About IYFR

What is IYFR?

The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR) is a global Rotary fellowship centred on sailing, fellowship, international exchange and ocean-related charity. A shared love of the sea brings Rotarians together across borders, building friendship on the water and extending Rotary’s spirit of service to the ocean.

IYFR was founded in 1947 and is one of the oldest recreational fellowships within Rotary International, with members across dozens of countries. Surrounded by sea on all sides, Taiwan enjoys rich marine resources and diverse harbour cultures, making it an ideal place for IYFR to flourish.

Global Organisation, Taiwan’s Place in It

IYFR Taiwan belongs to the Pan-Pacific Area 3, alongside fleets from Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong, connected through regular annual conventions, sister-fleet ties and cross-border visits.

Since chartering its first officially recognised fleet, the Voyager Fleet, in 2020, Taiwan has grown rapidly — now home to 11 fleets across the north, centre, south and east, with membership approaching 500, among the fastest-growing and largest in Area 3.

International Leadership

Paul Yiu currently serves as IYFR Vice Commodore (2025–2027) and will become IYFR Commodore for 2027–2029 — the first Taiwanese leader to reach the IYFR international bridge. He joined IYFR’s Philippine Dragon Fleet in 2015, founded Taiwan’s first fleet, the Voyager Fleet, during the pandemic in 2019, and helped establish the POLARIS Fleet the following year, making Taiwan an official IYFR member nation.

Through his and successive National Commodores’ continued efforts, the Formosa, Southern Cross, Galaxy, Sapphire StarFleet, Unique Seven, Taiwan Light-up, Uranus, Pacific and Gemini fleets were founded in turn — bringing Taiwan to 11 fleets and nearly 500 members within just a few years, among the largest membership in Area 3.

Looking Ahead