China will make its debut in one of the world's most prestigious yacht races, entering a crew into the 2015 Sydney to Hobart Bluewater Classic.
The yacht's manager, Serena Cai, said the crew is excited to be the first from the Chinese mainland although there had been entries in the past from China's Hong Kong.
"Ark323 is a purely Chinese entry; a Chinese owner, crew and administrators," Cai said in a statement via the race organizer.
The 12-man crew, drawn from the best sailors in China, has been training together since March and will represent the Noah Sailing Club in Shanghai.
Noah Group chief Wilson Lee - whose company owns the TP52 class yacht - said they decided to enter the classic because of the challenge and nature of the prestigious event.
"It is also one of the ultimate platforms to showcase the Chinese team and the club's passion to increase a Chinese presence at international yachting events."
The crew will sail the yacht from Sanya, China, to Australia for the start of the 628 nautical mile races that leaves Sydney Harbor on Boxing Day and runs down Australia's east coast, across the Bass Strait and into Hobart, the capital of the Tamania Island.
