Lake Toya Regatta

The inaugural Lake Toya Regatta was held on Sunday, the 22nd of June this year. The event was held in near perfect conditions for the competitors, most of whom were experiencing yacht racing for their first time. Organised by the newly-formed Toyako Boat Club, there were two races – both windward / leewards – and the wind was a steady 8 knots from the east.

Lake Toya is the fourth-largest lake in the northern Japanese island prefecture of Hokkaido. It is part of the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark. The lake is nearly circular, being 10 kilometres in width (west/east) and 9 kilometres in height (north/south). It never ices over and is the second-most transparent lake in Japan. Nakajima is situated in the middle of the lake.

Race officer, Jonny Hodgson, known to many competitive sailors in Hong Kong, officiated the regatta which attracted a small entry of three boats – two Topcat Avantis and a Topcat K2X. "It's early days," said Hodgson, "but we're sure to see numbers increase as the regatta becomes better known around Asia." On the day, the RO was assisted by Simon Kozimo and Jon Barlow.

"We're planning another regatta in August, around the 19th to the 22nd," said Kozimo. "Details will be posted soon on our website: https://www.toyaboatclub.com. You can also find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToyakoBoatClub/

"By the way, we're also looking for trainers and I am sure there are many people from Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia who would like to join us during their summer vacations." After Japanese, Cantonese must be the second most spoken language in Chitose Airport so there are sure to be Hong Kongers who will take Simon Kozimo up on his invitation!

On the club's website it says: 'a place to sail, socialize and build community'. There are not many better places to do this in Japan.