A jalor with the logo of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games sails near the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center during the 2006 Qingdao International Regatta sailing competition, which is the first official test event for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, on August 24, 2006. A jalor with the logo of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games sails near the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center during the 2006 Qingdao International Regatta sailing competition, which is the first official test event for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, on August 24, 2006. (Cancan Chu/Getty Images)

Around the world the Chinese city of Qingdao is best known for its beer, Tsingtao. The brewery was started in 1903 after the German occupation of the area in the late 19th century. It then fell under Japanese hands, then Chinese by the end of World War Two. Now part of the company is owned by Anheuser-Busch. Tsingtao truly is a company with global experience.

Located on the southern bank of the Shandong Peninsula, the city is set against mountain slopes and blue sea. The coastal city is also known for its moderate climate, which makes it ideal for hosting the sailing events at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre.

The venue is located on the old site of the Behai shipyard where two-thirds of the area will be used for competition. The space is designated into three parts: the Land Area, the Harbor, and Off-shore section.

The Land Area includes the athletes’ Olympic sub-village, administration and competition management centre, press centre and logistics. The Harbor and Off-shore areas feature the major and secondary breakwater, which are two long docks jutting out into the bay, as well as an embankment, a quay and the shore wall.

There is also a temporary surveying shed and pontoon set up on the embankment, while the quay will be used for observation and transportation.

And to minimize its impact on energy resources, the venue is harnessing the sun and wind to power indoor and outdoor lighting.

Volunteers recruited for this venue not only had to be congenial and have good language skills, but they were also tested for seasickness. Despite their eagerness to become an Olympic volunteer, many were quickly weeded out after looking pale on the waters. The “survivors” even had to complete a written test on the rocking boat.

Perhaps after the sailing competitions are over, these Olympic volunteers will be kicking back with a beer or two – Tsingtao, of course.