In 2013 in conjunction with ISAF Sailing World Cup, VIODA created a sailor exchange program to provide an international sailing experience for junior sailors. As invited as guests of the Chinese Yachting Association the opportunity exists to be able to attend the annual Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta in China.
This Sailor exchange program is now in its 8th year and forms a unique offering to all our VIODA members. Qualifying sailors will be offered the opportunity to travel to Qingdao as a team of 6 sailors with one coach and a manager. As guests of the Chinese Yachting Association they will be offered complimentary training camp, regatta, accommodation and meals.
The purpose of this program includes:
NOR of the 2024 Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta : QINGDAO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (qdsailing.org)
Further information: Sail Melbourne & VIODA fostering Australian-Chinese friendships.
Qualifying sailors will be responsible for flights to and from China Qingdao, visas, travel insurance, incidental costs and coach fees. This experience is available for qualifying Intermediate / New Open sailors with an accompanying parent. Ask any past VIODA exchange families and they will all agree this is one of the highlights of their time in the junior fleet.
Qingdao Exchange Tour Details:
Dates: 2024 September 4 -11 , Expression of Interest closes end May 2024.
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
By accepting your position you will be also offering a Chinese sailor to billet at your home at a Melbourne regatta as part of a reciprocal arrangement, along with some expense on meals and transport. This has been a fabulous way to share our cultures with other sailors.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST:
Please download form at the bottom of the page, fill it up and submit it to the committee before closing date. Please read the instructions on the EOI form carefully. The form will be uploaded on 5 April 2024.
Information on this page will continously be updated. Please check in frequently for new uploaded documents and information. All decisions by the committee is 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 Video https://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
PAST VICTORIAN QINGDAO EXCHANGE SAILORS
2024 Tour (9th Delegation)
2023 Tour (8th Delegation)
2020 Tour (cancelled due to COVID-19)
2019 Tour (7th Delegation)
2018 Tour (6th Delegation)
2017 Tour (5th Delegation)
2016 Tour (4th Delegation)
2015 Tour (3rd Delegation)
2014 Tour (2nd Delegation)
2013 Tour (Debut Delegation)