Security is top priority for the Olympic Sailing Center (OSC) in Qingdao.

Mayor Xia Geng of the coastal city in Shandong province, said: "Security is our most challenging job in our Olympic sailing competition preparation work."

Xia is also the chairman of the Qingdao Sailing Committee of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games.

Qingdao, 800 km from Beijing, is one of six co-host cities for the Beijing Games. Eleven gold medals are on offer for the sailing events to be held from Aug 9 to 23.

"The recent disruption to the Olympic torch relay has given us a warning.

"Therefore, security has become our top concern," Xia said when meeting with a foreign press delegation early this week.

The OSC has been equipped with a security system to check all people and vehicles that enter the venue. Security cameras have been installed inside the center and an underwater surveillance system has been installed in the OSC`s harbor. Only competing boats will allowed to pass through the cordon.

"We have now completed most of our preparation work, and have enough confidence to welcome the Olympic sailing events this summer," Xia said.

Zang Aimin, vice-mayor of Qingdao and vice-chairwoman of the Qingdao Sailing Committee, said the construction of the Olympic sub-village in Qingdao had been completed early this month.

Disabled athletes taking part in a sailing regatta next month, will be the first to housed at the village.