Today's Report
First visits were made today by the mast maker/rigger and engine teams to survey the vessel and provide a timeline for the installation/upgrade activities as well as refining the preliminary estimate figures.

Added Comment
There are two electrical systems on NBSDIII -- 12VDC and 110VAC. The 12V system runs off the battery bank and two generators (auxiliary genset and engine alternator) for the various instruments such as the radar, GPS chart plotter, and lighting, while the 110V is used for common household appliances including a microwave, refrigerator, tabletop fans, and a bulkhead TV installed by the previous live-aboard owners.

As more equipment is added for the circumnavigation careful attention must be paid to the cumulative power requirements.

The DC-powered devices require a bank of batteries (with spares) capable of up to 7 months of steady use (and multiple deep-charge cycles) assisted by solar panels to keep generator and engine use to an absolute minimum.

For power generation there is an auxillary generator (or "genset") in addition to the alternator on the engine itself. The genset is used to conserve fuel use and operated when the engine is not running. On the voyage from Hawaii, Saito found it necessary to run either the genset or the engine about 6-8 hours a day to keep the batteries topped up.

Presently there are no solar panels.

Today's Report
The vessel will be taken out of the water tomorrow to begin engine work and to determine the size and type of the new propeller, as well as the diameter of the new propeller shaft. At the same time the old mast will be lifted off.

We are hoping for a feathering propeller designed to close up when the engine is stopped or the transmission is put into neutral. This reduces drag in the water that slows the boat. Even a slight reduction in drag can shorten the 25,000 nm circumnavigation by several days.

Whether a feathering prop can be used will be determined by its proximity to the rudder. Too close and they will interfere.

Existing non-feathering prop

***
Estimates are also being prepared for a wind vane and solar panels. The wind vane is a wind-assisted self-steering mechanism that can spell Saito for hours on end, as well as often substitute for the boat's existing battery-draining hydraulic autotiller. Wind vanes are reliable except in very low or very high winds. This web page has videos of one highly popular brand of wind vane at work.

***
Saito will be the guest of honor at an awards banquet this Saturday at the Devonport Yacht Club for the closing ceremony of a race held every 3 years by the Short Handed Sailing Association of NZ.

Added Comment
In Tokyo, we received a highly welcome contribution from the Cruising Club of Charleston, South Carolina for $100. A letter of thanks is being prepared.

Plans are forming for a "Burgees 'Round the Horn" fundraising campaign to begin soon. More details to follow.

***
Preparations are under way for the acquisition of INMARSAT satellite communications equipment to boost the data flow to and from Saito. Voice comms and on-board weather forecasting access particularly will be improved.

***
Recived this email today from Vincent Longueval, the young and adventuresome Frenchman who crewed for Saito all the way to Pago Pago. He was forced to fly back home due to a family emergency, but not before he had crossed the Equator for the first time in a sailing vessel. Man, will he have some stories to tell when HE turns 74!

I'm happy to know that Saito-san finally arrived safe and well in Auckland. I followed his adventure via your emails. Last days looked good.
I will send you all picts but not before May I think.
Keep in touch.
Best wishes and congratulation for Saito.

Vincent

Thanks, Vincent!

***
The annual Change of Watch for Tokyo Sail & Power Squadron is tomorrow. Saito-san is usually present as an active member of the Squadron -- when he isn't off on a global sail, that is...!

Today's Report
NBSDIII was transferred to the boatyard for liftout about 1 pm local time. Saito will remain on board for a few days to arrange refit details then move off while work is done on the vessel.

The engine and mast teams have gotten off to a fast start. The engine and mast will be removed over the next 2 days. Engine space cleanup will be done and a new bed laid for the replacent engine, a 4-cylinder 160 HP Yanmar. Though the Yanmar will be about 20% more powerful than the existing Detroit GM, the physical size of the replacement unit is so reduced that the engine team joked about possibly needing to add ballast to correct the trim.

Being transferred to boatyard

Preparing for lift-out. Saito flew New Zealand, U.S. and
Japanese flags on arrival. Note barrels for extra diesel acquired
prior to Honolulu departure.

-- Thanks to Mike Read, of Whiting Power, for the photos.

Added Comment
Received this email today from someone who met Minoru last summer on his visit to the States.

Congratulations to Saito-san on a successful voyage, even with the bit of excitement upon arriving in Auckland waters. This has really be interesting to follow.

Missy McCarthie
San Antonio, Texas

And from an admirer in the Magnolia State:

CONGRATULATIONS TO SAITO-SAN AND THE TEAM BEHIND HIM!

Good luck on the refit -- I know he will be quite ready to take off as soon as that is accomplished to set a new record. Thanks for all the reports -- you are doing a terrific service!

Lucy Baessler
Durant, Mississippi

Today's Report
Saito spent the night on the boat. At the time of the call, background noise was loudly evident as the engine team prepared to remove the old engine. No engine maintenance records were on board so we had no indication of the number of hours the Detroit GM diesel has seen, but all opinions are that it was well past retirement.

The mast has already been pulled and could be inspected for construction and wear. First impressions by Saito and Dwayne Webb, the mast expert (and general manager) from Yachtspars New Zealand, is that the mast was never meant for more than coastal cruising.

Added Comment
Saito has long suspected that the vessel was previously dismasted due to what Dwayne this morning referred to as an "ugly" join of the two-section mast spar at about waist height. On closer inspection (only now being able to peer up inside the unstepped hollow mast), a sleeve Saito described as "just 2 feet long" tenuously held the join together with a single screw. There was, certainly, never a question that the old mast would be replaced, but it would clearly have failed under the heavy weather conditions Saito will ultimately face in the deep Southern and Indian oceans.

Today's Report
Saito met with Quantum Sails this morning to discuss design for new sails. Quantum is one of three sailmakers being asked for a quote on a complete set of cruising sails.

By coincidence, Saito ran into an old friend from his Around Alone days -- world-famous skipper Grant Dalton. Grant was the Managing Director for Emirates Team New Zealand in the last (2007) America's Cup and is one of the best-known names in the world of yacht racing, including the Whitbread, which he has skippered multiple times and spectacularly won in 1993-94.

Saito said he bumped into him at a gasoline stand near the marina, and Grant invited him to his country home where they spent the afternoon catching up on old sea friends and stories.

This evening Saito will be a guest of honor at the New Zealand Short Handed Sailing Club.

Added Comment
Work on the boat by the mast and engine teams takes a break this weekend, though Saito will continue with clean-up and inventory.

Much thanks to Brian Petersen and this wife Keiko for escorting Saito and introducing him to members of the Short Handed Club tonight.

***
Thursday night, at the Tokyo Sail & Power Squadron's annual Change of Watch, Saito Challenge 8 received three $150 "Burgees 'Round the Horn" donations from the TSPS, honored guests Ken and Sandy Boyd (representing their Southern Cal squadron, Costa de Oro), and (as a pledge) from Jerry Brady, a Tokyo businessman and TSPS member.

More details to follow on the "Burgees 'Round the Horn" fund raising campaign.

These and other donations will be listed starting next week on the Saito Challenge 8 web page.

Today's Report
No contact today with Saito-san.

Added Comment
Further to the discussion on the propeller, it has been determined that it is possible for a Max-Prop to be used as a replacement. A slot will be cut from the leading edge of the rudder for clearance when the prop automatically returns to its feathered position. The manufacturer claims 15% less drag on average compared to a conventional fixed blade propeller.

***
Brian Petersen points out that there are actually TWO Daltons and that it may be we misheard Saito yesterday over which of the famous sailing brothers he bumped into. Graham is the BOC/Around Alone sailor Saito would have known, while Grant is of America's Cup/Team New Zealand and Whitbread fame. Either way, we'll solve the puzzle with tomorrow's call, and in the meantime we'll wonder over those amazing sailing genes in the Dalton family!

Today's Report
Saito visited Yachtspars New Zealand this morning to discuss the new mast, and to work out the requirements for the new standing rigging and fittings. More to come on that later.

There was an unnerving surprise waiting at the top of the old mast (now laying on the ground) when they gave it a close inspection. A pin at the top of the forestay had pulled almost completely out of the attachment assembly that fixes the cable to the mast. Had it completely separated the mast probably would have failed, Yachtspars' Dwayne Webb decided, adding "Saito-san was really lucky, but at least he made it here."

Saito had treated the sails gingerly during the 3,825 miles to Auckland in large part because of his doubts over the deteriorating condition of the rigging and sails.

Added Comment
Saito confirmed he had met Graham (not Grant) Dalton on Friday, though considers both brothers long-time sailing buddies. Graham, he reported, is planning his next solo around-the-globe race. "He's the funny one and likes to joke a lot, while Grant is more serious," Saito pointed out, laughing. He said he hopes he can see Grant as well during the Auckland refit.

***
New Zealand ended DST yesterday, placing it 3 hours behind Tokyo.

Today's Report
Decided to not go with the Max-Pro to save money. On reconsideration Saito-san felt there was no true benefit, despite the reduced drag: "We are not racing," he said.

The gearbox has also been ordered and will be ready for the install in about a week.

This is the general order for the engine installation:

1. Open up access to engine room.
2. Temporarily remove "hard top" over cockpit.
3. Remove old engine.
4. Clean up engine space.
5. Install electrical wiring for new engine/rewire old wiring within engine room.
6. Make new bed for engine.
7. Install engine.
8. Check and clean engine cooling circuit. (Uses keel as part of the circuit.)
9. Install gearbox.
10. Install shaft and propeller.
11. Adjust and commission new engine, gearbox and propeller.

Added Comment
Brian Petersen sent along photos of Saito-san at Saturday's award dinner following a big club race held every three years by the Short-handed Sailing Association of New Zealand. The dinner was in the Devonport Yacht Club, said by Brian to be over 100 years old and the former club of the late Sir Peter Blake. Shown are Saito-san and SSANZ president Mike Strong exchanging burgees. Saito's burgee is from the Yokohoma Yacht Club, the first sailing club in Japan.

Today's Report
"Good progress!" Saito-san exclaimed today, after the engine room -- sans the old engine -- was given a good, Bristol-style cleaning. Mike Read of Whiting Power reported as well that it is now gorgeous: "You can almost eat off the floor." Two days ago he was using far less kindly adjectives. Mike said the wiring is still "a mess" but Whiting's electrician is now busy sorting that out.

Added Comment
The engine arrives tomorrow and will be installed after its new (and smaller) bed is constructed. The engine team was amazed at the large size of the old engine, a Detroit GM. We think it's the original engine, so is pushing 20 years. Interestingly we've already had a small offer for it.

As we've already noted the Yanmar replacement engine, though a fraction of the size, will be about 20% more powerful.

***
It was decided to go with an Aquadrive unit to reduce vibration as well as to make the engine and drive shaft install go more quickly. The unit, sort of a "universal joint for boats," is forgiving of slight drive shaft misalignment, thus removes a major installation and long-term maintenance headache (engines can and do shift) as well as makes for smoother and quieter propulsion system operation.

The Max-Prop now being history, we'll probably reinstall the old propeller after it's judged whether it is still adequate for the boat.

***
A new contributing equipment sponsor signed on today. We can't say who just yet, but it's a highly respected and well known firm in the marine industry. The official announcement will come after the agreement is signed (and, in Japan, stamped). More details to follow.

Today's Report
Saito-san plans to clean and paint the bottom with anti-fouling in the coming week, following accumulation of a growth of white mollusks described as nearly thumb-sized and thickly covering the bottom. The hull had been scoured, though not painted, just before the boat left Honolulu so these sea-going hitch-hikers were all picked up along the way.

Added Comment

The anti-fouling job involves water-pressure blasting and scraping off the growth, wet sanding the old anti-fouling, protective masking, then applying several coats of fresh paint with brushes and rollers. Not a small task, but essential to reduce drag while under way, not to mention disposing of several hundredweight of shellfish.

A long-time friend of Saito's is flying in from Australia and will help him with the job, likely to take the better part of a week.

***
The old brake for the propeller shaft will be modified by Whiting Power for reuse in the new propulsion system. The brake is necessary when sailing because water movement spins the blade and causes unnecessary wear on the gears.

Today's Report
The old engine now has a new owner after someone offered $1,000 NZ for it. That's about $800 US, and an equal amount more than we actually expected to get for it. It's not exactly a boat anchor (it still runs) but probably is worth a lot more as a storehouse of semi-vintage parts. In Japan, they'd have made us pay to dispose of it.

Old engine during maintenance and parts replacement in Honolulu

Today's Report
Saito-san was joined this afternoon by an old friend from Australia, Russell Salmon, who will assist on the boat for the "next week to 10 days."

Cheerful and resolved over the phone, Russell affirmed there was "a lot to be done" but was ready to get to work. His first task, he said, was to draw up a list and prioritize what gets done first.

Russell and Minoru met in 1986, when Saito-san participated in the Melbourne to Osaka double-handed race -- his first major short-handed competition. "I've been trying to avoid him ever since!" Russell joked.

Added Comment

Rained all day today, Saito said, so the break over the weekend extended into a rain-induced holiday with no further progress on on-board engine work. Several on-order parts like the Aquadrive are still being awaited. Meanwhile, production on the new sails was scheduled to start this week with delivery by the end of the month..

Today's Report
Intermittent rain has been slowing things some this week, though shop-based engine and mast work has continued. Several parts were replaced on the aux. generator, a dual fuel filter was added to the fuel line, and general rewiring was carried out within the engine room. Engine bed is being prepared prior to engine installation on Monday or Tuesday.

Boat work turned to internal cleaning on the most part, though progress was made between squalls on hull cleaning prepatory to wet sanding and several coats of antifouling paint.

Added Comment
Russell Salmon, Saito-san's friend from Sydney, has his own sailing accomplishments, having competed in the 1985-6 Whitbread on its fourth running. His father, Bob, was skipper of the vessel, Norsk Data GB, crewed by 15 men and one woman.

Now known as the Volvo Ocean Race, the Whitbread Round the World Race was first run in 1973 and became sailing's most prestigious competitive event. The race's official history is here.

***
Saito has been overjoyed to have Russell's help, asserting "Everything he does is really good."

Russell's own comment: "I'm getting too old to paint bottoms!"

***
Quantum Sail's Rodney Keenan confirmed sail material deliveries are on schedule. Design of the sails has been worked out (basically non-complex cruising sails, rugged for heavy weather conditions) with production scheduled to start this Monday. Expected finish date: April 25.