Officials from six Olympic co-host cities said yesterday preparatory work was progressing smoothly and the Games would be successful.

The coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province will host the sailing events, Hong Kong the equestrian events, while Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Shenyang and Shanghai will host the soccer preliminaries.

Thanks to the two Olympic test events in 2006 and last year, Qingdao has gained ample experience in running international sailing regattas and has won the recognition of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

"In the beginning, many Western countries did not believe in our ability to stage a world-class event but after the two try-outs, we have proved our strength by providing outstanding venues and management," Qingdao Sailing Committee official, Wang Haitao, said.

"Most importantly, we have made the Olympic sailing events more inviting and affordable."

For the first time spectators will be able to watch the sailing events at close quarters from a nearby dam. The finishing line for most of the races is near the dam. Taking spectator boats is another option, he said.

The low ticket price of 20 yuan ($3) will attract people to the sailing events. Last year, about 100,000 people watched the test event, Wang said.

Located four hours from Beijing by train, Qingdao is a beautiful seaside city, he said.

"It will be the prime season in Qingdao and I hope our famous Tsingtao beer and the sailing events will give people a unique experience."

Hong Kong hopes the equestrian events will be successful despite the hot, humid weather in August.

"After inspection of our preparatory work, the International Equestrian Federation is confident Hong Kong will be able to host the equestrian events under such weather conditions," CEO of Hong Kong Equestrian Company, Lam Woon-kwong, said.

"But riders and horses still need to be well prepared for the conditions," he said.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory, afternoon temperatures between July and September often exceed 31 C, while temperatures at night generally hover around 26 C with high humidity.

Horses will be housed in air- conditioned stables. There will also be misting equipment and mobile cooling units.