Taiwan's Father of Sailing: Jhan Jheng-fong

Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung Guangrong Elementary School

【◎Written by Su Yin-huei ◎Translation by Lin Yu-ciao ◎Photos by Huang Jing-wun, Carter ◎Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung Guangrong Elementary School】

Jhan Jheng-fong（詹正峰）, the 83-year-old executive director of the Kaohsiung Sailing Committee（高雄市帆船委员会）, is wearing a sports sweatshirt and shorts, and has tanned skin all over his body. He has a solid and fit physique and a booming voice. It is hard to imagine that he accomplished the incredible feat of circumnavigating Taiwan counterclockwise in 60 days aboard RS Cat16 Catamaran（无引擎动力R16型双船体帆船）just last August!

Photo by Huang Jing-wun

From organizing competitions to establishing sailing clubs and advocating for open waters, Jhan Jheng-fong has come a long way. He has nurtured many talented sailors while making the sport of sailing more familiar to the public. He emphasizes that beginners should first understand the overall structure of a sailboat, and become familiar with the functions of the sail, ropes, pulleys, centerboard, and various components. They should understand the wind direction and currents, and then find suitable sailing locations. Once out at sea, they must learn to “sail with the wind,” to stay mentally agile, and to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of maritime navigation. Only through practical experience and accumulated knowledge can they safely return. He also advises: “Never underestimate the risks at sea. Don't be reckless with your life. The foremost criterion for any sport is safety. Without safety, no matter how enjoyable or thrilling the sport, it isn't worthwhile!”

Photo by Carter

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