The highly anticipated 2025 Shanghai Sailing Open set sail on the evening of March 25, with a spectacular opening ceremony at the North Bund in Hongkou.
The illuminated waters of the Huangpu River served as a picturesque stage for a fleet of brightly lit sailboats, captivating thousands of spectators who gathered along the riverbanks.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 2025 edition returns with even greater fanfare, celebrating the spirit of perseverance and excellence in sailing while showcasing Shanghai’s vibrant urban appeal.
This year’s nighttime opening parade was a standout feature, adding a striking visual element to the celebration.
Starting at 7:30pm, over a dozen illuminated sailboats glided across the river, their glowing sails twinkling against the Shanghai skyline.
The colorful reflections on the water complemented the city’s iconic nightscape, offering a mesmerizing scene for onlookers.
Local resident Yuan Guoqiang arrived two hours early to secure a prime viewing spot along the North Bund. “Last year’s parade was incredible, but the night setting this year brought a whole new charm. The sailboats, glowing like scattered stars on the river, created a breathtaking scene,” he said.
An 800-drone performance unfolded at 8pm, adding to the evening’s excitement. The drones lit up the sky, forming dazzling patterns including the event’s logo, the names of the 11 participating countries, and representations of the competition’s three major categories.
Shanghai resident Liu Shusheng expressed his admiration for the high-tech performance. “The drone show was definitely a highlight. It’s incredible to see how the city has embraced such events. Having the opening ceremony in the heart of the city makes it accessible for more people and draws greater attention to the sport,” he said.
The 2025 Shanghai Sailing Open will run from March 25 to March 30 at Dishui Lake. Building on the previous year’s success, the competition has grown in scale, now featuring the newly added ILCA7 class alongside the ILCA6 and J80 classes.
This year’s race has attracted approximately 300 participants from around the globe, further solidifying Shanghai’s status as a premier international sailing destination.
The event is part of Shanghai’s “Three Tops” brand initiative, which highlights the city’s commitment to promoting world-class sports competitions. By bringing the opening ceremony to the downtown waterfront, organizers aim to foster greater community engagement and inspire more people to appreciate the art of sailing.
With its stunning visual displays, growing international presence, and enthusiastic local participation, the 2025 Shanghai Sailing Open has firmly anchored itself as a flagship event in Shanghai’s sports calendar.