The city of Shanghai is historically a port city, which means water is just part of its DNA. Back when the Bund was in its heyday, the city itself was emerging as an international hub; a place where the East met the West. The Huangpu River is an iconic symbol of this city, which is why water plays such a vital role in Shanghai’s unique culture and history. On November 15 1873, there was a historical sailing competition at the northern part of the Bund. While so much has changed in Shanghai, the city is still known as an international city on the water. And that racing competition has not been forgotten.
With the support of relevant leaders from Shanghai Sports Bureau, Hongkou District People's Government, Shanghai Sports Federation, Hongkou District Sports Bureau, China Yachting and Windsurfing Association Executive Committee, SYC is working to bring this city and its historic relationship with water into the modern era.
The goal is to create a community and society that will embrace the concept of ‘The Extraordinary on Water.’ Since its founding, SYC has been fostering and spearheading water-related activities for the Shanghai community. Their new slogan of ‘The Extraordinary on Water’ encapsulates not only water sports and performances but includes other aspects from sustainability to lifestyle. In a society that is constantly evolving it’s more important than ever to merge the past and present by celebrating the city’s culture and history.
With this in mind, SYC will be hosting a whole slew of activities this year revolving around sports, performances, sustainability, lifestyle and future growth. They have initiated collaboration with Insituto Marangoni, an institute that ties together fashion, design and art. Throughout the institute’s history, adapting to the evolving society while staying in touch with tradition is a core mission.
They are also proud to announce the launch of 2018 Nacra 17 Shanghai Cup Competition and Nacra 17 Asian Championships which will take place in September. The sailing competition – which hadn’t been held in 145 years – was a smashing success last year. This year’s event will mark the proud second anniversary of the championship.
The Nacra 17 speed sailing boat used in the race was featured in the competition level of the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, representing the development of modern sailing boats. In addition, the newly added hydrofoil Nacra 17 sailing boat will appear in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The high level of sportsmanship and excellent viewing of the Innocara sailboats are enjoyed not only by aficionados but by the general audience. This year's Shanghai Cup will feature professional teams and top competitors from more than a dozen countries and regions, including China. It is one of the rare high-level sailing events in China.
This year's event will combine the concept of sports and sustainability to showcase the charm of these events and promote the sustainable development of life, water ecology and urban life. The Shanghai Cup competition will combine sports, art and fashion to bring fashion closer to the sea and to convey the attitude and concept of sustainable development, fashion and sports.
Through science and technology, history and culture are modernized, bringing a variety of wonderful waterfront lifestyles to citizens and enhancing the pride and honor of Shanghai residents, deepening the public's understanding of the city's maritime culture and creating a happy, healthy and sustainable quality of life to Shanghai residents.
“We are excited to announce the launch of the 2018 edition of our much awaited Nacra 17 Shanghai Cup Competition and Nacra 17 Asian Championships in the coming month of September. Following our success last year, we have rebranded the event in 2018 and will look forward to a much bigger event. We are hopeful to put together a gala that’s not only a sporting event but a grand phenomenon that you will love to enjoy with your entire family,” stated a leading spokesperson from the organizational team of the premiere competition.
A wealth of buildings with exotic architectural style line the bank of Huangpu River, which makes the Bund ‘the Exhibition of World Architecture.’ And across the river lie numerous skyscrapers. They form a perfect combination of modernity and history, making it an ideal setting for the race. However, buildings along the river vastly influence on the wind conditions, making it more of a challenge for competitors. Thus, strategy and skill are of great significance and the choice of route is crucial.
“One of the best parts of the championship is that it no longer restricts sailing to an event meant only for the elite but opens up the world of water sports for all with a focus on sustainability, health, lifestyle and future.”
Our Extraordinary on the Water movement wants to give back the pride and the excitement of water to the city and the people of Shanghai.
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