QINGDAO has handed in its application to the International Sailing Federation for hosting the Asia leg of the 2013 and 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup. There are six legs at the annual competitions and many top sailors around the world will participate in the games. In the past, it was only held in Europe, the United States and Australia and the federation decided to set up the Asia leg, Africa leg and Middle East leg from 2013. Competition for the Asia leg will be held in October 2013 and October 2014. The federation will announce the host place in February next year. “Qingdao has held several top international sailing competition. If it wins this time, it will become one of the most important cities for sailing events and the Asian city which has hosted the largest number of international sailing competitions,” said Lin Zhiwei, vice chairman of the city’s sailing sports association. The Clipper Round the World 2011-12 will visit Qingdao again at the beginning of next year and 10 yachts, including the Qingdao, will participate in the competition. The first Clipper yacht will arrive at the Olympic Sailing Center on Feb. 20. They will leave Qingdao for California on March 4. (Wang Yuanyuan, Wang Dawei)  | 