"BEIJING (Reuters) - China launched its first serious step towards establishing itself among the sailing super-powers on Friday with the announcement of a government-funded Volvo Ocean Race entry skippered by one of the world's leading helmsmen.
The world's most populous nation has previously failed to put its considerable potential into a sport regarded by many as elitist.
But Friday's launch of its Team Sanya entry in a swanky Beijing hotel, suggested it now had designs on changing all that to match its increasing economic might.
New Zealander Mike Sanderson, 40, is a former twice winner of the Volvo Ocean Race -- the sport's premier monohull offshore race -- and his recruitment is a major coup for the Chinese at the peak of his powers."
