"The Olympic sailing competition has been a tremendous success," Goran Petersson, chairman of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), said at the farewell party for the Olympic sailing competition.
"Qingdao has played an important role in popularizing sailing in China - and in all of Asia," Petersson told China Daily.
"The commitment of the sailing committee and the city was important. They put a lot of effort behind this, not only to deliver this very successful event, but also to build for the future," he said.
Petersson said he agreed with assertions that China is not yet a top sailing nation, but showed more than promise in Qingdao. "There is every reason why sailing will be just as big in China as in any other country with a significant coastline."
"I am sure that Qingdao will be very competitive in becoming a prominent sailing center that hosts many international events," Petersson said.
Sailing is far from over in Qingdao, with two world-renowned yacht races signed on for stopovers in the port city. The Volvo Around the World Race will arrive in Qingdao next February and the Clipper Around the World Yacht Race will call on Qingdao during its 2009-10 and 2011-12 seasons.
Petersson heaped praise on the venue, volunteers and the Olympic Village.
"The venue is outstanding. It is a very, very high-quality marina and very organized. I was impressed the entire time I've been here. A lot of city volunteers. Everybody is friendly and interested.
"I can't remember that I've seen that anywhere-the friendliness and commitment of the people here. All of these things together are very impressive," Petersson said.
Source: China Daily
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