QINGDAO: Sailors will get down to serious business today at the 2007 Qingdao International Regatta, the final Olympic test event of 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition.

Preparation for next year's big event has scored straight-A marks from International Sailing Federation Vice-President David Kellett (ISAF).

"Qingdao sailing committee should be very proud of what they are achieving in this venue," Kellett said.

"Everything has been delivered on time - we are happy."

The regatta is taking place at the Olympic Sailing Center, Fushan Bay, in East New Zone of Qingdao.

The center is prepared, ready and waiting for today's races.

The expansive sailing venue is teeming with sailors from all corners of the earth.

"The testing has gone very well," Kellett said. "We are looking forward to the commencement of the competition."

After the 2006 regatta, 184 problems relating to organization, security and city operation were analyzed and resolved within months.

"There are many things I knew have changed this year such as new buildings. Fine changes have been done. We are very happy with new buildings and facilities they presented," Kellett remarked.

International technicians and athletes echoed him.

"About the venue, I think this is the best of all," Croatian technician Miroslav Margetic told China Daily.

German Radial athlete Petra Niemann agreed.

"Facilities here are really good," she said.

"They finished their work one year before. It's easy to get boats into water and to drag in fresh water. Everything is good."

Kellett said cooperation between international technical officials and their national counterparts had been outstanding.

(China Daily 08/15/2007 page24)