The Beihai, which competes for China, takes part in the Thailand station of the 2019 Belt and Road International Regatta on Dec 6. [Photo/Xinhua]

A total of 73 teams from 15 countries competed in the waters of Kata Beach at the 2019 Belt and Road International Regatta, which opened in Phuket Island, Thailand on Dec 6.

The 2019 Belt and Road International Regatta is co-sponsored by the China Yachting Association, the Guangxi Sports Bureau, and the Beihai government. From Dec 1, 2019 to Jan 12, 2020, the event will be held in Phuket, Thailand, Beihai, China, Singapore, and Langkawi, Malaysia. The total number of participants will exceed 1,000.

The international event aims to promote exchanges to bolster the development of sailing in China and ASEAN countries, as well as promote cooperation in politics, economics, culture, and tourism between China and ASEAN countries through the platform of sports.

The Thailand station of the international regatta is cooperating with the Thai King Cup International Regatta, the most popular sailing event in Asia. The Beihai station will start on Dec 13, with nearly 100 sailing boats, as well as 400 crew members and competition officials from 20 countries and regions participating in it, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Australia, Germany, Spain, Greece, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Chinese Taipei, and Macao.

A number of events, such as the Family Sailing Day, environmental protection public welfare activities, and Beihai Day, will be carried out during the competitions in the Beihai station to attract the general public.