Kansai Student Championship

Shin Nishinomiya, Japan, September 13, 2026. The 2026 Kansai Intercollegiate Yacht Championship was held from September 11 to 13 at Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor in Hyogo Prefecture. Seven races were conducted over the three-day event, determining the universities advancing to the All Japan Intercollegiate Team Championship.

Kansei Gakuin University secured overall victory for the second consecutive year. Fending off fierce competition from other universities, they achieved a complete sweep. “Working together as a single team led us to this victory. We will brace ourselves and do our best to win the All Japan Intercollegiate,” stated Captain Tomoki Miki.

On the first day, two races were held in a 8-knot north-easterly breeze. After the second race, the wind became increasingly unstable, shifting by more than 90 degrees, resulting in a two-hour wait on the water. Following a judgment that conditions would not stabilize, the AP over A flag was hoisted at 14:35.

On the second day, one race was completed in a 4-knot easterly wind before the breeze died down completely. After a long wait on the water, a southerly wind began blowing around 14:00, allowing a race to start at 4 knots. The race committee managed to complete two races for the day.

On the third day, winds were light from the morning, so boats headed out after waiting about an hour. Subsequently, three races were conducted in a southerly wind ranging from 4 to 12 knots.

Kansei Gakuin University prevailed in a close battle, clinching complete victory in both the 470 Class and Snipe Class.

Kansei Gakuin University, Kansai University, and Kobe University—qualified in the Snipe Class.

(Report by Yuki Oshima, Kansai Student Yacht Federation)