Wang Yuanyuan

AN African boat team will sail in the 2009 China Cup International Regatta (CCIR), which will take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 in Daya Bay, Longgang District, the Chinese Yachting Association said at a meeting with Shenzhen officials Friday.

The Ocean Sailing Academy from South Africa, led by the country’s well-known captain Robbie Dove, also the president of the academy, will be the first ever African team to compete in the event. Dove has 22 years’ sailing experience and the team is set to be an unknown quantity at this year’s regatta.

More than 40 boat teams from 11 countries and regions will participate in the regatta, in which teams from Russia, Turkey, Israel and Singapore are also sailing for the first time, organizers said.

There are 20 boat teams from mainland this year — five more than last year and 15 more than that in 2007.

The youngest sailor participating in this year’s regatta is only 11. He belongs to the Tuatahi Team from Hong Kong, who, apart from their captain Cosmas Grelon, are all aged below 15, according to organizers.

Organizers have also received an application from a female boat team. “If they can pass the application procedures, they will become the first female team to compete in the regatta,” said an official, identifying himself as Wang.

Team Karasu from Japan won the champion last year, while the world famous Quantum Racing from Australia won the championship at the first CCIR, in 2007.