Sailing Japan on Sunday 24th May 2009 saw me at Ashiya Yacht club. A friends had told me it was a pretty good place to take my six year old daughter to enjoy sailing. With fun in mind my daughter and I set off for the marina. All I can say is that my friend made a very large understatement. The Club is not a pretty good place, it is fantastic. If you want to lear to sail, rent a dinghy or join the crowd and compete in dinghy racing it’s all there. Oh and how about Dragon Boat paddling or K1 Kayaking? It’s all there.
Truly an amazing little water sports oasis that’s all I can say. From the moment you enter the harbour area after parking your car in the FREE parking area, yes that’s right it’s free, you can feel the energy and enthusiasm. After slugging it out in this economic recession day after day this vibrant feeling truly is a breath of fresh air. (Pardon the pun)
Dinghies everywhere. Optimist Dinghies being pulled up the ramp by 7 year olds! Couldn’t believe this little guy as he came into the ramp all alone in his optimist. I stopped him and helped him pull his boat up the ramp and had ask, “how old are you?” his reply floored me, in very polite Japanese he informed me that he was seven years old and the youngest sailor in the club. Good on you mate.
Just across the way we saw a 470 fleet setting up for some group practice, a couple of Taser boys and girls getting ready, yes this is a mixed sport so come on girls come on over and give it a try, heaps of lasers out on the water and sea hopper renatls being set up and sailed out into the bay.
The water here is very sheltered and I would safe quite safe. If you want to stretch your boats legs and can show your are proficient to the club you may sail out into Osaka Bay proper and then the world is your limit. Nothing to stop you out there except remembering to be back in time for dinner.
The activities at this club also included Dragon Boats and K1 Kayaks. You can park your car easily, enjoy sailing and take a nice warm shower once your finished. Coin lockers are also available in the shower rooms.
The folk at this club really have thought it out very well. So whether you are an olympic class dinghy sailor loking to get on the water or a 7 year old young sailor Ashiya yacht club has it all for you.