VIODA-Qingdao China Exchange Tour

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:

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.

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:

Only Intermediate / New Open sailors are eligible (Priority selections will go to Intermediate sailors)
Selection is based on a combination of rankings at the Nationals (67%) and the Victorian States (33%)
Current financial members of VIODA

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)