The 5th Annual Chung-Jeng Cup Championship which was held in southern Taiwan on September 9 and 10 attracted participants from 14 sailboating clubs and 16 naval officers' schools, a total of 200 competitors from at home and abroad. This event, attended by more people than ever before, was originally slated for three days, but a typhoon cut it short by one day.

Except for the unfortunate weather of the third day, the conditions for sailing during the competition were perfect. Under a beautiful blue sky in early autumn, the different-colored sailboats raced across a boundless body of sparkling blue water. The ocean put up a fierce struggle, dashing angry waves to and fro, trying to upset the sailors at the helms of their crafts. However, man's ingenuity would ultimately prove the stronger; the master helmsmen skillfully piloted their crafts to the finish line, utilizing the sails to best capture the wind's fury and conquer the hostile ocean.

The sky above and ocean below framed a picturesque scene, the sails arching almost to their tearing point, the array of gaily painted boats, and the muscles of well-built, powerful sailors responding to the pounding of the waves against their sailboats.

The champion of this event, an American air-force pilot named Jack who sails in his spare time, described man's battle on the aquatic battlefield: "This was real sailing! It's almost like flying an airplane—you are acutely aware of the vastness of both the heavens and ocean. But, the sea presents a more direct challenge—it hits you in the face, and the blow- by-blow confrontation provides an exhilarating sensation and stimulus, a feeling people without experience on the open seas are unable to grasp."

Jack was the oldest participant in the tournament; the youngest was 14. This time 15 women competed. Old, young, men, women—all find enjoyment in this invigorating form of exercise. It's not really a matter of brute strength which determines the outcome of the competition. Skill and intelligence help make the best use of the wind's force and avoid dangerous eddies. More specifically, in order to make best use of the wind's ever-changing direction so that your sails bellow to maximum capacity, propelling you forward with great speed, you must control the tautness of the sails so that you travel in an essentially straight line without capsizing.

As a matter of fact, this is the one real fear of most beginning sailors: flipping over in the water and not being able to surface. However, skilled craftsmen are not reckless, and they all wear life-vests. Moreover, from the very first lesson they are taught not to panic in the face of unexpected danger.

The sport of sailboating officially came to Taiwan six years ago. An island-ocean area with favorable climate all year 'round provides excellent sailing conditions for the many eager boating enthusiasts.

In Taiwan, the ROC Yachting Association is the promoter of racing competitions. Created in 1975, it helps clubs establish a charter, and determines safe areas on the ocean to sail, as well as maintaining racing codes and regulations. This has become increasingly important, for many people have accepted boating as an enjoyable outdoor sport in recent years. This increase in interest has become especially apparent over the previous two years. In the past, there were only nine sailing clubs; but this year that number increased to 14, and four more are in the active process of obtaining their charters.

However, to be quite honest, there is still a distance between Olympic standards and those of Taiwan. Many novices and enthusiasts do not view sailboating with a competitive eye; therefore, they have no special skills in navigation, nor are they familiar with astronomy or navigational equipment.

Because of this, the Association has sponsored group training courses to raise the caliber of sailing fans. The head of the Association says, "One reason for the training courses is to spot potential talent. Another is, of course, to raise boating standards in the hopes of encouraging more people to compete." With this in mind, he hopes that Taiwan, with a stiff wind at her back and clear sky overhead, will soon be able to sail great distances in international competitions.

[Picture Caption]

1.2.3. Brightly colored sailboats on an expanse of glistening waters. Note the difference in the types of sailboats and sails used.

Preparation before the race. 1. All water must be removed from the boat. 2. The sailors warm-up before the race. 3. Water is again emptied out of the boat, otherwise it will not be able to pickup enough speed during the race. 4. Preparations completed, a "flight" on the big, beautiful ocean ensues.

1. At dusk, when the competition is over, participants enjoy the ocean's calmness and tranquility while bringing their boats ashore. 2. "Away from it all." 3. Inexperience in sailboating is shown up by the wind.

Brightly colored sailboats on an expanse of glistening waters. Note the difference in the types of sailboats and sails used.

Brightly colored sailboats on an expanse of glistening waters. Note the difference in the types of sailboats and sails used.

All water must be removed from the boat.

The sailors warm-up before the race.

Water is again emptied out of the boat, otherwise it will not be able to pickup enough speed during the race.

Preparations completed, a "flight" on the big, beautiful ocean ensues.

At dusk, when the competition is over, participants enjoy the ocean's calmness and tranquility while bringing their boats ashore.

Away from it all.

Inexperience in sailboating is shown up by the wind.