The Japanese Friendship Regatta programme is now in its 24th year and forms a unique offering to our NZIODA members. Each year three NZIODA Optimist open fleet sailors who are not in a travelling or development team are eligible to participate in the International Friendship Regatta in Japan.
The Japan Friendship Team is convened by invitation between members of the New Zealand sailing community and the Japan Junior Yacht Club Union.
The sailors are provided with accommodation during the regatta, boats, food and regatta entry free of charge. However, they must travel with a parent who will be required to fund their own accommodation, travel and other ancillary costs (accommodation at the venue with the sailor has been possible in prior years).
This is an international regatta with several other junior classes competing and the emphasis is on cultural exchange. Our Japanese hosts have shown a long and outstanding tradition of hospitality to our sailors through this connection and the racing and supporting events are highly organised.
The sailors are rewarded with a truly amazing cultural experience, gift exchanges, and sight-seeing. Sailors are required to make a trip presentation to the NZ convening panel upon their return.
The purpose of this programme includes:
- International travel experience for Open Fleet Sailors
- Cultural exchange with sailors of other Pacific rim Nations (e.g China, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia.)
- Learning to manage charter boat set-up
Sailors will be responsible for flights to and from Japan, visas, travel insurance, accommodation (prior to regatta) and any coaching fees. Ask any past NZIODA exchange families and they will all agree this is one of the highlights of your time in the junior fleet.
2026 Regatta Details
Dates
Provisionally fly out Monday tbc and return tbc . Regatta is Friday to Sunday tbc (3 days). Accommodation is provided from Thursday with check out on Monday.
Timings are very tight from invitation being sent by NZIODA to your sailor and us liaising with Japan. Sailors will be asked to put in an expression of interest to attend this event after the New Zealand Nationals rankings have been confirmed. In previous years sailors and their families have undertaken a few days sight seeing before attending the event.
Venue
The Friendship Regatta is held annually in a different city. In July 2025 it was held at the Hayama Yacht Harbor at Kanagawa prefecture near to Enoshima Yacht Harbor which was the Olympic Host harbour in 1964 and 2020.
- 2025 venue was Hayama Yacht Harbor at Kanagawa
- 2024 venue was Inage Yacht Harbour, Chiba City
- 2023 venue was Wakayama Sailing Centre near Osaka.
Selection
Sailors are asked to put in an expression of interest to attend this event after the New Zealand National rankings have been confirmed. NZIODA will then go out to the highest 3 ranked sailors that have shown an interest to confirm their place in the team. This team will leave in July.
Sailors
Three (3) current financial members of NZIODA
Coach
One (1) Yachting New Zealand Qualified Sailing Coach with current NZIODA endorsement can be arranged if required. However, there is no pre-requisite that a coach should travel.
Manager
Team Manager to be selected by all parents attending. If you are interested in this role then please familiarise yourself with our wealth of resources on being a Team Manager.
Cost
Approx $10,000+ per sailor + parent cost (includes share payment of coaches airfare & expenses if required).
Travel/Accommodation & Regatta Costs
How to get to Japan? There are direct flights from Auckland. The regatta always finishes on a Sunday so earliest to depart would be on the Monday.
Accommodation (B&B) for sailors is provided including a daily lunch box for the length of the regatta (note that accommodation is NOT provided leading up to the regatta). Also the entry fee and the Fee for International Friendship Party is borne by the organising authority, Japan Junior Yacht Club Union.
Parents will need to pay for their own accommodation and food costs. However, in previous years the organising authority have arranged accommodation for parents at the same hotel as the sailors.
What equipment do I need to take?
Sailors must take their sails with them, all other equipment is provided. However, if you wish to take any of your own equipment you can do so.
Important Information
Notice of Race
NOR The International Friendship All Japan Junior Yacht Club Regatta 2025
NOR The International Friendship All Japan Junior Yacht Club Regatta 2023
Sailing Instructions
Team Manager Reports
2025
2024
No team attended.
2023
Want to find out what happened at the 2023 event then read the NZ Team Managers report here.
NZIODA Admin Fee for 2026
$400 each per sailor
Updated 06.08.25
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