Thirteen sailing teams from both sides of the Taiwan Straits set sail from Xiamen in Fujian province on June 18, marking the start of the 7th Strait Cup Sailing Race. [Photo/fjsen.com]

Thirteen sailing teams from both sides of the Taiwan Straits set sail from Xiamen in Fujian province on June 18, marking the start of the 7th Strait Cup Sailing Race. 

Their destination was Peng-hu, a picturesque chain of islands in Taiwan which has been used as the end point for the event twice previously. Starting next year, the final destination of the race will rotate between Peng-hu and other cities in Taiwan, with Peng-hu being used every odd year. 

The race, which has been being held for six decades, was the first sporting event to be held across the Taiwan Straits. The Taiwan Straits is the busiest sea area in Asia. Daytime wind speeds reach over 10 knots and become even faster at night. The entire sailing route is about 90 nautical miles, posing a significant challenge for participants. 

Sailing has been booming in popularity in Xiamen in recent years. In 2012, a sailing boat named Xiamen spent 316 days crossing four continents and three oceans, spanning over 23,000 nautical miles. The Marathon New Year Sailing Race, held alongside the Xiamen International Marathon, has been held every year for the past eight years, and the China Club Challenge Cup has covered the entire pan-Pacific region.

The 7th Strait Cup Sailing Race opens in Xiamen, Fujian province, on June 18. [Photo/fjsen.com]

Sailors get ready at the 7th Strait Cup Sailing Race opens in Xiamen, Fujian province, on June 18. [Photo/fjsen.com]