C with wind speeds ranging from 7-12 knots. The boats to be used at the Shenzhen – Bao’an Match Cup will be confirmed at a later date.

Yao Ren, Party chief of Bao’an District and member of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, commented “I would like to thank Chris Lee from the World Match Racing Tour for bringing the World Tour to Bao’an.

“Bao’an is located on the coast of the South China Sea, a region with one of the strongest industrial foundations and the most innovative vitality in China. Its location and climate are suitable for sailing all year round.

“We look forward to attracting the world’s best sailors from the World Match Racing Tour to compete in Bao’an, and to injecting a vitality into the 49km coastline of Bao’an, and at the same time, actively promoting the development of competitive sailing in the region and introduce the sport to a new and young audience.

“We hope this opportunity will also attract commercial organisations to participate in sailing and help develop the sport and sailing industry in Bao’an District.”

Recently-appointed President of World Sailing, Quanhai Li, added, “I am excited to see the World Match Racing Tour come to China and to the Bao’an District of Shenzhen for the first time.

“The ability for major events to promote and attract new interest and participation in sailing in markets such as China is a great benefit to the growth of our sport. I wish the World Match Racing Tour every success.”
 
Ms. Zhang Xiaodong, Chairman of China Yachting Association, also added, “The World Match Racing Tour is a high-level inshore competition.

“Hosting the WMRT finals in Bao’an China has played a positive role in promoting the development of Chinese professional sailing events, providing a good technical exchange platform for Chinese professional sailors, and providing a broader space for their future career development.”

Find out more about Shenzhen, the Shenzhen – Bao’an Match Cup, and the World Match Racing Tour.