The 2026 Shanghai Sailing Open got underway on April 15 at Dishui Lake in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area and will run through April 19.

Sailors from eight countries gathered at the launch ceremony, where a lively sailing parade lit up the lake and a nocturnal fireworks display turned the waterfront into a vivid stage, marking a festive start to the event.

A sailing parade lit up Dishui Lake, followed by a fireworks display over the waterfront after sundown. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

This year's event reflects Shanghai's identity as an international maritime city that continues to move forward with resilience and unyielding ambition, while also echoing Lin-gang's open, innovative and pioneering spirit.

Now in its third edition, the event continues to deepen its cooperation with Lin-gang and upgrade the spectator experience.

A new panoramic viewing system has been introduced around Dishui Lake. In addition to the official South Island viewing point, a newly added Ring of Glory platform offers a panoramic view of the lake, where fleets of sailboats race against the backdrop of the city's modern architecture. Several open viewing spots along the shoreline are also available, complemented by a light show across surrounding buildings, creating an immersive blend of water, light, and sails.

The event also introduces a "culture, commerce, tourism and sports" integrated ticketing package in Lin-gang, extending the energy of the event from the racecourse to commercial areas and city landmarks, and highlighting a broader vision of urban vitality driven by sports-led integration.