The Macao International Regatta is an annual international large-scale sailing event held in Macao, this year’s event being from 11 to 14 January.

A total of 37 teams and about 300 athletes drawn from 31 countries or regions have been competing in Macao for the three event categories.

The Macao Cup International Regatta (Beneteau First 40.7 unified design group) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cup Regatta (IRC group) are held on the waters south of Hac-Sa Beach, at Coloane.

The International Catamaran Invitational (Hobie 16 unified design group) is held on the waters south of the Macao Science Center.

January’s Macao International Regatta is considered the first major sports meeting to be held in Macao each calendar year.

Before the start of the meeting, participating craft embark on a fleet parade, allowing spectators to get a glimpse of the beauty of large-scale racing yachts.

Participating teams set sail and their race is on, adding fresh energy to the waters of Macao.

Participating teams ride the wind and waves at full speed.

Macao has rich maritime resources, with a coastline of nearly 80 kilometres, enabling the city to host international sailing regattas.

The organisers hope to develop Macao’s maritime sports activities, and believe that international sailing events enrich the local sports event calendar.