The 2008 Pacific Rim, Sister Cities regatta was held in Tateyama Japan in April 2008.

Fourteen ambassadors and six racers were selected to share in the fun and cultural exchange.

Team Bellingham: Joe Bartlett, Karen Callery, Al Callery, Richard Veach, Terry Tavelli, Mike Poulos

Bellingham Ambassadors: John and Patty Gargett, Marlene Bolster, Carol Veach, Jane Sylvester, Betsy Bierer, Bob and Carol Snowball, Dawn Durand, Marty and Gail Haines

During the trip, John Gargett compiled and posted the following travelogue:

Monday, April 28th (Bellingham time)

Tuesday April 29, 0400 – The Planes have landed, the sailors are here. We all begin the journey to Tateyama together today, with the knowledge that we have a great group of sailors ready to take on the competitors. Several of our team met the Canadians at Narita Airport, and the Russians arrive on Tuesday morning. Tuesday evening we begin with opening ceremonies, and then it is a practice day on Wednesday.

Several of us did arrive a few days early, Betsy went north of Tokyo to explore, Mike, Denise and Marcus have been touring and John and Patti spent two days in Narita enjoying the 1070th birthday of the Naritasan Temple.

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John Gargett

I have been involved with Sister Cities since we began participation in the PacRim Regatta and have volunteered to serve as photographer for Bellingham Sister City events. In Tateyama in 2008, I was an Ambassador and Photographer/Blogger. From starting with the BYC as a member, volunteer, Trustee, moving up through the Chairs and serving as Commodore in 2002/2003 boating and racing have always been part of my life. I look forward to Australia’s 2012 PacRim!