SDG3
NCKU and NTU Sailing Clubs Excel in Black Ditch Crossing, Claim Four Championships and a Third Place at Penghu Regatta
On the morning of June 25, 2025, students from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) and National Taiwan University (NTU) joined forces to sail from Anping, Tainan, across the treacherous Black Ditch in three J80 sailboats and one Dehler 34, heading to Penghu to participate in Taiwan’s largest sailing event—the Penghu Island Sailing Week Series. Under the leadership and rigorous training of Coach Po-Chih Chiang, the intercollegiate team not only completed a safe round trip of over 100 nautical miles, but also made history as the first student-run university sailing team in Taiwan to successfully cross the Black Ditch. Competing against seasoned sailors, the team achieved impressive results—securing four championships in Division B and a third-place finish in the Sports Racing Group.
Reflecting on the journey, the student team shared that sailing across the Taiwan Strait was a true test of physical strength, endurance, and teamwork. “We took turns at the helm, monitored the wind, adjusted the sails, and kept ourselves going with bananas and sports drinks. When exhausted, we rested briefly in the cramped cabin filled with luggage. Battling wind and sun on the open sea, we not only burned with youthful energy but also cultivated resilience and perseverance.”
During the event, the cross-campus team competed alongside international athletes, gaining valuable experience and recognition. Their success highlights not only the excellence of the sailing clubs at NCKU and NTU, but also the remarkable independence, adaptability, and collaborative spirit of today’s youth in the marine environment.
The 13th Penghu Island Sailing Week Series drew over 200 sailors across 26 teams from 10 countries, including Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Australia, Germany, the United States, Japan, and France. Among them, the Dehler 34 team led by Coach Chiang and composed of NTU and NCKU students, swept all four major Division B titles—the Marker Race, Island Race, Overall Series, and Northern Sea Challenge—garnering widespread attention. Meanwhile, the J80 team, entirely student-organized and led by NCKU Sailing Club president Ya-Chi Chan, earned double bronze in the Marker and Island Races of the Sports Racing Group, proving their strength.
Beyond the competition, the student team made the most of their time by island-hopping, enjoying the Penghu Fireworks Festival, and engaging in friendly races with local sailors—broadening their domestic sailing network and strengthening cross-university ties. Originally scheduled to return via Dongji Island on July 3, the team adapted quickly when Tropical Depression (later Typhoon Danas) approached rapidly, choosing to sail straight back to Anping, Tainan, and completing their journey safely.
“With the wind as our wings and sweat as our sails,” the student sailors turned their summer into an unforgettable maritime adventure—bridging the gap from training ground to international waters. Their actions have written a youthful new chapter in Taiwan's sailing history. The team expressed heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors: Hua Nan Bank and ARGO Yacht Club for financial support, and Tai-An Drugstore Co., Ltd. for sponsoring one J80 sailboat. Sports eyewear brand 720armour provided Stingray polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and reduce glare, while UV100 supplied cooling, elastic arm sleeves for sun protection and comfort during long hours on the water.
Reflecting on the journey, the student team shared that sailing across the Taiwan Strait was a true test of physical strength, endurance, and teamwork. “We took turns at the helm, monitored the wind, adjusted the sails, and kept ourselves going with bananas and sports drinks. When exhausted, we rested briefly in the cramped cabin filled with luggage. Battling wind and sun on the open sea, we not only burned with youthful energy but also cultivated resilience and perseverance.”
During the event, the cross-campus team competed alongside international athletes, gaining valuable experience and recognition. Their success highlights not only the excellence of the sailing clubs at NCKU and NTU, but also the remarkable independence, adaptability, and collaborative spirit of today’s youth in the marine environment.
The 13th Penghu Island Sailing Week Series drew over 200 sailors across 26 teams from 10 countries, including Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Australia, Germany, the United States, Japan, and France. Among them, the Dehler 34 team led by Coach Chiang and composed of NTU and NCKU students, swept all four major Division B titles—the Marker Race, Island Race, Overall Series, and Northern Sea Challenge—garnering widespread attention. Meanwhile, the J80 team, entirely student-organized and led by NCKU Sailing Club president Ya-Chi Chan, earned double bronze in the Marker and Island Races of the Sports Racing Group, proving their strength.
Beyond the competition, the student team made the most of their time by island-hopping, enjoying the Penghu Fireworks Festival, and engaging in friendly races with local sailors—broadening their domestic sailing network and strengthening cross-university ties. Originally scheduled to return via Dongji Island on July 3, the team adapted quickly when Tropical Depression (later Typhoon Danas) approached rapidly, choosing to sail straight back to Anping, Tainan, and completing their journey safely.
“With the wind as our wings and sweat as our sails,” the student sailors turned their summer into an unforgettable maritime adventure—bridging the gap from training ground to international waters. Their actions have written a youthful new chapter in Taiwan's sailing history. The team expressed heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors: Hua Nan Bank and ARGO Yacht Club for financial support, and Tai-An Drugstore Co., Ltd. for sponsoring one J80 sailboat. Sports eyewear brand 720armour provided Stingray polarized sunglasses to enhance visibility and reduce glare, while UV100 supplied cooling, elastic arm sleeves for sun protection and comfort during long hours on the water.
NCKU and NTU Sailing Clubs delivered outstanding performances crossing the Black Ditch, winning four championships and a third place in the Penghu Island Sailing Regatta. (Photo credit: 13th Penghu Island Sailing Week Series)
Under the guidance and rigorous training of Coach Po-Chih Chiang, students from NCKU and NTU successfully completed the first-ever crossing of the Black Ditch by a fully student-operated sailing team in Taiwan. They also achieved remarkable results in the highly competitive Penghu Island Sailing Week. (Photo credit: 13th Penghu Island Sailing Week Series)
The intercollegiate student sailing team demonstrated exceptional independence, adaptability, and teamwork throughout the voyage. They also extend their gratitude to all sponsors for providing strong support for the expedition. (Photo credit: NCKU Sailing Club)
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