The Japanese Friendship Regatta programme is now in its 21st 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 by invitation only 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 must travel with a parent, are provided boats. However, they must find their own accommodation at the venue.
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
Successful applicants will be responsible for flights to and from Japan, visas, travel insurance, accommodation 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.
2023 Regatta Details
Dates
Provisionally fly out Monday 17 July and return Monday 24 July, 2023. Regatta is Friday 21 to 23 July (3 days).
Venue
The Friendship Regatta is held annually in a different city. In July 2023 it will be held at the Wakayama Sailing Centre near Osaka.
Selection
By invitation only
Sailors
Three (3) current financial members of NZIODA
Coach
One (1) Yachting New Zealand Qualified Sailing Coach with current NZIODA endorsement.
Manager
No team manager is required for this trip. However, we recommend that there is a parent lead.
Cost
Approx $10,000+ per sailor + parent cost (includes share payment of caches airfare & expenses)
NZIODA Admin Fee
$400 each per sailor