Competitors show their strength in the 2018 National Sailing Championship in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, on Oct 16. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com.cn]

The 2018 National Sailing Championship opened in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, on Oct 16, attracting altogether 18 teams of nearly 300 athletes from all over the country to compete. 

Co-hosted by the Chinese Yachting Association, Zhejiang Water Sports Administration Center, Ningbo Sports Bureau, and Xiangshan People's Government, it is the largest and most high-end sailing event in China. 

The championship, lasting until Oct 21, will see course races and long-distance races for each of the five classes, namely, Men's 470 Class, Women's 470 Class, Men's Laser Class, Women's Laser Radial Class and the Finn Class, before the champions are decided.

The event serves not only as a test to athletes' preparations for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, but also as an examination of Xiangshan county's event organizing capacity, as the county will be the location for the sailing competition of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

The county plans to improve its event organizing capability through various sports competitions, so as to help make the to-be-held Asian Games a success, and show a positive image on the Asian stage.

Altogether 18 teams of nearly 300 athletes from all over the country compete in the event. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com.cn]