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Celebration of Generosity at Okayama University

On August 2, 2025, Okayama University, a national university located in Okayama City, held a gratitude ceremony to honor alumni who contributed a new yacht to its yacht club. This newest addition, a 470-class vessel named "4886", was gifted by members of the Shibukikai, the alumni association of the yacht club.

The ceremony saw prominent attendees including Hiroshi Tomita, president of the Shibukikai, and Professor Katsutaka Onishi, advisor to the yacht club, in addition to current club members Takashi Nakao and Koki Mitamura. Following the presentation of gratitude certificates, they enjoyed a friendly conversation, reminiscing about past achievements and the important contributions the Shibukikai has made over the years. Photographs of the yacht sailing against the deep blue ocean served as a backdrop for this delightful gathering.

The Okayama University Yacht Club is celebrating its 84th anniversary this year and continues to strive for excellence in competitive sailing, with aspirations to conquer the Chugoku-Shikoku region. Last year, the team successfully participated in the All Japan Intercollegiate Sailing Championships, marking a significant achievement.

Alumni Contributions and Future Aspirations

The donation of yacht "4886" marks just one of numerous gifts from the Shibukikai over the years, supporting the development of the club and its members. This year, a promising season is anticipated, with hopes that the new yacht will perform well in upcoming competitions and contribute to the club's already impressive legacy.

On May 11 of this year, the boat's launch ceremony was held, where club members thanked their supporters for their generous contributions amidst rising living costs. During this event, they conducted a ritual to bless the yacht, pouring Okayama University's locally produced sake, named "Ookaidai", over the vessel to ensure safe and successful sailing and race results.

In entering the race circuit, the yacht club will compete with three boats: "4886", "4804", and "4740". The club's members are dedicated to upholding the expectations of their supporters and strive to continue their hard work, pushing towards greater achievements in the world of competitive sailing.

Conclusion

As Okayama University continues to establish itself as a core educational institution and a distinctive research university, the community looks forward to both the university's and the yacht club's future endeavors. The partnership with alumni not only strengthens the club but also enriches the student experience, cultivating a spirit of camaraderie and competition.

As we eagerly await the performance of the new yacht in forthcoming races, the contributions of the alumni will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the generations to come. We encourage all community members to continue supporting the Okayama University Yacht Club in their future courses and competitions, as they strive to bring glory and excellence to their beloved university.

For further updates on the club and its activities, visit the Okayama University Yacht Club's official website or follow them on Instagram.