Position:
011 07S, 154 34E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 11.6%

Heading: 155
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 3.7 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 84 nm
Distance made good: 2,890 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,240 nm

Yokohama ETA: 250 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 182 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 2,175 nm) ETA: 25 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 18 - 22 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.9 kt NE
Engine: 9.5 hr @ 1500 rpm
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Strong winds accompanying thunderstorms reached 35 knots yesterday. At least three squalls came through beginning in the morning and tapering off by mid-afternoon, one lasting 2 hours and causing several changes in wind direction. During these times sails were reduced to a 3-pt reef on the main and totally furled (rolled up) on the genoa headsail.

Added Comment

These tests of the genoa under storm and variable wind conditions have been reassuring, following the mishap early in the voyage from Auckland in the spring.

In the first week a three-day gale destroyed a brand new genoa, after it became wrapped and stuck open in a partially furled condition. Forty-knot winds reduced the flapping sail to tatters and weeks later it could be cut down only with some difficulty at dockside in Yokohama.

A new sail was ordered and cut slightly longer along the sail's leading edge to reduce the possibility of "halyard wrap," a problem with headsail furling systems in which the sail can become tangled in its own lines and sail cloth. With a crewed boat this is largely an inconvenience as they rush to fix the problem; with a struggling solo sailor, it can cause sail damage or worse if he cannot get it furled in time as the wind builds.

Position:
012 51S, 154 37E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 12.0%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 4.3 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 104 nm
Distance made good: 2,988 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,142 nm

Yokohama ETA: 243 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 181 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 2,074 nm) ETA: 23 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 15 - 22 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.5 kt W
Engine: 9.5 hr @ 1500 rpm
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Continuing scattered thunderstorms with otherwise steady trade winds out of the southeast and east. Clearpoint is showing reduced squalls over the next few days, down from yesterday's 80% down to 10-30%.

Added Comment

When the winds are out of the east Saito-san can steer on a heading of about 160 degrees, which sends him southerly direction (but also toward the south-southeast (SSE), which is ideal for his desired route). When the wind turns to more out of the southeast (as it was at 0700 this morning) he is forced to turn more toward the west to keep the sails properly oriented with the wind, motor, or both. This keeps the boat on a beam reach.

From Wikipedia:

Reaching
When the boat is traveling approximately perpendicular to the wind, this is called reaching. A 'beam' reach is with the wind precisely at right angles to the boat, while a 'close' reach is halfway between beating and a beam reach, and a 'broad' reach is a little bit away from the wind.

See here a graphic for the points of sail.

And here for a concise but informative discussion on sailing.

Position:
014 20S, 154 35E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 12.3%

Heading: 135
Boat speed: 3.7 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 89 nm
Distance made good: 3,069 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,061 nm

Yokohama ETA: 242 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 184 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,979 nm) ETA: 23 days

Weather: Overcast, scattered thunderstorms, clearing
Barometer: 1015 hPa
Waves: 1.5 - 2.0 m
Wind (from): 14 - 15 kt SE
Current (from): 1.5 kt W
Engine: 0 hr
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 70%

Today's Report

Winds were strong yesterday but largely unfavorable. Saito-san has been countering a westward current that is threatening to push him into areas northeast of Brisbane populated by small, dangerous reefs. To the south is the Great Barrier Reef, which Saito-san said he is planning to stay well to the east of.

The forward anchor chain locker has developed a leak that allows water from bow waves to enter. He believes it fixed, but spent time after midnight emptying accumulated water from the bilge.

Added Comment

The Saito 8 shore crew will assist in a Nicole BMW promotional effort today, and will man a Saito Challenge Publicity Booth. Thanks go to volunteers Eiko Brumfield, James Hayashi, and Mike Seymour, as well as Nicole BMW's Oliver Witte for their help on a Japanese national holiday.

Weather looks much improved over the next several days, with winds steady and fair out of the east.

Position:
015 46S, 154 42E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 12.6%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 3.6 kt (7-day average: 3.7 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 87 nm
Distance made good: 3,153 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,977 nm

Yokohama ETA: 247 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 183 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,883 nm) ETA: 22 days

Weather: Beautiful clear skies
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 10 - 14 kt ESE
Current (from): 0.9 kt north
Engine: 7 hr
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 70%

Today's Report

Saito-san was clearly relieved that, after more than two weeks of being hit by daily multiple squalls, he saw not even one thunderstorm and could enjoy cloud-free skies for much of the last 24 hours. He was in better spirits, especially after talking with Rei and getting some "home-delivery sushi." :)

[Clearpoint shows that the present weather will continue for at least the next two days.]

***
He passed the 3,000 nm mark the day before yesterday, and today glided through the 22,000 nm "distance remaining to Yokohama" mark.

***
He reported he had jury-rigged a fix for the sprung hatch plate on the anchor chain locker, using several thicknesses of plastic from garbage bags to seal the gap and then "winding it with rope" to keep it securely in place. He'll continue to check it for leaks but feels it is only a minor problem.

Added Comment

We estimate about 22% of his fuel has been consumed, with 12.6% of the voyage completed.

Saito-san can control fuel flow by cut-off valves at each of the four tanks. He is intentionally reducing the fuel amount in the forward dual tanks to reduce weight in the bow. [The higher the bow, the easier it will ride waves approaching from the front.]

Later he can transfer fuel with a fuel pump. He also has a hand pump and 600 liters of spare fuel, which is about 15 days worth at his daily average usage rate.

He expects to use the engine far less as he nears and passes Tasmania in about 22 days. At that point the easterly trades will be mostly at his back as he heads toward the Indian Ocean.

***
Rei filed this today after speaking with Saito-san early this morning.

The weather yesterday was so fair that for the first time this voyage I enjoyed a perfect sunrise and sunset. However, the swells were a bit too large to see the "green flash" at sunset unfortunately. When you are lucky, you can see green ray just after sunset. It is really beautiful, but I have seen it only about 10 times in my life.

I had a bit of trouble last night. A plate that is part of the fastener for the anchor chain locker hatch has broken, and it let sea water into the locker. I had to stop the boat to remove the water, which took nearly 3 hours until 3 am. I drew more than 30 buckets of water!

Yesterday a large flying fish about 30 cm length [about a foot] jumped onto the deck. Soon I caught it, cut it up, and enjoyed it for lunch. Three flying fish also came aboard today as well, but they were so small (5 cm) and had been dead for a while by the time I spotted them, so I returned them to the sea.

I think there used to be more flying fish and so dozens of birds around here, the Coral Sea east of Cairns [Australia]. Strangely, I have only seen two birds this time. Something must have been changed to reduce the number of fish and the birds that live off of them.

Also it seems that there are more thunderstorms than usual, but at least today I'm enjoying good weather with clear sky without any clouds. Color of the sea? A beautiful blue. Not black any more.

I'm doing fine. I cannot do anything about my broken upper bridge, but I can still eat well, and it is no problem to wait until get I back to Japan.

Position:
017 25S, 154 43E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 13.0%

Heading: 155
Boat speed: 4.1 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 99 nm
Distance made good: 3,251 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,879 nm

Yokohama ETA: 240 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 182 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,798 nm) ETA: 20 days

Weather: Beautiful clear skies, clouds on the horizon to the north
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 11 - 14 kt E
Current (from): variable 0.6 kt east and north
Engine: 0 hr
Generator: 8.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Another day of clear skies and mostly favorable currents which gave him his best distance made good over the past three days. This was despite weak winds and a full day under sails alone.

Clearpoint shows that the present weather will continue for at least the next three days as he proceeds south. A north-going current is also shown slightly to his east, and if he can shift his track about a degree of longitude eastward he'll pickup several "bonus" miles over the next 24 hours.

Note: He had accomplished the eastward shift by 0830, the morning locator beacon showed.

***
He reports that the anchor chain locker hatch leak is now "fixed" and no longer allowing water from bow waves to enter the locker.

***
Yesterday he reported a leak from a pressure cylinder that is part of the hydraulic steering. He clarified today that this leak is "very small" and since the trip began he has needed to add only 0.5 liter to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. He has another 19.5 liters as backup.

Added Comment

In the past two days he changed the dual fuel filters and found them "not dirty at all" which attests both to the quality of the fuel added in Yokohama and that the remaining old fuel had not left significant amounts of the usual "garbage" that can build up from organic growth, sediment, and interior tank rust.

The fuel (nearly 6,000 liters) was the generous gift of contributing sponsor Fujiki Group.

Saito-san also changed the oil on the auxiliary generator and replaced its oil filter. (An oil change just before he left showed a significant sludge buildup.)

Position:
018 55 S, 154 54 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 13.4%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 3.8 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 91 nm
Distance made good: 3,340 nm (6,186 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,790 nm

Yokohama ETA: 239 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 182 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,685 nm) ETA: 18.5 days

Weather: Clear deep blue skies
Barometer: 1014 hPa (stable high pressure system)
Waves: 0.3 m
Wind (from): 6 - 9 kt NNE
Current (from): 0.6 - 1.5 kt north
Engine: 0 hr
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Another beautiful day under weak but steady winds that have turned to favorable from the NNE. "It's really good, and I could get some rest," Saito-san said. He said winds dropped during the night to 3 kt but picked up again after sunrise to between 6 - 9 kt, pushing the boat at 3 kt under sails alone. At less than half-meter swells, the seas are practically flat.

He said he is being cautious of the several small coral reefs in the area and is enjoying south-running currents as he can but is keeping a close eye on the charts.

Added Comment

Both the air and water temperatures are dropping, currently at a coolish 27 degrees C (80 degrees F), and are shown on Clearpoint as falling about 1 degree C every 150 nm to the south.

Meanwhile, 700 nm due west on the same latitude, the kangaroos of arid inland Queensland Australia are enjoying 30-plus C late spring temperatures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland.

Position:
020 20 S, 154 55 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 13.7%

Heading: 185
Boat speed: 3.6 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 87 nm
Distance made good: 3,419 nm (6,332 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,711 nm

Yokohama ETA: 238 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 181 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,592 nm) ETA: 17.5 days

Weather: Clear skies
Barometer: 1015 hPa (in a high pressure trough)
Waves: flat
Wind (from): 4 - 6 kt SE
Current (from): 0.6 - 1.5 kt north
Engine: 7.5 hr
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Winds yesterday afternoon became unfavorable and weakened from out of the SE. He's not happy about the 87 nm distance made good over the past 24 hours, even with the help of the engine at low speed (a fuel-conserving 1,500 rpm) as he negotiates atolls and reefs in the area.

Added Comment

Below him to the south coral reefs dot this area of the Coral Sea (thus the name).

Some are sitting in or near his path so he's watching his charts closely for the best route. Even with a steel hull these reefs are capable of ripping open the bottom and can be hard to see, with some just below the water's surface and thus undetectable until the very last moment.

This particular reef is shown on Google Earth about 40 nm SSW of this morning's 0700 position. The morning beacon location showed he will comfortably pass about 20 nm east of it in 12 - 14 hours if he stays on his current heading.

Position:
022 02 S, 154 42 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 14.0%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 4.3 kt (7-day average: 3.9 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 104 nm
Distance made good: 3,514 nm (6,058 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,616 nm

Yokohama ETA: 231 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 180 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,431 nm) ETA: 15.1 days

Weather: Clear skies
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 9 - 14 kt NNE (favorable)
Current (from): 1.0 kt N (favorable)
Engine: 4.0 hr
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Winds much improved out of the northeast, and moderately stronger at 9-14 kt.

He reported the return of troubles with the hydraulic autopilot experienced about 2 weeks ago. This time instead of wide swings, it simply stopped working. He called the Raymarine vendor who serviced the system in Japan, and was told to check the cable from the control unit. Saito-san said this seemed to have corrected the problem but that he is still worried about it because there are "so many reefs around here."

The one we reported yesterday he passed in late evening but comfortably at a distance of about 12 nm to the west. Another lies about 22 nm east of his present route as shown on both his charts and Google Earth. He was expected to pass it by mid-morning today.

Added Comment

The Raymarine representative said to Saito-san he thinks the brushes on the motor of the hydraulic pump may be going bad. There is a spare pump he can use to swap out the installed one, but Saito-san said he is reluctant to do that so early in the voyage. He said he's wants to be clear of the reef area before taking any measures that might leave him without a reliable autopilot.

***
After 5 weeks and 3 days under way, Saito-san this morning had completed 14% of his non-stop voyage. Yesterday was his second 100-plus nm day of the last 10: 77, 90, 84, 104, 89, 87, 99, 91, 87, and yesterday's 104.

***
Zac Sunderland, meanwhile, has experienced another serious rigging failure that almost saw him lose his mast. Zac, at age 16, hopes to become the youngest sailor to complete a solo around-the-world voyage. He may be young but he's tough, and looks like he is dealing well with his problems as he nears the half-way point of his circumnavigation. The story and a photo of his beleaguered boat can be viewed here.

***
Starting today we will additional publish the wind map as taken from the daily "real-time" Clearpoint weather information. Orange shading indicates stronger winds in the direction of the wind arrows. Saito-san's position is marked by the black cross.

Position:
023 10 S, 154 38 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 14.3%

Heading: drifting
Boat speed: 2.9 kt (7-day average: 3.7 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 70 nm
Distance made good: 3,582 nm (6,634 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,548 nm

Yokohama ETA: 243 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 179 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,375 nm) ETA: 15.5 days

Weather: Clear skies
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 10 - 12 kt N (favorable)
Current (from): 1.0 kt N (favorable)
Engine: 7.0 hr
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

The pump on the hydraulic system failed about 4 pm yesterday. He could still steer (explained below) but lost the autopilot capability and so after motoring clear of reefs he reduced sail to a minimum, tied off the wheel, and mainly "drifted" assisted by favorable current and winds out of the north.

He spent this morning replacing the faulty unit with a spare pump that had been delivered the day before he left. This afternoon he resumed sailing in the face of rising winds from the south as a cold front approaches.

Added Comment

With instructions from the Japan Raymarine representative as organized and relayed by Mike Seymour (head of the Saito 8 Safety Committee), Saito-san took about three hours to switch out the faulty pump. This entailed disconnecting two hydraulic lines that had been equipped with shut-off valves installed for just that purpose the week prior to departure, as well as control and electrical connections.

The hydraulic steering system depends on the pump for pressure, is switchable from auto steering to manual steering, and has the ability to steer even if the pump is turned off or not working. However, it is difficult to move the rudder in the same way that a car is hard to steer if the engine ignition is turned off. Over a short distance or a few days this is "doable" but would be dangerous and fatiguing in heavy weather conditions or over an extended period.

In the event of a total failure of the wheel/hydraulic steering an emergency hand tiller can be rigged for temporary use.

The "old" pump had been installed in Japan just prior to departure and is now suspected to have been undersized for the heavy weight and length of Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III, thus causing it to burn out prematurely. This will be discussed with Raymarine USA on their Monday, and, if so, it could require an emergency stopover in Sydney 700 nm down the Australian east coast.

Saito-san said he plans to continue, however, and reported that the new pump is a "Type 3," thus larger than the "Type 2" it replaced. He said it is visibly larger and is working very well right now.

***
When he called at 1500 to report the status of the hydraulic system repair he gave his position as

23 09 S 154 42 E

with rising winds from the south at 18 - 22 kt, and waves at 1.5 - 2.0 meters. He's reefed down to 3 pt on the main with staysail only, no genoa, as he expects the cold front he is in to bring winds up to 30 or 35 knots.

So it looks like the repair came just in time for the foul weather expected to last through the next 36 to 48 hours.

Position:
023 26 S, 154 02 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 14.4%

Heading: 180
Boat speed: 1.5 kt (7-day average: 3.4 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 37 nm
Distance made good: 3,588 nm (6,645 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,542 nm

Yokohama ETA: 264 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 178 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,339 nm) ETA: 16.5 days

Weather: Overcast, raining
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 3.0 - 4.0 m
Wind (from): 24 - 35 kt SE
Current (from): 1.0 kt N
Engine: 0.5 hr
Generator: 8.0 hr
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 50%
Genoa: 0%

Today's Report

Mixed but encouraging news from Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III today.

Weather is "very bad," Saito-san reports, with seas running a "very rough" 3 to 4 meters, and winds topping 30 knots from a gale accompanying a cold front sweeping across from the west. "I'm a little tired, and hungry" he said, but sounded upbeat, with the boat handling well under shortened sails.

The good news is that the just-in-time switch to a larger hydraulic pump is proving a good fix, with no problems other than a slight leak. "But it's not bad, just a little," he said. This is at a connection that was leaking on the manual steering part of the dual system, and is bypassed when the autopilot is engaged. Saito-san said he's added just half a liter of hydraulic fluid since he started, though none was required after yesterday's repair.

A sheepish Saito-san admits to over-sleeping this morning, catching an extra hour compared to his usual 4 or 5 on a normal night, despite the building gale. He said the winds are cold, coming up from the south where it is still early spring.

Added Comment

We quizzed him again on the replacement pump and he reaffirmed that the faulty pump was a smaller "Type 2" Raymarine unit, and the replacement a heftier "Type 3" pump, intended for medium-size vessels. We'll be seeking assurances tomorrow from Raymarine USA that a Type 3 is adequate for a 25-ton, 56-foot sailing yacht.

***
With the morning consumed by emergency maintenance and almost immediately followed by the oncoming gale, Saito-san saw only 37 nm overground with just 8 nm "made good" toward Waypoint 2.

That said, he had progressed 9 nm in the interval between his 0700 stated position and his satellite beacon position 90 minutes later.

Position:
24 16 S, 154 06 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 14.6%

Heading: 125 / later 210 after tack
Boat speed: 2.1 kt (7-day average: 3.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 51 nm
Distance made good: 3,637 nm (6,736 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,493 nm

Yokohama ETA: 280 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 177 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,307 nm) ETA: 17.0 days

Weather: Overcast, raining
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 3.0 - 4.0 m
Wind (from): 26 - 35 kt S
Current (from): 0.6 kt N
Engine: 7.0 hr
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 80%
Genoa: 0%

Today's Report

Now in the third and exhausting day of a moderate gale. "This is the first time I have seen a gale last this long in this area." Saito said, recalling that on earlier voyages in the Coral Sea and upper Tasman Sea stormy conditions typically lasted "only 20 hours."

Everything continues to go well under a 3pt reef, he said, although his speed is down to an average 3.2 kt for the week. At the time of the call he was making 2.5 kt under sails alone on a close reach to the west. He planned to tack back and forth in the face of headwinds from the south.

Added Comment

He's been in the Tasman Current, a steady stream that flows down the coast at between 0.5 and 1.1 kt, but Clearpoint shows it starting to break up and potentially pushing him toward land over the next 24 hours. Now about 40 nm from the shore, he said he will tack to the east to give himself some more sea room. Clearpoint shows that the gale will build slightly, then lessen in about 18 hours. Nice weather is in the forecast by Thursday with a return of tradewinds from the east.

This image taken 10 hours ago shows strong southerly currents, though this morning they were shown to as broken up and mainly out of the east.

***
The sun rises at 0351 Japan time, or 0451 at his present location. It sets at 1813 at the end of a day that lasts 13 hours and 22 minutes. Details can be seen here.

Position:
025 38 S, 153 44 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 14.9%

Heading: 95 / later tack
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 3.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 51 nm
Distance made good: 3,637 nm (6,736 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,493 nm

Yokohama ETA: 287 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,262 nm) ETA: 17.0 days

Weather: Overcast, raining
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 3.0 - 4.0 m
Wind (from): 20 - 28 kt SSE
Current (from): 0.6 kt N
Engine: 22.0 hr
Generator: 4.5 hr (stopped operating)
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 100%
Genoa: 0%

Today's Report

After 4 days of punishing conditions in the face of on-coming 3 - 4 meter seas and headwinds hitting 37 kt, Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III has developed several problems including a slow but worrisome leak, water in the electrical panel, and the loss of the aux generator that stopped working about 4 pm yesterday. These are on top of a series of smaller but nagging problems that have started to build under the frequent storm conditions Saito-san has faced since the second week of his now nearly 7-week voyage.

The current 4-day gale has served to underline the growing seriousness, so this morning a decision was made -- reluctantly by everyone but especially the skipper -- for Saito-san to drop by Sydney for emergency repairs. The repairs and modifications are expected to take a week and will better ensure Saito-san's safety in the much heavier weather conditions he will face in the Indian Ocean, and then later in the Southern Ocean at Cape Horn.

Added Comment

Long-time friend and fellow 1990 BOC single-hand racer Don McIntyre, founder of the Shorthanded Sailing Association of Australia, sent the following message to seek assistance for Saito-san after we contacted him this morning. His explanation notes the concern -- not of the conditions as they are NOW, but what they may become if not dealt with while good help and a convenient port is at hand.

Don's Message to Sydney-based Sailing Friends

Hope you are all well...

You will remember Minoru Saito for sure and hopefully you are following his
latest crazy voyage....amazing stuff for a pensioner!!!

Looks like he will now be giving up his unassisted status for this 8th solo
attempt around the world, as he needs to come into Sydney for a week of
repairs....and his support guys have asked me for some advice and opinions
on how best to plan his arrival and then assist when he gets there.

I am based in Hobart as you know. I would have come to Sydney to be part of
that, but I leave tomorrow for China and the Philippines and do not return
till Dec 3rd when I am only in the office for a few days before then heading
to Antarctica for two months on the 7th Dec....

I will be on emails and the phone, so will do what ever I can...and have
some contacts in Sydney...but before I do that, I thought you guys and the
SSAA [Shorthanded Sailing Association of Australia] should be the first stop.

When Margie and I started the SSAA back in 1983 we always envisioned the
comraderie of shorthanded sailors as being all part of the fun...and Minoru
was the first official "Special Guest" at our first function awarding
prizes...now 25 years later he needs some help.

He needs advice, opinions on where best to go...he would like sympathetic
tradesmen who may consider a discount labour rate and I am sure he would
love to see many volunteers giving him a hand when he arrives so he feels
like he is with friends.

This is a great chance for all the SSAA members to meet a crazy guy with too
many stories and a real hero out there having a go. If anyone can help him
it will make a huge difference...

So what can the SSAA do???? Is there a chance of sending out a call to the
membership?

I have included the work list below just for the four of you...at this stage
the story of his plans and the detail of the work has not been put out to
the media so it is not public yet....but will be soon and wouldn't it be
great for that story to say he will be looked after by the SSAA!!! He needs
a Host Family? Just like we used to do in the BOC days.

Look forward to your comments...

Thanks for your help...

Don & Margie McIntyre

Position:
027 03 S, 153 46 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 15.2%

Heading: 160
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 3.1 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 85 nm
Distance made good: 3,797 nm (7,032 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,133 nm

Yokohama ETA: 287 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 1,262 nm) ETA: 16.0 days [after Sydney stopover]

Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1015 hPa
Waves: 3.5 m
Wind (from): 18 - 25 kt SSE
Current (from): 0.6 kt N
Engine: 14.0 hr
Generator: 0 hr (stopped operating)
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 70%
Genoa: 0%

Today's Report

Finally skies clearing after 5 long days of gales. (Saito-san says it's been 6, so suspect that's better than our own armchair counting!)

He's finally been able to rest up some and has been taking advantage of the strong southerly current that hugs the coastline.

As Rei suggests, and in our recent Iridium contacts, he seems reconciled to having to make a stop, although it certainly doesn't hurt that he considers Sydney one of his favorite cities. As of this evening he was about 400 nm from the "Harbor City."

Rei filed this today:

It is hard to believe the gale has lasted for 6 days by now. Of course you should expect a storm or low pressure system any time in this region, but it passes soon, usually one day is the maximum. Afterwards waves can be a little higher than usual, but not THIS high.

Yet the condition seems to be slightly better today. I cooked some meat last night, and prepared boiled rice this morning. Finally my appetite is coming back, but the boat is not yet steady enough in the sea conditions for me to safely or easily cook.

I will be in Sydney in about 3 days for repairs.

Added Comment

Emails received today speak to a lot of fond memories and Aussie cheer...

Minoru,

Sorry to hear you have to put in to Sydney. Hang in there. As always, you will find support and old friends. That part of the world has not be easy to you and I. Remember in the 1998 AA you and I did battle in that region. We came around Tasmania on our way to Cape Ranga (northern tip of NZ) and had no wind for 5 days. We were in sight of each other for all that time and your generator quit (again) and you could not run your fridge, then all the content spoiled. But you hung in there and we did do battle on those no wind days till we got hit by that cyclone and you ended up beating me by a few hours into Auckland.

Well my friend, I am in my office trying to earn a living so that I can sailing again. You are out doing it, and a bad day on the water is still better than a good day in the office. I know you are disappointed about putting in, but safety is always paramount and you are still a seaman. You are still in the game where so many have wished to do just one ocean passage. Take care of yourself and enjoy that time in Sydney before you put back to sea.

Regards,
Neal Petersen

***
Dear Saito-san,

I am sorry you had to give up on the unassisted portion of the record. My hat definitely goes off
to you for this great adventure. As an Aussie I have to say if they do not treat you well and make you feel welcome during your stay I would be very disappointed in them. I hope they will go the extra mile to make the stop over and the remainder of the trip hassle-free. I hope they will also repair the communications and provide you with a spare handset for the rest of the trip.
I am now living in America but I assure you if I was able to make the trip home I would love the opportunity to assist you there in Sydney.
To the Aussies in Sydney.... Make this fellow adventurer welcome and show the world how WE do things back home.

God bless you all.
Have a bonza Day!

Greg Phillpotts
gphillpotts@hotmail.com

Position:
029 19 S, 153 45 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 15.7%

Heading: 175
Boat speed: 5.7 kt (7-day average: 3.4 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 136 nm
Distance made good: 3,926 nm (7,7271 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,204 nm

Yokohama ETA: 260 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)

Sydney ETA: 3.0 days / 330 nm

Tasmania (WP #2 / 998 nm) ETA: 12.0 days [after Sydney stopover]

Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1017 hPa
Waves: 2.5 m
Wind (from): 6 - 8 kt ENE
Current (from): 0.6 kt N
Engine: 17.0 hr
Generator: 0 hr (stopped operating)
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 80%
Genoa: 0%

Today's Report

Saito-san reports he was moving well at the time of his call. Light winds from NNE and a favorable current are pushing NBSDIII along at a smart 5 kt under sails alone. Yesterday he saw the trip's second-best DMG (distance made good) of 136 nm vs 172 nm on Day 2.

Added Comment

Weather was to be nice today with moderate winds, but a storm front is rapidly sweeping in (again!) bringing rain and 25 kt winds out of the west, then out of the northeast.

***
We filed with Australian customs to alert them to Saito-san's arrival. Customs asks for a 96-hour advance warning from long-distance voyagers and accepts it by email, fax or phone call. We sent an email.

He expects to arrive in Sydney on Monday at mid-day.

Position:
032 09 S, 153 20 E

11/ 15/ 08 1030 hours (JST)
032 25 S, 153 10 E

Expected Sydney arrival: Mid-morning Sunday, Nov. 16

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 16.4%

Heading: 195
Boat speed: 7.2 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 172 nm
Distance made good: 4,090 nm (7,575 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 21,040 nm

Yokohama ETA: 230 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)

Sydney ETA: 1.0 day / 147 nm (arriving Sunday mid-morning)

Tasmania (WP #2 / 826 nm) ETA: 9.0 days [after Sydney stopover]

Weather: Cloudy
Barometer: 1017 hPa
Waves: 2.5 m
Wind (from): 18 - 24 kt NNW
Current (from): 0.6 kt N
Engine: 4.5 hr / 1500 rpm, 2.0 hr / 2000 rpm
Generator: 0 hr (stopped operating)
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 80%

Today's Report

A combination of a strong favorable current, steady winds out of the NE and, ironically, his failed generator helped to push Saito-san to match his voyage's best DMG of 172 nm.

With just 119 nm remaining as of noon today, he now expects to arrive in Sydney about mid-morning on Sunday.

Added Comment

We spent this morning communicating with Saito-san and clearing his entry with Australian Customs and Immigration. We received terrific cooperation and a Customs officer will meet Saito at the Customs Wharf in Neutral Bay at the location show in the map below.

Considering this will be on Sunday, it's quite a help for Saito-san since otherwise he would be required to remain on board until the quarantine officer clears him and the mandatory yellow quarantine flag can be removed. As well, until then no one can come on board.

***
Not expecting a stop-over in Australia, Saito had not checked his Australian visa. Turns out it had expired in September, but we applied online for a 3-month, multiple entry visa. Thirty seconds later the visa was approved. Talk about efficient!

***
Now that the auxiliary generator is inoperable, Saito-san is forced to use his engine to recharge the batteries. Following instructions from Yanmar, the maker, Saito must follow a regime of 2 hours of 2000 rpm for every 4 hours of charging at 1500 rpm. The higher engine turns are required to prevent carbon buildup, which can cause engine problems later.

Why is this helping his speed? At 2000 rpm "the boat really moves" Saito said.

But at Yanmar's recommended 3000 rpm the the SOG (speed over ground) "hits 12 knots, and that's too fast," he added, laughing. So he throttles down to maintain boat control as well as to conserve fuel.

***
Here's the Sydney Customs Wharf location in Neutral Bay for anyone local who is able to go meet him. (Give me your cell phone number and I will call you with details. He can really use the help and "local knowledge.")

Position:
033 50 S, 151 13 E

Sydney arrival at Customs Wharf

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 16.7%

Heading: 0 STOPPED
Boat speed: 6.1 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 147 nm
Distance made good: 4,163 nm (7,710 km)
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 20,967 nm

Yokohama ETA: 172 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)

Sydney ETA: 0 days / 0 nm (Sunday mid-day)

Tasmania (WP #2 / 730 nm) ETA: 7.2 days [after Sydney stopover]

Weather: Cloudy, rain (cold front)
Barometer: 1017 hPa
Waves: 2.5 m
Wind (from): 20 - 25 kt SSE
Current (from): 0.6 kt N
Engine: hr / 1500 rpm, hr / 2000 rpm (not given)
Generator: 0 hr (stopped operating)
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 70%

Today's Report

Saito-san arrived just before noon at the Sydney Customs Wharf and waited to be processed through customs and immigration. At 15:50 he reported being finished with the procedures and was proceeding to a marina that had been arranged for him. He's to stay there overnight, then he will go to wherever the repair work will be done.

He reported "no problems" and everything went smoothly.

Added Comment

We were highly fortunate to be assisted by Bob and Margaret Edwards, who were recruited by their old friends Don and Margie McIntyre of Tasmania (formerly Sydney). They arose early to await Saito-san, and later provided assistance in tracking down a marina with slips big enough to hold the 56-foot Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III.

An old friend of Saito's, Shige Saito (sharing the same last name) and his son Kato, arrived at the Customs Wharf and later assisted in the move of the vessel to Rozelle Superyacht Marina adjacent to the iconic Sydney Opera House

We owe a huge debt of thanks to them on a Sunday especially in the face of the lousy weather being ushered in by a cold front. In the harbor, winds were in the low teens while a few miles out skippers were encountering winds in the mid-20s to the 30s as the front passed through.