Sailing is a competitive water sport and one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Western world, especially at sea. Sailors use the natural wind to move their sailboats or sailboards forward, making it a sport that relies mainly on skill with some physical ability required.

Sailing first originated in Europe in the 17th century. In the second Summer Olympics held in Paris, France in 1900, sailing was included as an official event. Today, it has become one of the most popular and widespread water sports in coastal countries and regions around the world.

Windsurfing is a relatively new water sport that combines sailing and surfing. It involves a board, a mast with a gimbal, and a sail. The sail is steered by a pole, which provides power to move the board through the water by changing the center of wind on the sail and the center of gravity on the board. In windsurfing, the floating body is called a pontoon, while in sailing, it's called a hull.

1. Clipper Round the World

The Clipper Round the World Race, founded in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, is widely regarded as "the most influential sailing event in the world" and "the largest amateur round-the-world sailing event." Covering 35,000 nautical miles, it has become one of the most prestigious round-the-world sailing events in the world.

2. Volvo Ocean Race

Founded in 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race is widely considered the world's premier round-the-world sailing race. Known as the Everest of sailing, it's the ultimate goal for ocean sailors. In 2014-2015, new boats with uniform specifications were introduced, making this the highest level of competitive ocean racing. Teams not only have to face brutal ocean conditions but also have to keep their nerves on edge to compete with nearby competitors.

3. America's Cup

Originating on August 22, 1851, America's Cup is the most prestigious and influential sailing event today. It's known as one of the four most prestigious traditional sporting events in the world, along with Formula 1, the World Cup, and the Olympic Games. In 2005, a Chinese team participated in the 32nd America's Cup for the first time.

4. Fastnet Race

The first Fastnet Race was held in 1925, sailing along the southern coast of England to the south of Ireland, covering a total distance of 603 nautical miles. Unpredictable weather conditions always play a key role in the race, with the conditions sometimes stormy and other times calm. Like the Sydney Hobart, it's considered one of the toughest sailing events in the world due to its complex weather conditions and dangers.

5. World Match Racing Tour

The World Match Racing Tour has been held annually since 1988 and is described in the title of a recently released movie as "The Fast and the Furious." The race is held close to shore and has a short course, which makes it more accessible to sailing enthusiasts and laypeople in the technological age.

6. Extreme Sailing Series

Founded in 2007, the Extreme Sailing Series is the youngest event on this list. In 2010, it became one of the four special events approved by the International Sailing Federation, along with the Volvo Ocean Race, America's Cup, and the World Match Racing Tour. The Extreme 40 is a series of races held in inshore racing waters, attracting the world's best professional sailors. It's a thrilling, adversarial, and highly enjoyable race.