Nomuka Tourism and Cultural focus through the RNYC

Objective

To create a focal point to promote Nomuka and local tourism through the annual Tonga Vaka Festival and a regular monthly Vaka open day and feast at the RNYC, publicised internationally, and to yachts visiting Tonga. It is also used as a focus to get non-sailing visitors to Nomuka IKI and raise funds for the Vaka Sailing Trust.

Summary

The RNYC is the host yacht club of the 2018 Golden Globe Race, a solo non-stop yacht race around the world. The race will attract considerable international interest and media attention globally. It is hoped that HRH the Crown Price of Tonga will start the race in England. There is every indication that Nomuka and Tonga will receive a high level of publicity through the involvement in this event. The environmental theme and schools outreach program in the race will feature the Marine Discovery Centre based on Nomuka IKI.

RNYC will host the week long annual Tonga Vaka Festival starting October 2019 that will become synonymous with Nomuka and a significant cultural event for Tonga. A regular Vaka open day is planned for the 2nd Friday of June, July, August, Sept, each year commencing in 2019, where visitors are offered a chance to sail a Vaka and learn about the Vaka building/sailing program. They will then enjoy a Tongan Vaka Feast, cultural dancing and a Nomuka storytelling night at the yacht club. The RNYC will create the RNYC cultural dance troupe and Tongan music group to perform at events. A Nomuka resident, with character and passion will be appointed to deliver the rich history of Nomuka to all attending. Another presenter will describe the history of Vaka sailing and the RNYC program of reintroducing Vaka Sailing to the youth of Tonga and the Vaka Sailing Trust.