SDG17
Student Sailing Team Sets Record – First in Taiwan to Cross the Black Ditch to Penghu Regatta
A team of students from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and National Taiwan University (NTU) will jointly sail three J80 sailboats from Anping Harbor, Tainan, across the Black Ditch (Taiwan Strait) to Penghu at the end of June, as they prepare to compete in the Penghu Regatta—Taiwan’s largest sailing event. This marks the first time in Taiwan that a college student-led crew will independently complete a long-distance offshore sailing journey, carrying historical and educational significance while showcasing the spirit, courage, and seamanship of a new generation.
Planned collaboratively by the NCKU and NTU Sailing Clubs, the fleet is scheduled to depart on June 25, sailing three 8-meter J80 racing keelboats without engine assistance, relying solely on wind power. The journey will span approximately 50 nautical miles (around 92.6 kilometers) across the Taiwan Strait, from Anping Harbor to Magong, Penghu, in time for the Penghu Island Sailing Week, which takes place June 27 – July 2. The team plans to sail back to Tainan on July 3 after the competition.
The J80 is a U.S.-designed, 8-meter performance sailboat known for its speed, stability, and ease of handling. Each vessel accommodates up to 8 people and is widely used in regattas and sailing education. With a 635 kg keel at its base, the J80 maintains balance even in challenging offshore conditions. It is also one of the few in its class to receive EU Category B (offshore) certification, highlighting its high safety standards. The crossing is expected to take 5–12 hours, depending on wind conditions. Unlike most offshore sailing events, which are typically helmed by professional skippers or coaches, this voyage will be entirely operated and navigated by students. Participants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds at NCKU and NTU and will rotate roles including helming, trimming, lookout, and monitoring wind and sea conditions. Together, they will face challenges such as intense sun, unpredictable waves, and emergencies—testing their resilience and teamwork.
NCKU Sailing Club shared: “Compared to racing, the real challenge is relocation sailing. Previously, our longest voyage was to Kaohsiung. This time, we’re doubling that distance—and facing more unpredictable seas. We’ve put in a lot of preparation, and we hope this mission inspires more people to discover the joy of sailing, and to set sail boldly to challenge themselves like we are!”
Since its founding in 2022, the NCKU Sailing Club has promoted marine education and sailing culture, earning recognition in the 2024 Kaohsiung International Regatta with 2nd place in Group B, 3rd place in Group A, and the Rising Star Award. The club now joins hands with NTU, building on their strong synergy that led to 1st place in the 2025 ARGO Cup J80 Series, to write a new chapter in Taiwan’s sailing history.
The team is currently preparing equipment and food supplies. Students have also launched a fundraising campaign and warmly invite the public to contribute and support this historic and rare challenge.
Donate here (via NCKU official platform)
Sponsorship and partnership inquiries: nckuyacht@gmail.com
In return for your support, the Sailing Club offers options like social media exposure, logo placement on sailboats and uniforms, and other forms of brand collaboration.
Follow us for updates:
Facebook: NCKU Sailing Club FB
Instagram: NCKU Sailing Club IG
Planned collaboratively by the NCKU and NTU Sailing Clubs, the fleet is scheduled to depart on June 25, sailing three 8-meter J80 racing keelboats without engine assistance, relying solely on wind power. The journey will span approximately 50 nautical miles (around 92.6 kilometers) across the Taiwan Strait, from Anping Harbor to Magong, Penghu, in time for the Penghu Island Sailing Week, which takes place June 27 – July 2. The team plans to sail back to Tainan on July 3 after the competition.
The J80 is a U.S.-designed, 8-meter performance sailboat known for its speed, stability, and ease of handling. Each vessel accommodates up to 8 people and is widely used in regattas and sailing education. With a 635 kg keel at its base, the J80 maintains balance even in challenging offshore conditions. It is also one of the few in its class to receive EU Category B (offshore) certification, highlighting its high safety standards. The crossing is expected to take 5–12 hours, depending on wind conditions. Unlike most offshore sailing events, which are typically helmed by professional skippers or coaches, this voyage will be entirely operated and navigated by students. Participants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds at NCKU and NTU and will rotate roles including helming, trimming, lookout, and monitoring wind and sea conditions. Together, they will face challenges such as intense sun, unpredictable waves, and emergencies—testing their resilience and teamwork.
NCKU Sailing Club shared: “Compared to racing, the real challenge is relocation sailing. Previously, our longest voyage was to Kaohsiung. This time, we’re doubling that distance—and facing more unpredictable seas. We’ve put in a lot of preparation, and we hope this mission inspires more people to discover the joy of sailing, and to set sail boldly to challenge themselves like we are!”
Since its founding in 2022, the NCKU Sailing Club has promoted marine education and sailing culture, earning recognition in the 2024 Kaohsiung International Regatta with 2nd place in Group B, 3rd place in Group A, and the Rising Star Award. The club now joins hands with NTU, building on their strong synergy that led to 1st place in the 2025 ARGO Cup J80 Series, to write a new chapter in Taiwan’s sailing history.
The team is currently preparing equipment and food supplies. Students have also launched a fundraising campaign and warmly invite the public to contribute and support this historic and rare challenge.
Donate here (via NCKU official platform)
Sponsorship and partnership inquiries: nckuyacht@gmail.com
In return for your support, the Sailing Club offers options like social media exposure, logo placement on sailboats and uniforms, and other forms of brand collaboration.
Follow us for updates:
Facebook: NCKU Sailing Club FB
Instagram: NCKU Sailing Club IG
NCKU and NTU Sailing Clubs join forces to form Taiwan’s first student-led sailing team — set to cross the Black Ditch and sail to Penghu Regatta on June 25
The NCKU Sailing Club was established in 2022 and has since received multiple recognitions, including strong performances in the 2024 Kaohsiung International Regatta. Pictured: Students and their coach, Mr. Po-Chih Chiang (fifth from the left), who led the team to win first place in Group B of the competition
The joint team formed by NCKU and NTU demonstrated excellent teamwork and won first place in the 2025 ARGO Cup J80 Sailing Competition
