The first Cross-Strait Cup Sailing Competition, co-organized by the Chinese Yachting Association and the Chinese Taipei Sailing Association, started in Xiamen Thursday.

A total of 138 athletes from both sides of the Strait and 15 boats, 13 from the mainland, took part in the sailing competition crossing the Taiwan Straits for the first time.

The teams set out from Wuyuan Bay, Xiamen City, to cross the Taiwan Straits via Dadan Island, Jinmen, and south of Penghu Islands, to arrive at Anping Habor, Tainan City, the destination of the competition.

The sailing competition will conclude on Aug. 3.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2009)