Day MINUS 1 (departing tomorrow)  Auckland To Yokohama (4,700 nm)

Position:
36 50 S, 174 45 E, Auckland, NZ

Distance completed: 0%

Heading:
Boat speed:
Distance in last 24 hours:
Distance made good:
Distance to Yokohama: 4,700 nm
ETA:  07/12
Weather: Sunny, temperatures cool
Barometer:
Waves:
Wind (from): 10 - 14 kt SSW
Engine:
Sails:

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by cell, then the Iridium sat phone as a comms check.

After an anticipated 6-week refit that stretched into a frustrating 8, Saito-san happily reports work on the vessel has been completed. "It's all very good," he said.

Sea trials were held for the commissioning of the new engine last week, and the trials for the new rigging and sails were conducted today. He reports that a few rigging and running backstay adjustments were all that were required, under the able hand of Dwayne Webb (the rigger) and Rodney Keenan (the sail maker).

Using engine power alone the vessel was able to hit 10 kt at top RPMs last week. With the new sails and rigging, the boat speed today was clocked at 8 kt on a reach in 14 kt winds. These speeds compare to about 6 kt and 4-5 kt respectively, top speed, prior to the refit.

At an average 120 nm per day (averaging 5 kt), the 4,700 nm single-handed voyage to Yokohama is expected to take 39 days. This would give him an ETA of about July 12.

He leaves the dock at 9 am, to clear customs by 10 am tomorrow, June 4.

Asked for his planned heading, he declared: "Yokohama, non-stop!"

Added Comments

Congratulations to Minoru Saito and his "new" Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III!

With friend and fellow New Zealand Around-Aloner
Graham Dalton on the "new" Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III

Position:
36 22 S, 174 55 E

Distance completed: .7%

Heading: 355
Boat speed: 6 - 6.5 kt
Distance in last 6 hours: 32.5 nm
Distance made good: 30 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,670 nm
ETA:  33 days (07/5)
Weather: Sunny
Barometer: - hPa
Waves: .5 m
Wind (from): 20 kt SSW
Engine: fine, harbor use
Mainsail: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 80%

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Left Auckland at 10 am, with a send-off by friends (and a party last night).

After working his way out of Auckland Harbour, by 4 pm he had made 32.5 nm being pushed by 20 kt winds from the SSW. His speed at the time he called in was 6 to 6.5 kt, which is particularly good sailing downwind with the main at 1-pt reef and genoa at 80%.

No difficulties reported. All systems "very good," he said.

The Iridium connection was "5 x 5" -- quite good, though with the typical slight sat phone delay. (Thanks to Clearpoint Weather for this generous contribution to the effort!)

Added Comment

We're hoping to get photos from the send-off and should be able to include those over the next few days.

After Saito-san has a few days to get used to the new sails and rigging we plan to report his evaluation and expectations on average boat speed.

Position:
35 01 S, 174 23 E

Distance completed: 2.5%

Heading: 330
Boat speed: 3 - 6 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 119 nm
Distance made good: 117 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,583 nm
ETA:  38 days (07/12)
Weather: Sunny
Barometer: - hPa
Waves: .5 m
Wind (from): 4-8 kt SSE
Engine: none
Mainsail: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone. He also chatted with Rei briefly and called in to James later in the day.

Making good progress. In first the 24 hours has already broken the distance of his best day (115 nm) on the trip down from Hawaii. That's despite sailing downwind, which is the slowest point of sail (other than dead into the eye of the wind). The winds also eased from 20 kt to less than 6 kt in the morning.

Heading is 330, keeping him from having an accidental jibe. See the dangers of an uncontrolled jibe here.

He reports two problems: the winches that were not replaced are inadequate and are giving him trouble. These are the 4 biggest winches. Though checked in Auckland, they now are showing that with the bigger sails they all need replacing but for now are at least marginally usable.

More puzzling is that the regulator switch is cutting out, which is stopping charging from the engine. This has occurred 4 times, Saito said. The genset is working fine, so it will will be (as intended) the primary source of battery charging. We'll be in contact with the Auckland engineers to see if they have a fix for Saito to try.

Within 100 - 200 nm of New Zeland the winds will remain variable, after that he will enter the trade winds that blow a constant 15 - 25 kt from the east. At that point he'll typically be on a broad reach over the starboard rail heading due north.

Later in the day he reported the wind speed had further fallen, and that he was encountering an opposing current. The boat speed had subsequently reduced to 2.5 kt.

Added Comment

Elsewhere in the Pacific is Kenichi Horie, another famous Japanese sailor who is caught up in a slow-motion drama.

As you may know, Horie-san is in a 9.5-meter (33 foot) catamaran attempting to test out a new system of boat propulsion that uses the action of waves, rather than engine or sail. He left Honolulu for Osaka on March 18, and was expected to reach Osaka within 2 to 3 months, according to this article in Popular Science.

The article indicated the boat could do a theoretical 5 kt at top speed. Horie's daily web site typically shows his progress at between 1 and 1.5 kt, but our own plots using the supplied positions indicate an average speed of between .45 kt (last week) and .8 kt (yesterday's 7-day ave).

1 knot = 1.15 miles/hour (Note that a mariner never says "knots per hour!")

We applaud Horie, though suspect he's bored out of his mind moving along at a slow walk. At today's true average speed his ETA from his current position 811 nm from Osaka is 42 days. If his food holds out and he doesn't divert to Ogasawara, he'll reach his home port about July 14, a good 2 months overdue.

Since May 12 he already has had two major typhoons pass just north of his position.

Position:
33 028 S, 174 32 E

Distance completed: 4.5%

Heading: 20
Boat speed: 5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 95 nm
Distance made good: 210 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,480 nm
ETA:  37 days (07/12)
Weather: Cloudy
Barometer: - 1020 hPa
Waves: .5 m
Wind (from): 6-10 kt N, variable
Current: southerly (against) 0.5 - 0.8 kt
Engine: Motorsailing to maintain speed, keep heading in opposing wind/current
Sails
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail:
Genoa:

Today's Report

James spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Slowed some by opposing north wind and current, but was using the engine at 1200 rpm to maintain 5 kt. Made 95 nm compared to yesterday's 119 nm.

The unsettled wind conditions of the New Zealand coastal area are still being felt, causing periodic sail adjustments and course corrections. Opposing pressure systems to the south and north of his position are causing a disruption of the westerly trades he will soon enter, likely by late tomorrow or the following day. In discussing the variable winds James explains:

Saito-san has a general picture in mind, knowing the peculiarities of the wind in the South Pacific region (normally counter-clockwise). So long as he knows the positions of Low and High with respective mb [millibar/barometric] measurement, he can generally guess what the direction of the wind will be.

Added Comment

We are trying to additionally arrange for a Japanese speaker to obtain more "Saito-esque" than purely nautical details, so please keep reading for his first whale sighting or what a pan-fried flying fish is like eaten at a "table for one" in the middle of the South Pacific. Iridium communication is great, since it essentially turns every cell phone on the planet into a maritime sideband radiotelephone. The problem is that at times the quality is comparable to sideband (i.e., plain awful) and half-English/half-Japanese shouted across the satellite links makes for "just-the-facts-'mam"-type phone calls!

Position:
32 24 S, 174 05 E

Distance completed: 5.7%

Heading: 40
Boat speed: 4 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 68 nm
Distance made good: 270 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,430 nm
ETA:  37 days (07/13)
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: - 1021 hPa
Waves: 1 m
Wind (from): 12-14 kt NNW, variable
Current: easterly, a weak 0.1 - 0.2 kt
Engine: OK
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Hunter and James both separately spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Winds were very light during the night and variable, making sleep difficult,

Regulator problem reported 2 days ago seems to have fixed itself. No longer shutting off at random intervals. This means that the batteries will charge as the engine is used, rather than depending 100% on the genset (aux. generator).

Boat speed was 4 kt at the time of the call. Ave. for the 24-hour period was 2.8 kt.

The currents are negligible at 0.2 kt or less out of the west.

Added Comment

The unsettled wind conditions of the New Zealand coastal area and nearby low and high pressure systems are still being felt, and gave him a bad night. In the current 24 hours we can see 6 predicted changes in wind direction, 3 of those putting the wind on his nose from the north.

This is an image taken 12 hours ago from Clearpoint Weather, showing the highly unsettled conditions. Winds of 40 kt and above are present in the dark purple area. This area is east and moving away from Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji's position marked by the cross.

Clearpoint gives us the ability to "see" the weather at any specified location, using data supplied by weather satellites and NOAA weather stations and buoys, supplemented by ship reports. Predictions can be seen for wind changes at 6-hour intervals up to 2 days, though accuracy drops as the forecast lengthens.

At this scale there's about 250 miles between him and the top edge of the image. The small red ball to his west is a single lightning strike within 60 minutes of this weather data download.

Position:
31 02 S, 175 42 E

Distance completed: 7.5%

Heading: 000
Boat speed: 2.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 117 nm (24-hr ave. 4.8 kt)
Distance made good: 354 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,346 nm
ETA:  36 days (07/13)
Weather: Partly cloudy, fair, scattered rain
Barometer: - 1013 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m
Wind (from): 5-10 kt NNW. Winds very light during the early morning and variable.
Current: easterly, a weak 0.1 - 0.2 kt
Engine: OK
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Winds mainly out of the north so progress is still somewhat slow. Has easted during the night.

["Easted, wested" refers to either intentional course correction and/or inadvertent lateral movement due to boat leeway from wind or current.]

Boat speed was 2.5 kt at the time of the call. Ave. for the 24-hour period was 4.8 kt. An ave. of 5.0 kt is anticipated, and will be that or betterwhen he reaches the east tradewinds at latitude 014S, in about 500 nm/4 days. At that time the winds will blow steadily out of the east at 10 - 20 kt.

The currents continue to be negligible at 0.2 kt or less out of the west.

Added Comment

Look here for Wikipedia explanations of latitude and longitude .

Between each degree of latitude there is an equal north-south separation of 60 nm.

Between degrees of longitude at the equator there is an east-west separation of 60 NM, decreasing the further north or south you go.

A nautical mile (nm) is 1.1 statute miles or 1.8 kilometers. Conversions available here.

Map from the CIA, copyright free in the public domain.

Position:
28 55 S, 176 03 E

Distance completed: 10.5%

Heading: 005
Boat speed: 6 kt (8 kt during the night)
Distance in last 24 hours: 125 nm (24-hr ave. 5.2 kt)
Distance made good: 486 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,214 nm
ETA:  34 days (07/12)
Weather: Partly cloudy, clearing
Barometer: - 1022 hPa rising to 1030 tomorrow
Waves: 2 - 3 m
Wind (from): 14-20 kt SSE, variable
Current: Easterly, 0.2 kt
Engine: 1.5 hr at 1,000 rpm for charging
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Although tired from last night's frequent wind changes, he was pleased by the improved sail & rig performance. The best 24-hr DMG (Distance Made Good) was achieved yesterday despite the shifting winds, which over the course of the period eventually settled into 14 - 20 kt SSE giving him a downwind sail. While not the best point of sail (both slower and with risk of an uncontrolled jibe), it did offer several hours of coasting along at a heady 8 knots. 125 nm was the best DMG since the vessel was acquired in Hawaii, after about 60 total days under way for both voyages.

Boat speed was 6.0 kt at the time of the call. Ave. for the 24-hour period was 5.2 kt. With the eastward movement of a pair of high and low pressure systems, it appears that the westerly trade winds (or "trades") have reappeared at the latitudes Saito is just now entering. For the next several days constant 15 - 18 kt winds from the SE are predicted. This should hold for the next 200 - 300 nm as he approaches the Tropic of Capricorn.

The ocean current continues to be negligible at 0.2 kt or less out of the west, though about 250 miles ahead the current will be against him at up to 0.6 kt. It's not much as currents go, but ANY opposing current ultimately does slow progress and is important to consider in respect to hull performance for the planned westward circumnavigation.

Added Comment

Further to yesterday's comment on longitude and latitude:

Between each degree of latitude there is an equal north-south separation of 60 nm.

Between degrees of longitude at the equator there is an east-west separation of 60 nm, decreasing the further north or south you go.

For example, at the position 030S 176E, about where Saito-san is now, the separation between 176E and 177E is 52.7 nm. Moving "up" to the Equator, the separation between 176E and 177E increases to just under 60 nm .

Far down at the Antarctic Circle (066 deg. 33 min. S), the separation between each degree of longitude is much less -- just 24 nm.

It's not hard to remember: Mariners say the longitudinal lines "pinch together" the closer you get to either of the poles.

Position:
26 40 S, 176 18 E

Distance completed: 13.1%

Heading: 000
Boat speed: 4-5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 133 nm (24-hr ave. 5.5 kt)
Distance made good: 614 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 4,110 nm
ETA:  34 days (07/13) @ 5 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, clearing
Barometer: - 1022 hPa rising to 1025 tomorrow
Waves: 2 - 3 m
Wind (from): 18-20 kt SE
Current: Easterly, 0.2 kt
Engine:
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Again made a best 24-hr time of 133 nm, clocking an ave. 5.5 kt. During the night a component at the top of the headsail furling system jammed or broke and it made it necessary to dowse the sail. He cannot climb the mast in the force of the current strong winds, so will continue for now under double-reefed main. Later when the winds fall he will climb the mast using the folding rungs that were built into the new mast as a key safety and convenience feature.

Not clear how much the loss of the headsail will reduce his speed but possibly to below 5 kt. Winds are predicted to be in the mid-20s from the SE and E at least for the next several days. He is now definitely in the trades. He had been running downwind, but if the wind continues to shift to out of the southeast he will be on a broad reach or beam reach, which are the fastest points of sail.

The wind speed readout has also been lost, for no apparent reason. Not an essential component for a cruising sailor but important especially to understand the wind direction. For that he can also take clues from other indications, including the telltails on the sail and spindrift from waves, etc. Telltails, which are short bits of yarn, string, or cloth, can be tied to rigging cables to indicate "boat wind."

Added Comment

Please let us know if there are questions you would like for us to ask Saito-san. Rei will talk with him twice a week to get more of the human side. Rei is one of our volunteers and has done a great job on translations of the web page, and helping in the Saito 8 booths at the last two boat shows.

Speaking of which, see here for images of the volunteers and visitors at our booth at the Yokohama Marine Entertainment Festival held May 30-June 1. Much thanks again for the help of the 17 volunteers over the 3-day event. It was wet at times, but a lot of fun.

Position:
24 56 S, 175 08 E

Distance completed: 15.7%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 122 nm (24-hr ave. 5.1 kt)
Distance made good: 736 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,964 nm
ETA:  33 days (07/13) @ 5.1 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: - 1025 hPa
Waves: 3 m
Wind (from): 20-25 kt ESE
Current: Easterly, 0.2 kt
Engine: 1.5 hrs x 3 for charging
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Boat is "fine" and continuing to make the anticipated 5 kt average despite inability to use the headsail. Strong, constant winds have assisted out of the SE and ESE.

Even stronger winds at 25-plus kt expected due to a strong high pressure system passing just south of his position. This will last for at least the next 2 or 3 days.

After that should be able to climb the mast to see what's keeping the roller furler jammed.

Added Comment

He crosses the Tropic of Capricorn today at latitude 23° 26' 22" S, which officially puts him in the tropics. (Good thing, because he was starting to remark how cold Auckland was becoming with the approach of the southern winter!)

The word "tropic" itself comes from the Greek tropos, meaning turn, referring to the fact that the sun appears to "turn back" at the solstices, says Wikipedia.

****
Rei was able to speak with him today, and commented that it was much easier this time to hear him (and be heard) over the Iridium connection. We'll try to include her report tomorrow.

Position:
22 55 S, 175 33 E

Distance completed: 18.5%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 6 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 123 nm (24-hr ave. 5.1 kt)
Distance made good: 867 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,909 nm
ETA:  33 days (07/13) @ 5.1 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: - 1023 hPa
Waves: 3-4 m
Wind (from): 28-35 kt E
Current: Easterly, 0.3 kt
Engine: 1.5 hrs x 3 for charging
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

He's in a moderately strong gale, with winds in the high 20s to mid 30s out of the east. Even stronger winds at 35-plus kt are expected in the next 2 days due to a large high pressure system south of his position and moving to the east.

He said the boat has been fine other than the jammed headsail furler.

Under a 3-pt reefed mainsail he's maintaining a steady 6 kts primarily on a broad reach (D).

From Wikipedia

Added Comment

Rei was able to get a clear Iridium connection with Saito-san yesterday and today, though both are trying to establish a routine for on-water interviews from far in the Southern Pacific.

Saito is accustomed to speaking using the highly terse marine radio protocol learned over the years, and even though the Iridium connection CAN be clear, it can also be spotty. Add his intense "boat focus" to that, and an interview can go something like this:

"Saito-san, could you sleep last night?"

"What?!"

[Silence]

"Did you sleep?"

"Yes, the wind is very strong..."

"No, I asked, could you SLEEP?"

[Silence]

"...or 30 knots from Echo-Sierra-Echo." (ESE)

"Wait. No..."

"What?! Oh, no...hard to hear."

"Never mind..."

"What?!"

"Talk to you tomorrow, same time..."

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

[Silence]

***

But here is what Rei reports from this week's calls:

June 11  (received 7:20 am in Japan)

Last night's dinner: Yaki-udon (stir-fried wheat noodles)

Breakfast: Cheese bread

June 12  (received 7:10 am in Japan)

Wind: 15-20 kt (from east)
Waves: 3-4m (occasionally higher)

Breakfast: cereal and milk, banana, and one apple. (He repeated and stressed that it was his LAST banana.)

As the sea is rough, a small stool in the navigation station does not stay still.

His back that he strained 3 days ago while fixing the headsail for 2 hours still hurts and he is taking a painkiller, but otherwise is feeling fine.

He stayed up throughout last night as the sea became rough, but he is feeling alert.

He laughed while we talked and sounded very cheerful. When I asked, "Comment for the readers, please," he cheerfully replied "Yes!!" and hung up the phone.

Maybe the reception was not clear? But I think his agreeing may have been in answer to my other comment: "Odaijini!" [Get well!]

Position:
21 00 S, 174 37 E

Distance completed: 20.5%

Heading: 340
Boat speed: 5.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 129 nm (24-hr ave. 5.4 kt)
Distance made good: 963 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,800 nm
ETA: 31 days (07/13) @ 5.1 kt
Weather: Gale
Barometer: - 1016 hPa
Waves: 4-5 m
Wind (from): 35-40 kt E
Current: Easterly, 0.3 kt
Engine: 1.5 hrs x 3 for charging
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

By noon the gale had increased to what Saito-san described as "Force 7," with seas at 5 meters and 38+ kt winds.

Saito-san called later to Hide to report that a drain pipe from the galley had separated due to the rough seas and that an open seacock allowed water into the forward bilge area. He closed all cocks and stopped the water, and said he would use a manual pump to clear the forward bilge.

He relayed to Hide that he is fine and that the boat is not in danger but that he is evaluating whether there is currently enough pumping capacity to clear large volumes of water in an emergency.

Added Comment

When the vessel was acquired in Hawaii there were no manual or electric pumps installed. The system for clearing water in the case of an emergency was to use the raw water pump on the engine. The concern was that should the engine go out, that meant no pump. The plumbing was also highly complicated and potentially a danger to the boat.

So 2 manual pumps and 1 electric pump were installed as part of the Hawaii refit. The 2 manual pumps are independently plumbed, with each having its own thru-hulls at deck level. Each hose has a valve at the outlet. Pump No. 1 goes to the forward compartment bilge. Pump No. 2 is for the engine room/aft compartment bilge. Both pumps are located side-by-side on the starboard (right) side under the battery bank in the engine room.

The separately plumbed high-volume electric bilge pump in the aft bilge/engine compartment has an automatic function with a manual toggle that will activate the sump pump for as long as the toggle is held down. It will also automatically activate when water reaches a certain height in the bilge.

***
The gale has built over the last 3 days and fortunately appears ready to blow itself out, with reduced seas and winds down into the 20s and teens forecast by mid Saturday or early Sunday. Saito-san is quite tired from having little sleep since the gale began.

Leaks are no stranger to him. In the last months of his 2004-5 circumnavigation, an inaccessible leak in the daggerboard case of Shuten-dohji II demanded several hours of hand-pumping each day. In today's instance the leak could be quickly found and stopped.

Position:
19 28 S, 173 52 E

Distance completed: 22.3%

Heading: 036
Boat speed: 3-4 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 98 nm (24-hr ave. 4.0 kt)
Distance made good: 1,047 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,731 nm
ETA: 31 days (07/14) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Diminishing gale, overcast with area squalls
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 4-5 m
Wind (from): 25-30 kt NE
Current: Easterly, 0.3 kt
Engine: Motor-sailing to make headway in opposing winds
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Remnants of the 3-day gale now give him headwinds of 20+ knots, varying from the north and northeast.

He said he was "very tired" but received cheerfully our confirmation that better weather was shortly ahead.

The galley drain leak is under control and repair on the drain pipe will be carried out as he enters calmer latitudes in a day or so, when seas will be 2m (now 4m) and winds become constant at about 14-20 kt as the trade winds resume from the east.

Added Comment

Saito-san has now passed the thousand-mile point from Auckland. In 2 days he will reach the same latitude (014S) as Pago Pago, American Samoa, where he arrived on Day 30 of his voyage down from Honolulu. The rest of the journey on to Auckland took another 20 days. It has taken him just half that sailing time to return to the same latitude, albeit with about 16% less distance on the route/heading that's now taking him to Japan. His boat speed should return to 5-6 kt when the "trades" resume.

From Wikipedia:

The trade winds are a pattern of wind that are found in bands around the Earth's equatorial region. The trade winds are the prevailing winds in the tropics, blowing from the high-pressure area in the horse latitudes towards the low-pressure area around the equator. The trade winds blow predominantly from the northeast in the northern hemisphere and from the southeast in the southern hemisphere.

Position:
16 47 S, 173 05 E

Distance completed: 26.4%

Heading: 330
Boat speed: 3-4 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 73 nm (24-hr ave. 4.0 kt)
Distance made good: 1,238 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,578 nm
ETA: 30 days (07/15) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Clear, cloudless skies, getting warmer
Barometer: 1016 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m
Wind (from): 8-12 kt ESE
Current: Easterly, 0.1-0.3 kt
Engine: No
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler

[position map]

Today's Report (Day 11 & 12)

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Day 11
-- Remnants of the 3-day gale give him headwinds of 20+ knots, varying from the north and northeast. He said he was "very tired" but received cheerfully our confirmation that better weather was shortly ahead.

The galley drain leak is under control and repair on the drain pipe will be carried out as he enters calmer latitudes in a day or so, when seas will be 2m (now 4m) and winds become constant at about 14-20 kt as the trade winds resume from the east.

Day 12
-- Conditions very mild with weak winds and flat seas. Enjoying the break in the weather after a tough 4 days. Trades have returned and within 14 hours winds will improve to 9-14 kt from E, then ESE for a good point of sail.

Added Comment

The leak that has dogged him for 2 days has mostly been contained, but has taken 180 pulls on the hand pump to clear the forward bilge, he estimates. Appears to be a leak that cannot be seen/found and though is not dangerous is still allowing seawater to gradually enter. Expects the leak to be isolated and fixed soon otherwise pumping out will be a regular daily chore.

Headsail still furled until winds drop enough for him to climb the mast to determine what is causing the jamming at the top of the furling headstay.

Feels more rested.

Position:
14 43 S, 172 29 E

Distance completed: 28.8%

Heading: 330
Boat speed: 6.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 135 nm (24-hr ave. 5.6 kt)
Distance made good: 1,1,354 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,426 nm
ETA: 28 days (07/14) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Clear& partly cloudy, balmy, heating up
Barometer: 1017 hPa
Waves: 2.0 m, from east
Wind (from): 14-20 kt ESE
Current: Easterly, 0.1 kt
Engine: No
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler (at top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

"Making good speed," Saito enthused this morning. His 135 nm 24-distance tops his previous trip record by 2 nm, despite the furled headsail. No problems reported.

Added Comment

A writer for Daytona, a Japanese-language automotive & lifestyle magazine, came yesterday to interview us and, to his surprise, we had arranged for Saito to call in. Judging from the usual spotty quality of the sat-phone connection, we figured Takashi Sakurai might manage a few brief, shouted questions but to our own surprise the connection was as good as a normal cell phone call. In fact, the writer, young but quite professional, spoke quietly as he questioned Saito. For a good 15 minutes they were able to chat back and forth casually and normally, and the interview seemed to go quite well. It was amazing even to us that this level of communications could be conducted with a small sailing ship deep in the South Pacific Ocean. Sakurai-san's article will be out in the July edition.

We got on the line and the clarity held, as Saito-san recounted more on his problem with the leak. "I didn't know" that the drain pipe had broken, he said. So for some unknown period of time he had been using the galley to wash dishes and the waste water, instead of going out through the hull outlet, had been emptying into the forward bilge. But as the swells grew during the recent 3-day gale, the passing monster waves had submerged the open drain outlet, which is a foot or more above the waterline. That meant "I was getting water from both the ocean AND the galley sink," he explained. The leak is now stopped, with the seacock closed, but he says the drain pipe cannot be fixed without the proper fittings. "So from now I wash dishes in a bucket," he laughed.

***
Tomorrow we discuss an enthusiastic post from a junior college student in Singapore.

Position:
12 32 S, 171 20 E

Distance completed: 31.8%

Heading: 330
Boat speed: 6.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 150 nm (24-hr ave. 6.25 kt)
Distance made good: 1,497 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,300 nm
ETA: 27 days (07/14) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Clear & partly cloudy, balmy, heating u
Barometer: 1016 hPa
Waves: 1 - 2.0 m, from east
Wind (from): 15-20 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.1 kt, W
Engine: 2 hrs x 3 @ 1,000 rpm for charging
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

"Very good progress" Saito reports. At 150 nm, he topped yesterday's trip record by 15 nm. No problems reported. A flying fish landed on board this morning and Saito-san was planning to invite his hapless passenger to lunch.

***

At 2pm Tokyo time Saito-san called Hide-san to inform him about a problem with the main sheet traveler. A connecting bolt is working its way out and cannot be re-tightened. So he has temporarily reinforced it with a spare block, and we have informed Yachtspars (the rigger) about it by email, requesting that a more-secure solution be suggested.

For traveller explanation and picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_traveller

Further, the freshwater electric pump is no longer working, though there is adequate bottled water. Saito-san said he will catch rainwater to supplement his freshwater stock. The vessel has a hard roof with a rain catchment system that allows rainwater to flow through a hose. This way a bucket can be filled in a few minutes and then poured into spare bottles, used for washing, etc.

Added Comment

Yesterday we received this welcome email from a student in Singapore.

Our response was "Of course! How can we help you?" and ideally we'd like to get a number of students and teachers to help develop school projects into a web-based educational forum devoted to different aspects of the entire Saito 8 Challenge.

Topics can include the sea, sailing, navigation, marine life, weather, the environment, renewable energy, global warming, etc. But also living to the fullest, active life well after retirement, overcoming personal difficulties, striving to achieve even seemingly impossible goals ... the range of possibilities is huge.

We've often discussed on the Saito 8 Committee how this fantastic effort by essentially one man can be expanded into something more educationally, spiritually, and broadly stimulating -- much the way Alexander expresses it so well above.

Please stay tuned as we see where this may lead.

Position:
09 22 S, 169 037 E

Distance completed: 35.6%

Heading: 335
Boat speed: 4.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 79 nm (24-hr ave. 3.3 kt)
Distance made good: 1,704 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 3,122 nm
ETA: 26 days (07/15) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Scattered showers, hot (33C on-board)
Barometer: 1016 hPa
Waves: 1 - 2.0 m, from east
Wind (from): 10 - 15 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.1 kt, W
Engine: 2 hrs x 3 @ 1,000 rpm for charging
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Slower progress with reduced wind and passing squalls earlier in the day, but beginning to pick up again. He said that when a squall approaches the winds grow, then die almost completely after it passes.

***

Added Comment

Rei talked to him earlier this week (Tuesday) and reported the following:

The sky is either clear or overcast, changeable. There is one black cloud that tells me there is a squall off in the distance, and because of the squall, I can see rainbows. This is typical weather around this area.

Last night, after midnight, a 30cm flying fish flew onto the boat. I've already split it off and hung the pieces. I'll have them for lunch, and already prepared to cook rice. Breakfast was cereal, by the way.

The pump of the fresh water tank has broken. The tank still contains 500 liters, but I cannot take the water out any more. You don't have to be worried, as there are more than 100 bottles of water for drinking purposes, and in addition, 60 liters for emergency use. But now I have to use sea water for washing, etc.I will use rain water as well.

[Later he told us that he easily filled 3 buckets compliments of a passing squall.]

It will be 5 more days to the Equator. Getting very hot. It is probably 30C. I get sweat even in the cabin, but the room next to the cabin is hotter, as there is a generator for battery charging and refrigerator. I guess it reaches 35C inside. So I'm in a t-shirt and swim pants only.

Position:
07 44 S, 168 31 E

Distance completed: 39.3%

Heading: 325
Boat speed: 4.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 154 nm (24-hr ave. 6.4 kt)
Distance made good: 1,857 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 2,950 nm
ETA: 22 days (07/12) @ 5.5 kt
Weather: Clear, hot (35C on-board)
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m, from east
Wind (from): 20 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.1 kt, W
Engine: 2 hrs x 3 @ 1,000 rpm for charging
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Very hot as he approaches the Equator (in 450 nm). Winds are stronger, and progress been good. Ave. boat speed for the past 5 days is 5.5 kt.

***

Added Comment

After a review of today's and yesterday's positions, it appears likely that yesterday's position was about 30 nm short. Today's 154 nm probably includes the "missing miles." Will get clarification from him on the next call.

***
A Canadian writer who is doing a book on Harry Mitchell has asked for Saito-san's recollections of the conditions surrounding Harry's tragic disappearance in a gale during the 1995 BOC Challenge. Saito, about 200 nm away and struggling to survive in the same gale, was the closest of the racers to Harry (as well as a close friend). We conveyed this request to Saito-san, as well as the well-wishes from Diana, Harry's widow. This will be the author's third sailing-related book. He writes:

Many thanks for your reply. I can certainly wait until Minoru gets to Japan, but perhaps if you're speaking to him you could pass on greetings from Diana Mitchell whom I visited in Portsmouth last week. She showed me an earring Minoru gave her and remembers him fondly.

***
Earlier we mentioned that 16-year-old Zac Sunderland was about ready to depart Long Beach, CA, on his quest to become the youngest solo circumnavigator. He left this past Saturday from Marina Del Ray.

His mom contacted us today, with the following request:

I am enjoying reading of Saito-san's progress. My son, Zac, has headed out and is experiencing some flukey annoying weather. I can see his confidence growing as he learns the boat, the sea and acquires patience! I am admiring your graphic that shows Saito-san's course. How did you make this? I need something like this for Zac's web site.
Hope this finds you well!
Marianne Sunderland

Both Zac and Saito-san are being generously assisted by ClearPoint High Definition Weather.

In turn we all greatly admire Zac's courage, skill, and determination. Saito-san, when told of Zac's departure, said "Gambatte, Zac! Gambatte!"

Gambatte: No exact translation, but means along the lines of "Fight on! Keep trying! Work hard! Do your best!" Pronounced gahm-bah-teh.

We're using Google Earth for Saito's position graphics, and have told Marianne we can assist her. Meanwhile, a visit to Zac's web page gives us plenty of tips on how to improve our own all-volunteer efforts!

Position:
06 05 S, 167 31 E

Distance completed: 40.5%

Heading: 330
Boat speed: 5.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 80 nm (24-hr ave. 3.3 kt)
Distance made good: 1,901 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 2,901 nm
ETA: 22 days (07/13) @ 5.5 kt
Weather: Clear, hot (33C on-board), frequent passing thunderstorms
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m, from east
Wind (from): 12-14 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.1 kt, W
Engine: 2 hrs x 3 @ 1,000 rpm for charging
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Many thunderstorms in last 24 hours, could sleep only about 3 hours last night as he attended sails. "Very tired," he said. Ave. speed dropped for the period, from 6.4 to 3.3 kt. But morning winds were still good at 15 kt from the ESE and E so his heading is fairly constant, and he's making good westerly progress. Route also clears him of the Marshall Islands (comprising 24 inhabited islands and atolls) 800 nm to the north, comfortably passing them to the west.

Added Comment

He'll cross the Equator in a little over 3 days. The temperature inside is approx. 3-5 degrees C more than outside due to a combination of the vessel's all-steel construction and the operation of the engine (for DC charging) or the genset (primarily for AC power). Approx. half his fuel remains, about 800 gallons. He's used about 250-300 gallons since leaving Auckland. If necessary he can stop off in several locations en route to replenish, but that is not expected. However, he will probably have to motor through the Horse Latitudes forming a mostly windless band of sea between 35 and 30 degrees north.

Position:
6/24/08 0900 hours (local time, minus 2 hrs Tokyo/JST)
04 41 S, 166 46 E

6/24/08 0900 hours (local time, minus 2 hrs Tokyo/JST)
Position:
03 05 S, 165 55 E

Distance completed: 44.4%

Heading: 330
Boat speed: 4.5 kt
Distance in last 48 hours: 205 nm (24-hr ave. 4.3 kt)
Distance made good: 2,087 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 2,706 nm
ETA: 22.5 days (07/15) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, warm (28 C)
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves (from): 1.0 m E
Wind (from): 12-15 kt E
Current (from): 0.1 kt W
Engine: 2 hrs x 3 @ 1,000 rpm for charging
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Everything fine the last 48 hours. Speed slightly under desired average due to moderate winds. Temperatures better, but starting to rise again.

Added Comment

Email received from Brian Peterson, who helped Saito-san various ways in Auckland, including the generous use of the family washing machine. We had thanked him for his assistance and learned he almost "saw" Saito-san one more time last week.

Hi,

I was very happy to be able to give Minoru some assistance. I would like to have done more, but had plenty of my own yachting, family and business stuff to care for - I'm sure you know how it is!

We had a quick race to Fiji, spent a few days there in the lovely tropical sun and then had an even quicker (strong easterly quarter winds, with only the storm jib and double reefed delivery main for over a thousand miles) delivery trip back to NZ. I did consider calling Minoru by satellite phone as I thought we must have been quite close at one stage, but my Palm Pilot went flat and I couldn't find his number! Later I saw that we had been just a hundred miles or so apart, heading in opposite directions, about two hundred miles south of Fiji.

Looks like his own trip is going well.

I look forward to catching up with Minoru and yourself again at some stage.

Best regards

Brian

It's rather telling about New Zealand boaters when a 1,130 nm race up to Fiji is described as "quick," the way someone else might mention a club race around a buoy and back. Brian's boat came in fourth in a field of 22 vessels. He said he saw as much as 21 kt on the knot log, with 12 kt typical. Ho, hum...