QINGDAO, China, May 9 -- German Chris Kobusch was named skipper for China's Qingdao in the 2017-18 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, announced officials of the municipal sports department of Qingdao on Tuesday.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be selected as the Qingdao skipper. The stunning red boat with the golden dragon was and is one of my favourite designs of the Clipper Race fleet," said Kobusch.
"Symbolizing passion, courage, bravery and persistence in the Chinese culture, these designs are all values the Clipper Race Crews will need for their adventure ahead," he added.
Coming from Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia of Germany, the 32-year-old started sailing a decade ago when he left school and moved to Cape Town, South Africa.
Kobusch has logged more than 70,000 nautical miles and works professionally on yachts all over the world, including China. He spent the last three years working as training mate and skipper at both the UK and Australian training hubs of the Clipper.
The 2017-18 Clipper Race will launch in August in Britain and visit Qingdao in March of 2018 for the seventh straight time.