(BEIJING, July 26) -- The 2007 Qingdao International Regatta will follow Olympic standards to maximize the excitement of the event. Organizers will ensure that a range of unique services will be offered to athletes participating in the competition.

During a press conference Thursday morning, the organizing committee for the Qingdao International Regatta presented an update on the progress with the event's preparations.

Thus far associations from 53 countries and regions have registered for the regatta, with 306 sailing vessels, 467 athletes and 320 team officials slated to participate. The scale of this regatta will be larger than last year's as well as the regatta at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Organizers are currently finalizing details for an entire range of comprehensive services for the competition, including:

-- Registration,

-- Transportation,

-- Logistics,

-- Medical services,

-- Sanitation, and

-- Spectator services

Timing, scoring and other competition service systems are being put through full-scale testing.

The Qingdao International Regatta will make use of the entire competition water area of next year's Olympic Sailing event.

To enhance the enjoyment factor of the regatta, and at the suggestion of the International Sailing Federation, male and female competitions will include an obstacle course which will require sailing vessels to go around obstacles along the course, similar to slalom in downhill skiing, thereby making the regatta a much more exciting competition.

A medal race will follow each of the opening series races.