The Hong Kong Dragon World Championship will be held in Hong Kong in 2027, co-organised by the International Dragon Association and the Hong Kong Dragon Association.

Olympic gold medallist Lily Xu Lijia has been announced as the official Event Ambassador. After a celebrated career in the Laser Radial, winning bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and gold at the 2012 London Olympics, Lily has recently embraced Dragon sailing, competing in Europe and Hong Kong, including the 2025 Dragon Gold Cup.

We sat down with Lily to discuss her passion for sailing, the significance of the 2027 Dragon Worlds, and her dreams for the future of the sport in Asia.

PERSONAL JOURNEY AND PASSION FOR SAILING

Q: What first inspired you to take up sailing? Was there a particular moment or person who sparked your love for the sport?

I started sailing when I was 10. At the time, I was a swimmer, training two hours every day after school. One day, while waiting for me to finish swimming, a sailing coach approached my parents. She was scouting for tall children in Shanghai’s swimming teams, hoping to find future sailors for single-handed classes like the Laser Radial.

My parents had never heard of sailing before, and honestly, neither had I. It wasn’t a popular sport in China at the time, nor is it widely known today. But during the summer of 1997, I spent two weeks at Dianshan Lake, just outside Shanghai, learning to sail in an Optimist. Out of 50 kids in the camp, I was one of three girls selected to continue.

It came down to a choice: continue with swimming and school, or switch to sailing. Even though I was still young, I instantly found sailing more fun than swimming. So I told my parents, “I want to sail.” And that’s how it all began.

Q: As one of China’s most accomplished sailors, is there a moment on the water that truly defined you, not just as an athlete, but as a person?

Sailing has shaped me into a better person, not merely a better athlete. For me, winning medals was never the main aim. The joy and fulfilment I find in sailing far outweigh any results. The sport teaches you many things. The sea becomes your mentor. The boat becomes your guide. You learn patience, resilience, and gratitude. You learn to face setbacks with optimism. I’ve become more grounded, more grateful, and more patient, and these qualities benefit me not only on the water but in all areas of life: relationships, work, and everyday challenges. Even after retiring from Olympic sailing, I feel as though I’m just starting a new chapter. Dinghy sailing is only a small part of the sailing world. Now, I’m exploring keelboats, foiling boats, and offshore racing; it’s limitless. And I plan to keep learning throughout my life.

SAILING THE DRAGON CLASS

Q: What attracted you to the Dragon class? How does it challenge or excite you differently from other boats you’ve sailed?

I was introduced to Dragon sailing by my friend Ida in Hong Kong. We met while sailing J/70s in Sydney. She said, “When you come to Hong Kong, you must try the Dragon.” Earlier this year, around March or April, Ida and Lowell (with his wife Phyllis) helped me get on a Dragon for the first time. They were incredibly kind, even letting me drive during our first training session.

Then I raced with Ida and Martin (Tiger’s brother), and we achieved a great result. It was such a rewarding experience, and I immediately fell in love with the class.

Q: The Dragon class is known for its tradition and tactical depth. What do you enjoy most about it? Any special memories from a recent regatta?

The Dragon is a beautiful and challenging boat. It rewards subtlety, less rudder movement, and more anticipation. Because of its design, it maintains momentum longer than other boats, so minor adjustments matter.

I raced in the Gold Cup this past September, and it was eye-opening. The start line felt endless. The course was long and demanding. But I love that. Long races reduce the impact of luck and reward real skill. Even if you have a bad start, you have time to recover. That’s what makes Dragon racing so satisfying; it truly brings out the best sailors.

SAILING IN HONG KONG

Q: You’ve sailed all over the world. What makes sailing in Hong Kong special to you?

Hong Kong is incredibly dynamic for sailing. You have everything, from the shifting breezes of Victoria Harbour to open sea areas with waves, tides, and islands. There’s so much variety in the conditions, and the sailing culture is very active.

Every weekend, there’s racing, IRC, one-designs, sportsboats, cruising boats, and even offshore events. I wish I could live here full-time to sail every week! In mainland China, there’s usually only one major event per month, mostly in J/80s. Hong Kong offers so many more options, from fast boats like VX One to traditional classes like the Dragon or Flying Fifteen. It’s a paradise for sailors.

Q: Are there any sailing locations or regattas in China that hold a special place in your heart?

Dianshan Lake in Shanghai will always hold a special place for me, that’s where I first began. Learning to sail on the lake taught me how to read wind shifts accurately, and I have carried that skill with me ever since. Every December, the J/80 Delta Regatta takes place at Dianshan Lake. It’s cold, sometimes freezing, but always enjoyable. Over 30 boats participate, and top sailors from all over China come together. It’s terrific to return to my roots and race in my hometown.

THE GROWTH OF SAILING IN CHINA

Q: How have you seen sailing grow in China over the past few decades?

It has been a significant transformation, not just over the past 10 years but over the past 30. When I started in the 1990s, hardly anyone in China knew about sailing. That changed after Beijing 2008, when China won gold in windsurfing, and I secured bronze in the Laser Radial. People began to pay attention.

After I won gold in 2012, more people became curious—not only about Olympic sailing but also about sailing as a way of life. Clubs started expanding. Children and amateurs began joining. Currently, there are monthly youth classes, including Optimist, Topper, and ILCA 4. Adults mainly race J/80s, but we host major events nearly every month.

I sincerely hope we’ll see more exchanges between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. The level of competition in China’s J/80 fleet is relatively high. I am also working to introduce more sailors to Dragons, Etchells, and other one-design keelboats.

Q: What measures can be taken to better support young sailors in China, particularly girls and women?

We’re already seeing more opportunities for young and female sailors. When I was growing up, there was only one national regatta each year. Now, sailors compete every month, and many clubs organise events on weekends and holidays. Still, girls often drop out early. In the UK, I have observed strong initiatives such as girls’ sailing camps, additional coaching, and special trophies to encourage female participation. Hong Kong’s Ladies Helm is a perfect example; it offers women the chance to take the wheel. We need more of these events, greater visibility for female sailors, and ongoing support to help them transition into leadership and driving roles, just as we have seen with the Women’s America’s Cup and gender inclusion rules in SailGP.

THE 2027 HONG KONG DRAGON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Q: As a Chinese sailor and now ambassador, what does the 2027 Hong Kong Dragon World Championship mean to you?

It’s incredibly meaningful. The 2027 Dragon World Championship in Hong Kong will be my first major international event there. Interestingly, my very first regatta was also in Hong Kong, in 1998, at the Optimist Nationals, where I won the girls’ gold medal! Since officially retiring from the national team, I’ve been able to travel to Hong Kong more freely. I now hold a Hong Kong ID, which allows me to train and race here without restrictions. I’m very grateful for that. I can’t wait to compete against top Dragon sailors from around the world. The community is fantastic, competitive on the water but full of friendship and support off it. That’s the beauty of sailing.

Q: How important is it for China, and especially Hong Kong, to host a championship of this scale? What message does it send to the world?

Hosting a global event like this demonstrates to the world what China and Hong Kong have to offer, not just as sailing destinations, but as vibrant, welcoming places with rich culture and excellent hospitality. Many sailors who have raced in China before hold fond memories. When I meet them now, they tell me how much they enjoyed those events. I’m sure Hong Kong will provide an unforgettable experience both on and off the water. It sends a powerful message, one of cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual respect.

Q: What do you hope visiting sailors and fans will experience during the 2027 championship?

On the water, I hope for good winds and great weather. November is usually perfect here! Off the water, I hope visitors explore Hong Kong’s incredible mix of nature, food, and culture. I recently took the Ngong Ping cable car, and it was stunning! It’s one of the longest in the world, with glass floors offering breathtaking views. I highly recommend it. And of course, there’s excellent food, shopping, and sightseeing. I’m sure many sailors will bring their families, turning it into a holiday. It’s the perfect combination of sport and adventure.

LOOKING AHEAD

Q: What are your personal goals in sailing over the next few years? Do you see yourself remaining in the Dragon class or exploring new roles?

My dream is to become a full-time professional sailor, if my body allows. Years of Olympic training have caused me multiple injuries, so I am gradually easing back into sailing. Dragon sailing has been eye-opening. It’s elegant, tactical, and less physically demanding, making it ideal for lifelong sailing. I definitely want to remain in the Dragon class for many years. Beyond the Dragon, I would love to join professional teams from Hong Kong, such as Sean’s TP52, Karl Kwok’s Admiral’s Cup team, or the Scallywag Maxi 100. There are world-class teams here, but very few Asian women onboard. I would love to change that.

Q: How do you see the future of sailing evolving in Asia, and what role can China play in shaping the next generation of global sailors?

Hosting major events like the Hong Kong Dragon World Championship is essential. They elevate Asia's profile and highlight our world-class sailing, culture, and hospitality. The Chinese Yachting Association already supports youth sailors through Optimist, Topper, and ILCA 4 programmes. Clubs are sending young sailors abroad for training and regattas. We have gained significantly from sailing. Now it’s our turn to pass that on, aiming to inspire more children to take up sailing and develop into thoughtful, resilient individuals.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Q: You’ve inspired so many young sailors. What message would you like to share with those just starting their journey?

Just enjoy sailing and have fun. Even in competitive racing, joy is the key to performance. When you’re enjoying yourself, you’re in the zone, and that’s when you sail your best. Forget about results. Focus on the process, on becoming a better sailor, learning from every race, and making the most of your time on the water. The results will take care of themselves.

Hong Kong, 14 December 2025.

THE HKDA meets Lily Xu (CHN): Event Ambassador for the 2027 Hong Kong Dragon World Championship.

The HKDA meets KARL KWOK (HKG), OFFSHORE SAILOR AND EVENT AMBASSADOR.