LBS Clipper yacht sails into Qingdao marking deepening academic links with China

After sailing more than 1,300 nautical miles from Subic Bay in the Philippines, London Business School’s (LBS) Clipper yacht made a strong finish into the port of Qingdao in China as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The yacht’s arrival represents a significant sporting achievement in a country where the School has deep and enduring ties.

London Business School’s presence in Qingdao underscores its long-standing relationship with China, built through its alumni community, research collaboration and partnerships with leading Chinese universities including Tsinghua University and Fudan University.

“We are delighted to celebrate Team LBS’ arrival in Qingdao,” said Sergei Guriev, Dean, London Business School. “China is a vital part of London Business School’s global community which has strong ties and long-standing partnerships with two of China’s top ranking academic institutions. Through our partnerships with Tsinghua and Fudan University, LBS provides students with the opportunity to study in London, one of the world’s largest financial markets. Like the Clipper race, this educational journey builds a global outlook and the ability to navigate in a fast-changing environment.”

The Qingdao arrival comes as LBS further expands its engagement with China this spring. In March, the School will host its Beijing Global Experience, ‘Business Resilience in a Changing Climate’, a week-long programme that will bring 74 LBS students to China to explore climate risk, sustainability and innovation.

As the race’s first Education Partner and a brand sponsor, London Business School sees strong parallels between global ocean racing and leadership development. Founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is an eleven-month circumnavigation covering more than 40,000 nautical miles across six continents and testing endurance, teamwork and adaptability — qualities central to LBS’s educational mission.

London Business School’s partnership agreements allow students admitted to the Masters in Finance (MiF) programmes at Tsinghua or Fudan to apply to first attend LBS’s Masters in Financial Analysis (MFA). Those admitted to the MFA will complete the one-year programme at LBS in London before returning to China to complete the second year of a MiF programme at either Tsinghua University or Fudan University.

Each year LBS also hosts MBA and EMBA students from Fudan and China Europe International Business School on global electives. Currently, LBS has 267 Chinese students across all degree and international exchange programmes.