This sailor exchange programme is now in its 8th year and forms a unique offering to our NZIODA members. Successful applicants four (4) from White Fleet and two (2) from Open Fleet will be offered the opportunity to travel to Qingdao as a team of 6 sailors with one coach and one manager. As guests of the Qingdao Administration Centre of Sailing Sport you will be provided with the necessary boats for your team free of charge. Please see below for additional costs that will need to be covered by sailor.
- airfares per sailor
- airfares for parent
- accommodation costs for sailor and parents
- some meals
- travel insurance
- visa costs
- if required Coach costs (including coaches time cost, airfare & expenses if required).
Accommodation costs start at $100 NZD approx. per night to be booked by parents travelling at a hotel of their choosing.Â
However, NZIODA can liaise with organisers to book room accommodation if required. The available room options are either a twin room or a double room, which can accommodate 1-2 guests. Breakfast is included in the stay. The rate per sailor is approximately RMB 175 per night. For an 8-night stay, the total cost would be RMB 1,400.
Additionally, the organizing committee will provide complimentary on-water meals for all participating teams during the competition to ensure your dietary needs are met.
The purpose of this programme includes:
- International travel experience for Intermediate level sailors
- Cultural exchange with sailors of other Nations (e. g China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Spain)
- Development of regatta preparation and management skills in new environment (NOTE:Â Qingdao is typically extremely hot and humid in August)
- Learning to manage charter boat set-up and travelling with sailing equipment
- Sailors and parents learning to travel as a team under the guidance of a coach
 This experience would best suit intermediate sailors with an accompanying parent. 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 Event Details
As details become available we will update accordingly.
Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp & Regatta 2026 NOR
Dates
Wednesday 2nd to Wednesday 9th September 2026
Venue
Qingdao – please note that there are no direct flights and a transit will be required either via Beijing or Shanghai.
Schedule:
WednesdayÂ
09:00-16:30 Registration
Thursday
09:30-16:00 Equipment Distribution and Measurement, Training on water
Friday
09:20-16:00 – Racing
19:00-20:30 – Opening Ceremony & Marine Festival
Saturday
09:20-16:30 Racing
Sunday
09:20-16:30 Racing
MondayÂ
09:20-16:30 Racing
TuesdayÂ
09:20-16:30 Racing
WednesdayÂ
09:00-12:00 – Equipment Return
19:00 – Prize Giving & Closing Ceremony
ThursdayÂ
Departure
Sailors
Six (6) current financial members of NZIODA (on application)
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
One (1) Parent 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.
NZIODA Admin Fee for 2026
$400 each per sailor
Updated 02.03.26
Register Interest
Upon receiving our invitation from the Chinese Yachting Association we will email all current NZIODA members advising them of the opportunity.
Selection of sailors from the White fleet will be on a first come first served basis as this representative team opportunity is open to a wide range of sailors, however sailors from the White Fleet who have held a podium position during the season will have first right of refusal should they place an expression of interest. The two Open Fleet sailors who make up this team must not already be part of a Travelling or Development Team and these places will be offered to the highest ranked sailors who place an expression of interest.
Please be sure you are registered with NZIODA to be eligible and to receive NZIODA newsletters or relevant updates.