After almost half a day of travelling, they are too tired to enjoy the coastal city's beauty

QINGDAO's unique blend of sea and mountains makes it a popular summer resort but, for Singapore's sailors headed there yesterday, holidays are far from their minds.

After nearly half a day of travelling to the Olympic sailing venue, some 800km south-east of Beijing, the six-member team arrived exhausted at about 7pm.

The six - Koh Seng Leong, Xu Yuanzhen, Terence Koh, Toh Liying, Deborah Ong and Lo Man Yi - had earlier taken a 5hr 45min flight to Beijing.

This was followed by a 3hr transit and a 1hr 15min flight to Qingdao. They took 20 minutes to get through security and claim their baggage, and another 40 minutes to reach the Qingdao Olympic Village.

No wonder they were all in bed shortly after dinner.

What about the excitement of being at the Games? No time for that.

Once at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre, which houses the Village, the sailors switched into Games mode.

Team manager Mark Robinson said: 'We will roll right into Games schedule tomorrow. They will have physical training in the morning, pull the boats out of the containers and start sailing in the afternoon.'

The Olympic sailing competition, which will see some 400 sailors from 62 countries compete across 11 classes, goes on from Aug 9-21.

From now till the regatta's start, the Singapore sailors will have their bodies tuned into competition routine.

No wonder team captain Koh said before the team's departure that he was looking forward to the end of the Games.

The Laser Standard sailor has trimmed down from 80kg to 73kg for Qingdao's light winds, which favour slighter frames.

He said: 'At the end of the Games, you have your results, the celebrations and, most importantly, the food. And, after being away for a month, I'll definitely miss home.'

The sailors had a rousing send-off yesterday morning.

About 40 family and friends gathered at Changi Airport's Terminal 3 to bid them and six team officials goodbye before their 8.30am flight.

They are the first of Singapore's 25 Olympians to head to the Games.

Koh had 10 schoolmates from the Singapore Management University to send him off.

The National University of Singapore's Business School vice-dean Quek Ser Aik presented Laser Radial sailor Lo with a banner signed by about 30 well-wishers.

Spirits were high as the team came under a barrage of camera flashes eager to record the historic moment - Singapore's biggest Olympic sailing contingent.

After years of training, the start of the Olympics cannot come soon enough for them.

'It's been a long road to get to here,' said Robinson. 'Now it's time to bring it on.'