An exciting Optimist sailing competition was held in Dapeng Bay, which is the most popular type of racing sailboat for juniors up to 15 years of age.

Recently, more than a dozen sailboats showed up in Dapeng Bay, a beautiful ocean area in Shenzhen and also the habitat of many marine creatures. These little sailors were required to cross a certain sea area between the starting point and the destination, Lajia Island.

In the face of rolling waves, they utilized multiple skills to make sure their dinghies sailed in the right direction, showing great patience and calmness. The sails swelled out in the wind. Their bodies seemed small in the ocean but their courage and bravery conquered it.

Chen Jinhao, an outstanding yachtsman and also the sailing coach of this competition, said, “On the one hand, I wish through sailing they can grow up as better teenagers, they can learn how to be brave to face the rough sailing conditions and explore the unknown, and learn how to think in the face of difficulties. On the other hand, in the journey along the coastline, they are expected to pick up and collect the floating garbage on the sea. In Shenzhen, we have such great coastlines, beaches, and water areas, and we should protect our ocean together.”

It was getting dark when they approached their destination. But they still maintained great enthusiasm about their voyage. For these kids, the kind of sailing spirit they experienced is very valuable and will contribute to their all-round development and guide them to keep moving forward in the future.