The 5th National Youth Sailing League kicked off in Zhanjiang Bay on Jan 27, with nearly 100 teenagers from across the country vying for titles in the OP, Topper and Laser 4.7 categories during the four-day competition.

The event, sponsored by the Chinese Yachting Association, is the most prestigious amateur youth sailing event in the country. Winners earn points toward qualifying to be a part of the Chinese delegation to the 2019 Topper World Championships, which will be held in the Netherlands from July 22 to 26.

A teenage girl competes in the 5th National Youth Sailing League. [Photo/sport.gov.cn]

This is the first time that the Zhanjiang stop has held the Laser 4.7 competition. A Laser 4.7 is a one-design dinghy class in the Laser series. It is great for beginners or hobbyists entering the Laser world. The model has recently gained popularity in China, after Chinese sailor Xu Lijia won a gold medal in the women's Laser Radial class at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The sea is dotted with white sails. [Photo/sport.gov.cn]