With temperatures and light winds in their favour, Hong Kong windsurfers Ho Chi-ho and Vicky Chan Wai-kei depart today for the Good Luck Beijing 2007 Qingdao International Regatta.
The test for the Olympic event will duplicate actual Olympic conditions, meaning only one male and one female windsurfer will be allowed to compete in the regatta, which runs until August 24. They will be accompanied by coach Rene Appel and windsurfer Chan King-yin, who will serve as a training partner.
'We will take a look at the wind conditions, the currents and how the other competitors will perform,' said Vicky Chan of the team's goals for the competition.
Ho said it would be interesting to look at the taller and heavier European windsurfers whose body types suit them to heavier winds, but who were looking to lose weight for this regatta.
In this respect, the Hong Kong windsurfers are at an advantage given they have smaller frames and that the wind conditions are expected to be around four to eight knots. 'After last year's competition [in Qingdao], all the Europeans were wondering how much they could lose,' Chan said.
Though Hong Kong have been assured places in Olympic competition, the athletes who will compete have yet to be decided.