QINGDAO-- An ISAF sailing World Cup opened on Monday in East China's coastal city of Qingdao, with the participation of 131 sailors from 24 countries and regions.

The World Cup, launched in 2008 and featuring the Olympic sailing events, will run for six days before moving to Melbourne, Australia.

The Melbourne leg will be followed by the events in Miami, the United States; Mallorca, Spain; Hyeres, France.

Qingdao, the sailing venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, has hosted top sailing events such as Volvo Ocean Race, Clipper Round the World Race and America's Cup.