The 2026 Ningbo International Sailing Race concluded successfully at the Ningbo Xiangshan Asian Sailing Center. After three days of intense competition, Polaris Women’s Sailing Team delivered an outstanding performance in the newly established women’s division, ultimately taking first place and winning the women’s championship.
This year’s event brought together 48 teams and nearly 300 athletes from multiple countries and regions. As China’s first keelboat sailing race to be included in both the World Sailing and Asian Sailing Federation official calendars, the Ningbo International Sailing Race has become an important international platform for the J80 one-design class in Asia. The introduction of the women’s division also provided a more visible stage for female sailors to compete and be recognized.
Led by team captain Tu Ming, Polaris Women’s Sailing Team includes technical captain Li Jiaxin, trimmer Lü Yixiao, as well as Wang Yingxuan, Annita, Rao Jianping and other members. The team brings together women from different ages, professions and life stages: entrepreneurs, professional athletes, experienced sailors, and women who continue to make active choices between family, career and personal passion. United by the same sea, the same boat and the same goal, they formed the Polaris Women’s Sailing Team.
Tu Ming is a female entrepreneur in the fields of film, culture and content technology, as well as a sailing enthusiast growing steadily on the water. Since encountering sailing more than a year ago, she has moved from curiosity to passion, and from experience to competition. As captain, she hopes Polaris Women’s Sailing Team represents more than a race result — it also represents the possibility for women to choose what they love and continue breaking through their own boundaries.
Li Jiaxin is the youngest member of the team, yet she serves as one of its most important technical anchors. With extensive experience in keelboat sailing and international competitions, she has built a solid record across events including the J80 Asian Championship, China Sailing Super League, China Cup, Round Hainan Regatta, Clipper Round the World Yacht Race related projects, and other overseas sailing races. Her professional judgment and steady experience helped the team remain composed throughout the competition and brought greater confidence to every moment of coordination.
Lü Yixiao is a Chinese sailor and an International Elite Athlete. She has achieved outstanding results in major events including the World Cup, the National Games, national championships and the China Cup, and was selected for the Chinese Sailing and Windsurfing Team to compete in the mixed 470 class at the Paris Olympic Games. She brought the focus, strength and stability of high-level competitive sailing into the team.
Wang Yingxuan also has a strong competitive background, with achievements in the National Sailing Championship, the National Games and the China Cup. Her participation added more mature racing experience and steadier teamwork to Polaris Women’s Sailing Team under high-intensity competition.
Annita is a post-1970s entrepreneur. She first encountered sailing while accompanying her son to training, gradually fell in love with the sport, and eventually stepped onto the racecourse herself. She believes that women should have their own attitude and the ability to make choices for themselves.
Rao Jianping has accumulated nearly three decades of experience in the internet industry. Six years ago, she entered the world of sailing, obtained A2F and related sailing certificates, and has since participated in various high-level women’s sailing races. As the oldest member of the team, she has never allowed age to define her limits. For her, every sail is a journey into the unknown, and every turn is a step beyond herself.
Sailing is never a victory achieved by one person alone. Starting, tacking, hiking, trimming and crossing the finish line — every moment requires a high level of teamwork and trust. What truly drives a team forward is each member taking responsibility in her own position, while maintaining judgment, trust and precise coordination amid changing winds and waves.
“Polaris” symbolizes direction, stability and guidance. For this women’s sailing team, the name represents more than a team identity; it reflects a way of moving forward. No matter where the wind comes from, they seek their own direction. No matter how the sea changes, they choose to trust the strength of the team. What they demonstrated in the race was not only speed, but also resilience, clarity and collaboration in the face of challenge.
This championship was made possible through the joint efforts of every team member, as well as the support of sponsors and partners. Polaris Women’s Sailing Team extends special thanks to Moovi and LILY for their support of the team’s participation and development.
Looking ahead, Polaris Women’s Sailing Team will take this championship as a new starting point, continuing to train, grow and move forward with the wind. Through their journey, they also hope to encourage more women to approach sailing, embrace the sea, experience freedom through sport, build strength through collaboration, and find their own direction amid the waves of life.
