2010 "Weihai Cup" Hobie Worlds kicked off at Weihai International Bathing Beach on August 16. It’s the first time this event is held in Asia.

This sailing regatta sees 216 sailors from 22 countries and regions including United States, France, Germany and Brazil contesting in over 50 matches covering five events ranging from youth groups, women`s groups, masters, the grand masters and world open.

"As an ideal tourism and habitat city, Weihai is a good place to develop sailing sport. We feel proud for staging the 2010 Hobie Worlds," Sun Shutao, mayor of Weihai said.

Li Quanhai, president of Asia Sailing Federation, said the 2010 Hobie Worlds which is held in Weihai will open a new page for China’s sailing sport.

Initiated in Hawaii, USA in 1976, HOBIE World Championships is a world-class sailing competition organized by International Hobie Class Association and is approved by the International Sailing Federation. The 2010 Hobie Worlds is scheduled to end on August 30.