The Hong Kong Dragon Association meets Quanhai Li (CHN), President of World Sailing.
Your personal love for sailing: How has this passion shaped your life and experiences?
Having grown up by the seaside, my unique upbringing fostered a deep affection for the ocean. After graduating from university, I was extremely fortunate to have the chance to become directly involved in the service and management of sailing.
Throughout my over 40-year career in the maritime industry, I have come to believe that sailing is not just my profession—it's my way of life. It is a sport that combines wisdom, courage, and skill. With its rich history, sailing exemplifies the seamless integration of boat design, construction, and the art of navigation. It also reflects people's steadfast pursuit of the beauty found in nature and in life itself. Sailing possesses a distinctive charm and is full of challenges.
Life lessons from sailing: What key lessons have you learned through sailing that you believe apply to life?
Life is full of challenges—sometimes we succeed, and other times we must face the frustrations brought about by difficulties. The ocean is the natural environment for sailing, and much like life, it is filled with constant changes and uncertainties.
Sailing has taught me to respect nature and appreciate the beauty of the sea. It has shown me to adapt to change, inspired me to never give up, and helped me learn to embrace the surprises that come with unknown challenges.
“Sailing is inherently international, with many events held around the world. This gives young people the opportunity to compete and interact with sailors from different cultural backgrounds, allowing them to learn about diverse customs and broaden their global perspectives.”
Quanhai Li (CHN), president of World Sailing.
Encouraging youth: What motivates you to inspire the next generation to embrace sailing?
For young people, participating in sailing helps build confidence and a stronger sense of identity. This confidence carries over into their studies and daily lives, encouraging them to adopt a positive and healthy lifestyle. It also enhances their belief in their ability to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Sailing is inherently international, with many events held worldwide. This provides young people with opportunities to compete and interact with sailors from different cultural backgrounds, allowing them to learn about diverse customs and broaden their global outlook.
The ocean plays a vital role in supporting our planet, and safeguarding the marine environment is essential for human survival and progress. Through sailing, young people develop a deep appreciation for the ocean’s beauty and fragility, which in turn raises their environmental awareness and motivates them to actively participate in marine conservation efforts.
Sailing in Hong Kong: Would you be willing to share your experiences of navigating our stunning waters and natural scenery?
I have taken part in numerous sailing competitions and events in Hong Kong. The blue waters and stunning islands stay vivid in my memory. The race courses in Hong Kong pass by many historic landmarks and famous attractions, adding cultural richness and a sense of history to the competitions.
These features enable both participants and spectators to experience the city's historical development and cultural heritage while relishing the excitement of the races.
Significance of the event: What does this Championship mean for a vibrant city like Hong Kong and for our nation as a whole?
Sailing has been well developed and widely embraced in Hong Kong, attracting many enthusiasts. From young sailors taking to the water to older enthusiasts riding the waves, and from demonstrating skills at sea to exchanging life experiences ashore, this all reflects the city’s vitality and optimistic lifestyle.
As one of the major cities in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong has made significant contributions to promoting the development of sailing. The upcoming 2027 Hong Kong Dragon World Championship will attract outstanding sailors from around the globe and will undoubtedly draw the attention of sailing fans everywhere.
Through co-hosting such events and sharing resources, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area will strengthen their position in the international sailing community and support the coordinated growth of sailing sports across the region.
Hong Kong, 24/07/2025