Position:
12 43 N, 149 18 E

Distance completed: 68.7%

Heading: 315
Boat speed: 5.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 122 nm (24-hr ave. 5.1 kt)
Distance made good: 3,296 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 1,418 nm
ETA: 11.3 days (07/17) @ 5.2 kt
Weather: Overcast and rainy, winds improved, direction shifting, thunderstorms
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves (from): 1.0 m E
Wind (from): 14-16 kt WSW
Current (from): 0.2 kt ESE (favorable)
Engine: motoring, 1,000 rpm
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.

Thunderstorm activity is returning. Winds were moderately strong but not on a good point of sail as they are coming from astern (WSW), thus present an accidental gybe risk. We're seeing unsettled wind conditions about 2-3 days ahead of his current position. [Being caused by a low pressure system (1005 mb) to his NE about 350 nm distant.]

No typhoons are showing but Saito-san said at this time of the summer one can be expected anytime within 2 weeks.

ETA is now "July 17 or 18," Saito believes.

Added Comments

It's been confirmed:

Arrangements have been made for Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III to be berthed at Yokohama Bayside Marina at a discount, which may be negotiated later but is a very good price at 5,000 yen a day, one-third the normal visitor's rate.

There are several excellent benefits of YBS, including good access, top security, nearby restaurants and shops, and crowds of young people who will be able to see the boat and meet Saito. There's also a well-stocked chandlery (marine supply store). Also key is that it is in Yokohama, to reassert our affiliation with the 150th Port Anniversary. (Presumably we'll be able to berth there after as well.)

http://www.ybmarina.com/

Hide-san takes the bows for making this happen. He's also taking care of the pre-customs clearance procedures.

FYI: The annual fee for a 56-foot vessel at Bayside is 2,976,000 yen. Including the deposit, the fee is just under 7 million yen ($66,000) for the first year. So 5,000 yen a day for a month or two is not bad at all...

Here's a review with photos of the shopping complex, and includes English directions on how to get there:

***
Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. Yesterday's photo was rain, so this is how it can look at sunrise after a storm has passed.

***
Here's an English report on Horie-san, describing his achieving what it calls another "world first."

Position:
14 10 N, 147 46 E

Distance completed: 70.6%

Heading: 315
Boat speed: 5.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 113 nm (24-hr ave. 4.7 kt)
Distance made good: 3,390 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 1,320 nm
ETA: 11 days (07/18) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Frequent thunderstorms, winds stronger, from WSW/SW
Barometer: 1008 hPa (dropping)
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 10-16 kt WSW/SW, gusts to 30 kt
Current (from): 0.3 kt ESE (favorable)
Engine: motoring, 1,200 rpm
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: Closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Seas are getting rough, with strong winds developing at times up to 30 kt gusts. Frequent thunderstorms in the area.

OKERA-Net informed Saito-san about 3pm JST by sideband radio that a typhoon has started at 20N, 150E.

Added Comments

The typhoon said developing by OKERA-Net is 350 nm to Saito's NE, though nothing is showing as yet on ClearPoint other than a trough of moderately strong winds (red and brown area in the image). Thunderstorms and lightning strikes can be seen about 50 nm north of his estimated mid-afternoon position.

If a typhoon does occur, the developing center appears already past Saito since typhoons in the N. Pacific typically move from SE to N (and NW). Saito is currently to the southwest of the reported (potential) center. We will ask Saito to call in several times daily so we can keep him informed.

Recent typhoon seasons are described in Wikipedia, with images showing the usual track. So far there have been 3 this year, compared to 14 in all of 2007. Of those, 3 occurred in the month of July.

***
Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This mahi mahi added sashimi and broiled fillets to their diet for several days. (Those are Vincent's feet ... in a few days we'll show you his "other end.")

Position:
15 30 N, 146 15 E

Distance completed: 72.9%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 5.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 107 nm (24-hr ave. 4.5 kt)
Distance made good: 3,499 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 1,235 nm
ETA: 10.2 days (07/18) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Frequent thunderstorms, winds stronger, from SW
Barometer: 1011 hPa (dropping)
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 20 kt SW, gusts to 35 k
Current (from): 0.1 kt ESE (favorable)
Engine: motoring, 1,200 rpm
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: Closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Thunderstorms still heavy in the area, but the potential typhoon reported yesterday has not yet developed. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning, placing the "almost stationary" tropical depression (1004 mb) at 21 N 151 E, with an associated high (1012 mb) at 33 N 127 E.

Numerous lightning strikes could be seen at his position about 6 pm yesterday (JST).

Added Comments

Rei's call this morning with Saito-san focused on the low pressure system that threatens to turn into the season's 4th typhoon.

There was another thunderstorm at dawn. I didn't sleep at all. The weather is ok now, but soon the next thunderstorm will come.

Yesterday, OKERA-Net gave me a report from a captain of a fishing boat: "Low pressure at 20 N 150E became a tropical low pressure system." If that is right, the low pressure system may become a typhoon.

I will take 330 deg. course to pass 20-30m north of Saipan towards Ogasawara Islands.
If the typhoon really appears, I will see it at about 24-25 N. Boat speed is 4.5 kt, with motoring 5.5-6.0 kt. Soon I will use the engine again. ETA is the 18th, and I will go to Bayside Marina in Yokohama.

Today's breakfast was cereal again. Dinner last night was rice soup (zohsui) using a can.
I want to have some warm rice for lunch, maybe with curry. Only 3 packages of curry are left.

Usually you can easily fish mahi mahi around this area. Or even without fishing, a couple of flying fish will jump onto your boat. But there are no fish, no birds, of course, no dolphins.

Very strange, isn't it? Is this because a typhoon is coming?

There are no fishing boats either. I saw only one container ship yesterday that was heading to Japan.

Typhoon? Yes, I have experienced it several times. Recent one was on my way back to Japan. Another one in 1988. And... a cyclone in the South Pacific.

What's the difference between a cyclone and typhoon?

Low pressure system in North Atlantic is called a hurricane, and in North Pacific, typhoon. A similar low pressure that develops in the South Pacific / Tasman Sea is called a cyclone. So no "typhoon" appears in the South Pacific.

***
Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This is the view off the bow under an almost cloudless sky.

Position:
17 16 N, 145 02 E

Distance completed: 76.0%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 4.7 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 151 nm (24-hr ave. 6.3 kt)
Distance made good: 3,652 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 1,087 nm
ETA: 9.0 days (07/17) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Frequent thunderstorms, winds reduced
Barometer: 1010 hPa (dropping)
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 6-8 kt WSW
Current (from): 0.1 kt N (no effect)
Engine: motoring, 1,100 rpm
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.

Thunderstorms were still heavy in the area, with 3 passing over this morning. He's shaken the second reef out of the main since for now the thunderstorms seem to have left the vicinity.

Added Comments

The tropical depression/potential typhoon warning raised yesterday by the Japan Meteorological Agency appears to have given the wrong position. It said the "almost stationary" low was at 21 N 151 E. ClearPoint instead showed it about 500 nm to the west (see position map above). Regardless, it appears to now be substantially weakening.

We suggested to Saito-san that he might want to skirt the eastern edge of the system, staying in longitude 145 E where he can take advantage of the moderately strong (12-15 kt) winds for the next 2 or 3 days. His current heading would have him crossing the low (the bigger oval, below) and put him in an area of variable and much weaker winds as the system breaks up.

This is how ClearPoint expects the low pressure system to look in about 36 hours:

Meanwhile, another low pressure area (1005 mb) is shown by ClearPoint to be developing about 1,000 nm WNW of Saito's current position.

(Visit here for an explanation of the cardinal points of the compass.)

***
Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This is what a cargo ship can look like to a small vessel, although, as in this case, it's much less intimidating when it's anchored or just getting under way inside Honolulu Harbor!

Position:
19 21 N, 144 56 E

Distance completed: 78.3%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 5.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 127 nm (24-hr ave. 5.2 kt)
Distance made good: 3,757 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 968 nm
ETA: 8.1 days (07/17) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Frequent thunderstorms, strong squall, 40 kt gusts
Barometer: 1010 hPa (dropping)
Waves (from): 2.0 m E
Wind (from): 15-17 kt SSE
Current (from): 0.7 kt W (somewhat opposing)
Engine: motoring, 1,500 rpm
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: Closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Same story with passing thunderstorms, after which the wind dies to almost nothing. Two went through during the night and morning.

Saito called again at 1 pm JST (19 52 N, 144 44 E) to report he'd just been through a heavy squall with gusts estimated at 40 kt. Had lowered the main to a 3-pt reef, and is motor-sailing at 345 hdg to maintain speed in 2m "not so bad" seas.

Fuel, he said, is fine with 1 of the 4 tanks still full. No water in the bilge.

Added Comments

He's either inside, or at the far eastern edge of that low pressure system we've been watching for 3 days. It's now 400 nm wide, and he is approx. 200 nm southeast of its center. It is beginning to break up so the winds are highly variable and weak toward its center. (Except when a squall passes through!)

He cannot east much as there are a string of islands (Northern Mariana Islands) about 25 nm off his starboard side. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farallon_de_Pajaros

These islands restrict his ability to follow the stronger SW winds on the periphery of the system and are probably responsible for the stronger, adverse current (.7 kt W) in which he now finds himself.

While he was skirting the edge of the system he was experiencing good, favorable winds and at 4 pm yesterday reported "very good progress." However, that was offset later by more thunderstorms requiring reefing, followed by slower speeds caused by lingering weaker winds.

Thunderstorms have been a daily routine for much of the past month, with 2 or 3 common in a 24-hour period. The first of the present series was reported by him on June 30, and there have been no clear days since.

***
Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This is a spectacular golden sunset under azure skies.

Position:
21 27 N, 144 00 E

Distance completed: 81.2%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 5.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 137 nm (24-hr ave. 5.7 kt)
Distance made good: 3,900 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 835 nm
ETA: 6.9 days (07/17) @ 5.2 kt
Weather: Thunderstorms continue, winds strong
Barometer: 1008 hPa (dropping)
Waves (from): 2.0 m E
Wind (from): 20-25 kt SSW
Current (from): 0.3 kt W (somewhat opposing)
Engine: motoring, 1,000 rpm
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 70%
Genoa: Closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

More thunderstorms, 2 again last night. At the time of his call he was happy to report blue skies and not even 1 thunderhead on the horizon. However, the forecast is 100% probability of rain and thunderstorms for the next 4 days.

Added Comments

Despite the rain, rain, and more rain, Saito-san is upbeat and happy to nearly be back to Japan. He's in familiar waters and is continuing to make good time.

The next island he will pass, in 260 nm, is Iwo Jima, the southern-most of of the Ogasawara chain. Last summer the island was officially renamed "Iwo To," its name before WWII (and Clint Eastwood). (Pronounced "Ii-woe toe.")

***

A comment the other day brought this question from John P. in the U.S.

What does it mean when you say "motor-sailing at 345 hdg . . ."? Guess I am really an ARMY guy, and not much of a sailor!!

This means using a combination of the "iron sail" (the engine), plus the regular sails, so that he can keep up his speed. Normally he would not want to motor, but he is pressed for time... there are several events planned soon after he arrives: boat clean-up/fix-up weekend with 20+ volunteers, a welcome party, and 2 dinners, including a Lifetime Achievement Award presentation by the Tokyo American Club. Following that are various press interviews and meetings.

The engine is used when the winds are weak or not in your favor. In this case, when they are from the south it puts the wind mainly from behind Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III, which is one of the slowest points of sail. Ideally the wind should blow over his port (left) rail or starboard rail, which offers the best point of sail and is safest since there is no risk of an accidental jibe. (If the wind swings too far across the stern, the main sail boom can come slamming around and cause rigging damage, but it's more of an embarrassment than anything else in moderate wind...) Careful hand steering is required, and that's tough on a solo sailor over an extended time.

"345 hdg" refers to his compass course. This heading is about what he needs for a direct run to Yokohama, but it can, and will, be altered to adjust for current and wind changes. He also knows these waters very well and so is directing his course past the Ogasawara Islands, the first of a beautiful Japanese island chain south of us. He will be in "Tokyo" pretty soon after that because much of the chain is included in the Tokyo Metropolitan District... including "local" phone calls, Tokyo city police, and so on. There will even be cell phone contact as he goes past.

***
Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This is a view of the the starboard side looking aft. Note the waist-high (80 cm) safety railing and wide access to the bow and stern. The deck has a heavily pebbled Awlgrip surface.

Position:
23 25 N, 143 25 E

Distance completed: 83.7%

Heading: 353
Boat speed: 4.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 123 nm (24-hr ave. 5.1 kt)
Distance made good: 4,021 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 706 nm
ETA: 5.8 days (07/17 or 18) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1007 hPa (rising)
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 10 kt WNW (opposing)
Current (from): 0.3 kt E (favorable)
Engine: motoring, 1,400 rpm
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.

Winds have weakened and become variable as a high begins to develop in his area. (The 5-day low will be gone by mid-day.)

Fuel and oil both OK, motoring at 1,400 rpm.

Saito said today his ETA will be July 19, but our calculations are July 17 as his final sailing day, with arrival likely on the morning of the 18th, assuming 5.0 kt ave. boat speed. (His 5-day ave. is 5.1 kt, distance made good.)

Added Comments

Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This is the view on deck at night.

Position:
25 20 N, 142 48 E

Distance completed: 86.3%

Heading: 325
Boat speed: 5.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 122 nm (24-hr ave. 5.0 kt)
Distance made good: 4,021 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 599 nm
ETA: 4.9 days (07/17 or 18) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1007 hPa
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 10 kt NW (opposing)
Current (from): 0.3 kt E (favorable)
Engine: motoring, 1,400 rpm
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: Closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

Today's Report

James spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Winds have been opposing and weak/variable as a high matures and expands near the Ogasawaras. At 7 am local (now has become JST for him), he was 70 S of Hahajima, Ogasawara.

Added Comments

A boat cleanup/fixup has been organized at Yokohama Bayside Marina for the coming weekend (July 19/20). Volunteers have been signing up, and if you would like to help either or both days, please contact Hunter at ftf@gol.com. You will be very welcome (and needed!) Our regrets to those of you outside Japan... this promises to be fun as well as rewarding.

Another of Vincent Longueval's photos taken on the voyage down from Honolulu. This is of Vincent himself. Vincent is a French university student who was taking a break from his studies to find some adventures in the deep Pacific. He was available to crew, so after Saito and he met and struck a deal, they departed sometime later. Vincent had a family emergency and had to return home, leaving the vessel in Pago Pago, but assisting well over half the journey. Saito-san reports he was an able helmsman and, as we have seen, contributed as well as the voyage's talented photographer. Well done, Vincent!

Position:
26 59 N, 141 47 E

Distance completed: 88.4%

Heading: 350
Boat speed: 4.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 112 nm (24-hr ave. 4.7 kt)
Distance made good: 4,242 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 480 nm
ETA: 4.0 days (07/18 about 10 am) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 6-8 kt NE
Current (from): 0.3 kt E (favorable)
Engine: occasionally motoring, 1,000 - 1,200 rpm
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.

Partly cloudy skies as the high pressure system spreads. His weather is now basically the same as the Tokyo region.

Everything fine as he enters the last 4 days of the voyage. Arrangements have made for him to enter Yokohama Bayside Marina where he will stay for about 5 days. He is expected to arrive about 10 am on July 18.

Added Comments

A tropical storm system was reported developing near Taiwan, and CNN says "conditions are good" for it to develop into a typhoon. Saito-san should reach Yokohama in advance, IF it develops, and IF it heads this way. There are also several island ports along the way he can duck into for refuge, if needed.

This is how it looked this morning as Clearpoint projects it to be in 24 hours. The cross marks Saito's position about 750 nm distant from the approx. storm center.

Position:
28 55 N, 140 53 E

Distance completed: 91.6%

Heading: 350
Boat speed: 5.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 126 nm (24-hr ave. 5.3 kt)
Distance made good: 4,397 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 393 nm
ETA: 3.0 days (07/18 about 10 am) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves (from): 1.0 m E
Wind (from): 4-6 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.5 kt E (favorable)
Engine: occasionally motoring, 1,000 - 1,200 rpm
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.

Partly cloudy skies and growing hot. Winds are weak mainly out of the ESE but variable. Frequently motoring to maintain speed.

Plans a close passage of Oshima Island on the last day where he should be able to get cell phone service. [His earlier attempt in the vicinity of Ogasawara did not work.] A vessel has been arranged to see him in the final several miles to Bayside Marina.

Added Comments

Rei's call today found him focused on the timing for his arrival, and, not surprisingly, a good shower, a good bottle of sake, and a good boat cleaning. He was also visited by a finny family of four.

Now that I am getting close I will have to slow down after Hachijojima, so that I can pass Kannonzaki at 5-6 am to arrive at Yokohama at about 10am on the 18th.

It is getting very hot. It was already hot before sunrise. The sunrise and sunset were very beautiful yesterday, and so finally I managed to take some pictures to show everyone.

As the water pump is out of order, I cannot have a shower without rain, but it has not rained for 2 days. Hunter told me that I will have a rainy day soon. I'm really looking forward to it.
Two or three buckets of water from rain should be enough to clean myself.

Breakfast today was cereal.

The day before yesterday, a family of dolphins --two 2 adults and 2 babies -- came up to the boat and played around for about 10 minutes. That's always a treat to watch, especially when there are young ones.

Q) What would you like to do once you come back to Japan?
A) We need to clean the boat soon!! I've asked my friend (Ichige-san) to come, but will need more people for cleaning!
R) Well, more people will be there! *
S) Really? Huh!

And I would like to have sake!
I have enjoyed drinking beer on board occasionally, but Japanese sake was too expensive in NZ! Well, anyway, sake tastes the best in Japan!

[* About 20 volunteers are expected this weekend, and the more the merrier!]

Position:
30 40 N, 140 23 E

Distance completed: 94.4%

Heading: 345
Boat speed: 4.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 110 nm (24-hr ave. 4.6 kt)
Distance made good: 4,482 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 293 nm
ETA: 3 days (Sat. 07/19 approx. 10 am) @ 5.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves (from): 1.0 m E
Wind (from): 5-6 kt SSE
Current (from): 0.5 kt SSEE (favorable)
Engine: occasionally motoring, 1,000 - 1,200 rpm
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.

Partly cloudy skies and growing still hotter though passing rain showers have brought some relief. Winds are weak mainly out of the ESE but variable. Motoring to maintain speed.

The ETA for Yokohama Bayside Marina has now been changed to Saturday, July 19, 10:00 am, to avoid a possible nighttime arrival. A boat has been arranged Saturday morning for news photographers and TV cameras to rendezvous with him as he enters lower Tokyo Bay, approx. 15 nm south of Bayside. A second private boat will sail in with him. There's been a lot of fog this week in the area so reduced visibility may cause some delays during the final approach. (Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji IIIl has radar.)

Added Comments

Saito-san is passing the Izu Island chain, the string of Japanese islands that many consider a sailing paradise, yet they are officially within the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.

***
The list of volunteers for the boat clean-up / fix-up this weekend is now 22 and continues to grow.

***
A typhoon warning has been announced as below, but it will not affect Saito. Its center is about 1,200 nm SSE of his position, and moving NNW (away).

7/17/08 0700 hours (Tokyo/JST)
Position:
32 15 N, 140 05 E

1600 hours (Tokyo/JST)
Position:
32 47 N, 139 51 E

Distance completed: 96.2%

Heading: 355
Boat speed: 4.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 96 nm (24-hr ave. 4.0 kt)
Distance made good: 4,571 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 195 nm
ETA: 1.8 days (Sat. 07/19 approx. 10 am) @ 4.5 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 12-13 kt WNW but highly variable
Current (from): 0.6 kt WNW changing to 1.6 kt S (favorable)
Engine: occasionally motoring, 1,000 rpm
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.

The ETA for Yokohama Bayside Marina remains the same as yesterday: "about 10 am" Saturday. He will be met on the water by his friend Ichige-san [who was one of his key supporters/shore crew for Challenge 7 in 2004-5, and who is also assisting during Challenge 8]. A media boat has also been arranged.

Saito-san was told to expect possibly heavy morning fog and confirmed the radar is working though needs recalibrating. He says it appears to be about "6 points off" of a nearby island sighting from where his printed navigational chart said the island actually is.

During his afternoon call he said his intended route will take him within 5 nm of the east side of Oshima Island. He said the wind strength has been up and down today and his boat speed has varied between 3 and 5 kt.

At 1800 he was about 6 nm east of Hatchijojima Island.

Added Comments

Rei got a chance to chat one last time with him this morning. The powerful current of the "Black Current" (Kuroshio Current) has him watching out over his port rail. A flotilla of dolphins passed him, and were too intent on their destination to spare him any entertainment.

Finally, only one day left!

Early this morning, I passed by Myojinsho, a submarine volcano. It is about 8nm to Hachijo-jima now.

Around this area, usually wind must be from south, but it has been from west. There is a cold weather front, and in addition, I heard that a typhoon has appeared near Taiwan.

The wind was from west yesterday, which was supposed to be favorable, but thanks to the strong current, I was pushed westwards towards a dangerous island. Indeed, I passed just in front of the island. Very dangerous!

Early in the afternoon, a large group of dolphins appeared. Perhaps it was about 20 to 30.
They came one after another from behind the boat, and swam away to the front. Such a large group of dolphins does not want to stick around to play with me. Too busy getting to their next feeding spot, I guess!

I will first meet my friend's [Ichige-san] boat early in the morning on Saturday, and then finally arrive at Yokohama.

***
The Kuroshio Current will get even stronger as he nears Yokohama, becoming as much as 1.6 kt from the south within 50 nm of Tokyo Bay. It is shown on Clearpoint as 3.4 kt toward Boso Penninsula (which will be NE of Saito's position) Local sailors know it to be especially powerful in the vicinity of islands, and where it passes between several islands.

This U.S Navy web page calls the Kuroshio the largest of all ocean currents and says it rivals the speeds of the Gulf Stream.

Position:
33 53 N, 139 42 E

Distance completed: 98.1%

Heading: 350
Boat speed: 4.0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 99 nm (24-hr ave. 4.1 kt)
Distance made good: 4,660 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 99 nm
ETA: 1 day (Sat. 07/19 10 am) @ 4.0 kt
Weather: Partly cloudy, scattered rain showers
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves (from): 1.5 m E
Wind (from): 8-10 kt WSW
Current (from): 1.2 kt SW, changing to 1.6 kt S (favorable)
Engine:
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: Closed due to jammed furler (top)

[position map]

With intended route past Oshima Island (largest and final island) as a white line.

Today's Report

Spoke with Saito-san by Iridium sat phone.

Making good progress on his final full day. Stopped motoring and is hitching a ride on the Kuroshio Current at up to 2 kt, with a favorable wind over his port rail on a broad reach.

Added Comments

Francis went out this afternoon in his powerboat and is going to run over to Saito-san's current position to cheer him along. Will do again tomorrow with several news people aboard, joined by Hide, Nico, and Rei.

Weather is expected to be fair tomorrow morning.

***
This was the detailed report prepared by James today:

Called this morning 10:00 using Au, Docomo, and Iridium phones. Still the cell phone gets disconnected here and there, so we ended up using Iridium.

Advised coordinates of Bayside Marina.

Current position as of 0900
33 deg 03min N and 139 deg 40min E
Heading 350
Rain shower
Strong Kuroshio current pushing the boat, stopped motoring.
He is now about 70 nm to Kannonzaki; planning to pass east of Oshima (within 3nm range) and then to Miura Peninsula.
Due to strong current speed, he is now trying to control arrival time at the right place and where to slow down.
Gave him weather update within the next 10 hrs or so.
Current Kuroshio at 2.3 knots from south to north towards Boso Peninsula making a eastward turn from about 34N onwards, but increasing speed to 4 kt.
Wind 10 kt from SW increasing to 15 kt towards noon, but weakening to 11 knots after 15:00 from SW to W as he approaches Oshima.
Scattered rain along the route but not seriously heavy; rain shower until tomorrow morning 9am.
Visibility of 5-6 knots around Oshima 10 hrs from now but clearing up within Tokyo Bay around ETA timeframe. He should watch out for large vessels approaching Tokyo Bay during this time.

ETA remains unchanged: 0800 Kannonzaki, will use both cell phone and VHF to communicate with Francis and Ichige-san as he approaches the rendezvous near Kannonzaki.

***
Here's the Clearpoint view of the Kuroshio Current as it sweeps north and east past the entrance to Tokyo Bay at up to 4 kt.

Position:
35 22 37 N, 139 39 46 E

Distance completed: 100%

Heading:
Boat speed: 0 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 77 nm (24-hr ave. 3.5 kt)
Distance made good: 4,740 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 19.9 nm
ETA: (Sat. 07/19 10 am)
Weather: Partly cloudy, fog, then clearing
Barometer:
Waves (from):
Wind (from): 5-7 kt WSW
Current (from):
Engine: 1200
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: Destroyed

Today's Report

Saito-san arrived at 10:30 am, finishing the delivery/repositioning of Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III. He arrived to the cheers of volunteers, and received applause of onlookers several times during the day as word spread of his successfully single-handing the 4,745 nm (9,000 kilometers) from Auckland.

Saito-san is noticeably thinner and deeply tanned, but was clearly relaxed and in high spirits. He said he'd had almost no sleep in the past 2 days as he negotiated the islands, currents, and ship traffic in the approach to one of the world's busiest ports. He slept twice in the final 24 hours, he said, catching some 1-hr cat naps in the vicinity of Oshima Island.

Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III also showed the effects of 45 days at sea, sporting a totally destroyed genoa to attest to the rigors of the trip. The sail, which Saito-san had over the sat phone described as "stuck up" (could not be lowered due to a jammed furler car/roller) was ripped during the night on Day 5 or so, he explained. The Dacron genoa survived less than a week.

About 15 volunteers, including several old friends of Saito-san's as well as Saito 8 supporters, pitched in to try to bring some order back to the vessel. Rust stains from the steel superstructure and left over from fuel barrels offloaded in Auckland were a particular target.

After receiving visits by quarrantine and customs clearance at the boat (a courtesy to Saito-san), he was approved to step ashore.

"Yes!!" was his answer to the obvious question , beaming broadly. (Two questions, actually: "Are you glad to be back,?" and "Are you ready for a cold beer?")

Arrival Photos

For more images of Saito's arrival, click here.