In order to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Vancouver/Yokohama sister city relationship, we're working to send a Vancouver dragon boat team to the dragon boat regatta in Yokohama, Japan, on Sunday, May 31. This is already on the radar of both the City of Yokohama and the City of Vancouver.
No paddling experience is required. Before we depart, we'll hold twice-weekly practices at Dragon Zone (one weekday evening, plus Saturday morning), probably starting February 28. Are you already getting fit and working hard on another team? We probably don't need you until April, and maybe only once a week. In order to get race experience as a team before we go, we'll compete in the Dragon Zone Spring Sprint on Sunday, May 3.
Yokohama is just 30 minutes from downtown Tokyo, so when you're done paddling in Yokohama, you'll be easily able to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo or other parts of Japan. We also
welcome you to bring a travelling companion—non-paddling (at a reduced rate), or another paddler—so you can enjoy your trip to Japan together after the race. We will be back from Japan in lots of time for you to
race with your usual team at Alcan.
The pricing is almost finalized, and at the moment includes:
• return airfare to Tokyo, direct flight *
• airport transfer to/from hotels
• three nights' hotel accommodation, including breakfast **
• boat and equipment rental for twice-weekly practices ***
• full-colour custom-designed dye-sub jersey
• Spring Sprint race in False Creek on Sunday, May 3 (min. three races) ****
• team dinner in Yokohama the evening before the race
• Yokohama race entry fees for Sunday, May 31
* (Flights will be to either Narita or Haneda airport. Two checked bags are allowed. We have been told we can send all team paddles in one package for no additional baggage charge.)
** (Pricing includes a private single room with shower and toilet for each person. We can help to arrange additional hotels for the nights that are not included in the package price.)
*** (Two practices a week between the end of February and the May 29 departure for Japan.)
**** (Racing in this local event will give us experience as a team, and give local exposure to our sponsors.)
As it stands, the cost to you will be
less than $2,500, taxes included. That is already dropping as we refine some numbers and secure sponsorship. We're doing our best to provide a great experience at the lowest reasonable price!
If you're interested, please click through for more details and to complete the short form. Please feel free to share this opportunity with someone you think would also be interested.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Dv9I3JrIYwa0UmbHVXc6zpB7A_gcyFVWwvCjImhpXNc/viewform?usp=send_formGot any specific questions? Please email
[email protected]Thanks!
