Among all Olympic events, sailing is the most affected by weather. Even slight changes in wind direction, speed or wave height can have great impacts on the outcome of a competition.

    Qingdao, sailing venue for the 2008 Olympic Games, recognizes the crucial need to supply accurate meteorological and hydrologic data to competing athletes.

    At the meteorological and hydrologic office of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, advanced monitoring instruments are now operational, supplying instantaneous information on temperature and wind strength and direction.

    The monitoring and forecast center was tested by when it provided precise meteorological services for the 2006 and 2007 Qingdao International Sailing Regatta and the 2008 Qingdao International Association for Disabled Sailing regatta.

    "All the information will be released strictly according to the meteorological information forecast standards established by the Olympic Sailing Committee," said Lin Hang, head of the meteorological and hydrologic center.

    With the help of four buoy stations fixed in competition areas, accurate forecast information will be sent by TV, radio and the Internet and posted on public billboards.

    Timely and accurate instant meteorological data greatly aids sailors in their strategies, Lin said.