VIODA-Qingdao China Exchange Program

2026 VIODA-Qingdao China Exchange Program

In 2013, alongside the ISAF Sailing World Cup, VIODA launched a Sailor Exchange Program to give junior sailors valuable international racing experience. Through an invitation from the Chinese Yachting Association, selected sailors have the opportunity to attend the annual Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta in China.

Now in its 13th year, the program remains a standout opportunity for VIODA members. Qualifying sailors are selected to represent VIODA as a team of six, accompanied by a coach and team manager. As guests of the Chinese Yachting Association, the team receives complimentary access to the training camp and regatta, along with accommodation and meals.

The purpose of this program includes:

International travel experience for Intermediate / New Open level sailors; (Priority given to Intermediate sailors)
Cultural exchange with sailors of other Nations (eg. China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Spain);
Development of regatta preparation and management skills in new environment (NOTE: Qingdao is typically extremely hot and humid in August/September);
Learning to manage charter boat set-up and travelling with sailing equipment; and
Sailors and parents learning to travel as a team under the guidance of a coach.

Qualifying sailors will be responsible for flights to and from China, visas, travel insurance, incidental costs and coach fees. This experience is available for qualifying Intermediate/ new Open sailors with an accompanying parent.

As part of the exchange the participating VIODA families are responsible to host and fund up to six Chinese sailors, their team manager and coach to a VIODA regatta the following year. Costs will be, but not limited to, accommodation, meals, regatta entry, boat charter, RHIB charter, airport transfers, transport to regattas and cultural activity.

VIODA will contribute $1,000 to these costs and assist in any way to minimise the costs to the parents.

The 2026 Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta NOR, Supplementary Notice 1 and Sailor EOI form are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Further information: Sail Melbourne & VIODA fostering Australian-Chinese friendships.

Qingdao Exchange Tour Details:

Dates: 26 August - 2 September 2026 ( Read NOR and Supplementary Notice 1)

Sailors: Six (6) current financial members of VIODA

Coach: One (1) Australian Sailing Qualified Sailing Coach with current VIODA endorsement.

Manager: One (1) Parent Team Manager

SELECTION CRITERIA:

We welcome applications from all Intermediate fleet sailors who are current financial members of VIODA, however if further competitive selection is required the criteria will include;

Have sailed representing Victoria in the 2026 National International Optimist Dinghy Association Regatta (National) and 2026 State Regatta (Vic States)
Priority given to Intermediate fleet sailors followed by “New Open” sailors (NB a “New Open” sailor is one who has moved up to the Open fleet no earlier than the Vic States)
If further selection criteria are required, selection will be based on;

(A) Combination percentage rankings from Nationals + Vic States 2026

(B) Recommendations of VIODA appointed coaches, including revision of sailors’ recent and ongoing commitment to and participation in Optimist dinghy sailing and the perceived benefits that may be attained by the sailor if selected

4. In the event that a 6-sailor delegation is unable to be selected, the remaining position/s will be offered via Expression of Interest (EOI) to all Open sailors who have attended the Nationals and Vic States 2026

(C)Selection/s will be made as per the recommendations/ review of the sailor/s by the VIODA appointed coaches

SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST:

Please download form at the bottom of the page, fill it out and email it to the committee before closing date. Please read the instructions on the EOI form carefully. EOI Forms are open for submission on 1 April 2026. The closing date is 11 April 2026.

Information on this page will continously be updated. Please check in frequently for new uploaded documents and information. All decisions by the committee are final.

The VIODA YouTube Channel links to a number of past videos to give you an insight into the experience.

* 2023 VIODA Qingdao Exchange Program highlights 2023 VIODA-Qingdao China Exchange Tour (youtube.com)

* 2019 Qingdao Training Camp & Regatta Promotional Videohttps://youtu.be/QWzZjirQCak

* 2015 VIODA Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76xcfiZjmEA

* 2014 VIODA Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyxo2QZ7-4w

* 2013 VIODA Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGy9VxxDp0U

VICTORIAN QINGDAO EXCHANGE SAILORS

2026 Tour (11th Delegation)