Photo: Courtesy of the Chinese Yachting Association

Team China&UK Dream won the Hobie T2 race in the two-day family sailing race in Shanghai on Sunday, while Team Wakanda won the Hobie Getaway title. Both teams featured members who were former professional sailors.

Zhang Hongli, captain of Team China&UK Dream and a former professional sailor on the Shanghai team, said that her younger teammates winning the trophy came second to the benefit brought by the experience of competing in the event. 

"Sailing can help teenagers be independent and think critically. I hope they can carry on this spirit even when not competing," Zhang said.

Shen Qi, captain of Team Wakanda and also a former Shanghai professional sailor, praised organizers for hosting the race in a troubled year beleaguered by COVID-19. 

China's sailing Olympic champion Xu Lijia, a Shanghai local, also attended the event as a special guest. 

"The popularity of sailing is growing and there are more and more events that offer enthusiasts easy access to sailing," Xu said.