[Video/Yongpai app]

Jim Johnstone, a veteran international sailor competing in Ningbo, says China's sailing scene has evolved over nearly two decades into a more professional and internationally connected ecosystem, which is reflected in stronger events, upgraded facilities, and growing technical expertise.

Now 56, Johnstone is a world champion, six-time winner, and head of J/Boats Asia, overseeing the brand's regional distribution and cooperation across the Asia-Pacific sailing market.

He first came to China in 2009, when organized sailing was still in its early development. Since then, he has often pointed to the country's strong manufacturing base as a key advantage in building competitive sailing infrastructure and equipment at scale.

Beyond racing, he has helped introduce practical race-day routines such as boat rinsing, practices now widely adopted in China's sailing community.

He is the nephew of Rod Johnstone, designer of the J/24 and later the J/80, a one-design keelboat class created to ensure results are determined by skill rather than equipment.

According to Johnstone, China is now the only country producing J/80 boats, with more than 400 in use domestically and over 1,800 worldwide. They are exported to markets including the United States and France.