The Observatory provided specialized meteorological support for the Hong Kong Windsurfing Team to compete in the Qingdao Olympic test regatta held on 9 - 24 August 2007 and to make planning on race strategy.  It was another opportunity for the Observatory to provide such support to the Hong Kong Windsurfing Team after the 2004 Athens Olympic.

To help the windsurfing team prepare for the Olympic test regatta, the Observatory conducted studies on the environment and climatology of Qingdao, and before the event briefed the athletes about local climatology and the characteristics of terrain-induced winds.  A numerical weather prediction system adapted to the Qingdao region was set up to provide the team with hourly forecasts of local wind direction, wind speed and air temperatures on the day of the race.  Weather forecasts and other meteorological information were uploaded to a dedicated website specially set up for the windsurfing team, allowing the athletes to access up-to-date weather information at their convenience.  During the regatta, weather forecasters had to complete timely analyses based on actual observation data and the output of the numerical weather prediction system, and sent the weather forecast for the day together with a 4-day outlook, to the windsurfing team by email before 9:30 am.

At the completion of the test regatta, Rene Appel, the Chief Coach of the windsurfing team, said the Observatory's support had adequately served their needs and praised the Observatory for its accurate forecasts.  In fact, the test event had enabled the Observatory to better understand the characteristics of the wind shift at the race venue.  This means that the forecast techniques can be enhanced in preparation for the Hong Kong Windsurfing Team to compete in the Olympic events next year.

Mr Daniel Lam (first from the left), the Team Manager of the Hong Kong Windsurfing Team and Mr Rene Appel (second from the left), the Chief Coach of the windsurfing team discussing with the Observatory on the meteorological support during the Olympic test event.

The Observatory set up a dedicated website for the Hong Kong Windsurfing Team.