The Suma Cup Trophy from the 10th Takarabune Regatta held in Kobe, Japan

Vice Commodore Chris Otorowski and Shawn along with 30 SYCers traveled all the way to Kobe, Japan to compete in the 10th Takarabune Regatta. This event, which began some 23 years ago in 1982 under the aegis of Commodore Phil Johnson and the then Suma Yacht Club Commodore, Hiromasa Akita. We pleased to announce that Seattle Yacht Club narrowly won the regatta and will be bringing the beautiful trophy home to Seattle Yacht Club. It will be on display at the SYC Mainstation.

Suma Yacht Club Commodore Kazuyoshi Akita, Honorary SYC Life Member Hiromasa Akita with SYC Suma Cup Chair Dick Bell (left), Kobe Mayor Tatsuo Yada with Vice Commodore Chris and Shawn Otorowski (right)

The Suma Cup competition takes place every three years and is a model exchange program. The hospitality and energy of the Suma Yacht Club membership is extraordinary. They provided hosted dinners for all SYC members there, sightseeing trips, an audience with the Mayor of Kobe, the Kobe Fire Department Band, Kobe Port Commissioner and had nearly 100 Suma Yacht Club members participating.

Suma Yacht Club provided Yamaha 23's for the competition on the water (left), Steve Scruggs, Larry McCarthy, Jack Blondin and Dick Bell sporting Yukatas(right)

It is hard to describe the tremendous efforts undertaken by the Suma Yacht Club. We will do our very best to host them in a similar fashion three years from now. They have set an excellent standard for hospitality and holding a competitive event. We are all looking forward to the honor of reciprocating. Thanks to Dick and Sandy Bell for organizing our delegation this year and thanks to all the racers who participated.