From July 25th to August 10 at Saga Yacht Harbor, Karatsu, Japan, the Citizens’ 2009 Laser Radial World Championships will be held—the first time that Japan has hosted the event. In connection with its focus on marine sports and safety, The Nippon Foundation is donating 92 sailboats for the race.

The race, which showcases the capabilities of the Laser Radial class sailboat, has been held since 2004 in locations from Australia to Holland to Brazil. This year, the 6th, participants will attend from forty nations, taking part in women’s, men’s and youth races.

The sponsoring city of Karatsu, in a beautiful, out-of-the-way corner of Northern Kyushu, is known for its good sailing wind, and boasts an Olympic silver medalist to its name. Visitors to the city can also enjoy the traditional Japanese castle overlooking the bay, and the motorboat-racing stadium there.

Following the race, the boats donated by The Nippon Foundation will be used by a NPO to teach sailing to children in local elementary and junior high schools.

Details about the race can be found here.