MARCH 2005

March 1 - Day 137
0600 Position: 44.36S 47.18E
(Local time 0100 Mar. 1)
Heading: 130-140 windvane
Boat speed: 6-7 Kts
Wind direction: NE
Wind force: 6
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1004 hps
Temp 10°C
Wave height: 2-3 m
Steering by windvane with 2-point reef in Main, No.1 jib 70% reefed.
Set up back-up contact time with JH5NUW Hasegawa-san to try to call me when he is unable to make contact during scheduled communication time or for an urgent message at UTC 1130 or JTC 2030, on frequency 21.382. Said I will be there for about 15 minutes.

March 2 - Day 138
JST 2300 Position: 43.57S 52.06E
(Local time 1800 Mar. 2)
Heading: 150 to 160 (compass)
Speed: 5 Kt
Wind direction: NNW
Wind force: 7 to 8 (Max 50 Kts)
Barometric pressure: 995 hpa
Weather: Fine
Temperature: 13°C
Wave height: Under 3 to 5 m

Sailing under bare mast. The same part of the Mainsail I repaired the other day seems to be broken at the time of lowering it. This is the belt of the No. 3 batten and the slider.

To Ms. Imakyuure and Mr. Hase, the range of VHF is about 15 miles at most and the same of handy VHF is 5 miles. The distance between Suntory Mermaid of Mr. Horie and Shutendoji- II is about 100 miles. Therefore, VHF communication with him is impossible at present. I will try again when we come closer to each other.

March 3 - Day 139
JST 0600 Position: 44.06S 52.49E
(Local time 0100 Mar. 3)
Heading: 140 to 150 (windvane)
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: NNW
Wind force: 7 to 8
Weather: Rain
Barometric pressure: 997 hpa
Temperature: 9°C
Wave height: 5 to 7 m
Sailing under bare mast.

March 4 - Day 140
JST 0630 Position: 44.10S 55.27E
(Local time 0130 Mar. 4.)
Heading: 140 to 150 (windvane)
Boat speed: 4 to 5 Kts
Wind direction: WNW
Wind force: 6 to 7
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1006 hpa
Temperature: 10°C
Wave height: uncertain
Sailing under Storm jib only.

UTC 09:00 JTC1800 Understood 21.382Mhz.
All communications have been done on 21.382 Mhz except for Okera-net.

JST 2300 Position: 44.05S 57.30E
(Local time 1800 Mar. 4)
Heading: 120 to 130 (compass)
Boat speed: 5 to 6 Kts
Wind direction: N
Wind force: 9 to 10 (Max 60 Kts)
Barometric pressure: 997 hpa
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 12°C
Wave height: 5 to 7 m

Sailing under bare pole. A cold front is passing coming from a low of 946 hpa. The condition will be improved when the boat passes 100E longitude.

March 5 - Day 141
2300 Position: 43.28S 60.24E
(Local time 1900 Mar. 5)
Heading: 120 to 130
Boat speed: 5 to 6 Kt
Wind direction: N
Windspeed: 8 to 10 Kt
Weather: O Cloudy, with occasional rain
Barometric pressure: 986 hpa.
Temperature: 14°C
Wave height: 6 to 8 m
Sailing under bare pole.

Succeeded in communication with Mr. Iguchi after long trial. Will continue QRV by 21.382 MHz at UTC17:30, JTC2:30.

Mr. Inue (call sign JA3BOA), thank you very much for first QSO (calling). Would you please leave the description of the data of  communication on this bulletin board, if you can. That is the time and the position of Saito-san etc.
Will expect communication with you tomorrow again.

March 6 - Day 142
0600 Position: 43.25S 61.06E
(Local time 0200 Mar. 6)
Heading: 160 to 170
Boat speed: 4 to 5 Kt
Wind direction: NW
Windspeed: 7to 8Kt
Barometric pressure: 982 hpa
Weather: O Cloudy
Temperature: 13°C
Wave height: Uncertain

Sailing under bare pole. The chair for chart work etc. is not in order. Probably this is caused by collision with other things in the boat in the course of the voyage, though I repaired it before leaving.
Meals are alfa rice and cup noodle. Potato will be used off near Tasman Sea. Butane gas tank of 10 kg is still OK. Water is also OK.
The present schedule is that Shuten-Dohji II will go around Tasmania and sail up to the north near Australian coast. I am expecting to see my Australian friends on board.

March 7 - Day 143
JST 0600 Position: 42.34S 63.09E
(Local time 0200 Mar. 07)
Heading: 150 to 160 degrees Windvane
Boat speed: 4 Kts
Wind direction: SWW
Wind force: 9 to 11
Weather: o, Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 995 hpa
Temperature: 11°C
Wave height: 7 to 8 m

Sailing with bare pole.
Strange sound was heard from the centerboard. It might be damaged due to strike of ice packs. I will check it in the morning.
A storm is coming. Now the season of cyclone is starting.
A TC has been born off Cairns. Cyclones will be coming after low pressures of the Antarctic Ocean.


March 8 - Day 144
06:00 Position:  42.31S  65.27E
Heading : from 120 to 130 (Compass)
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind: Force 6 to 7
Weather: BC
Barometric pressure: 1001 hpa.
Temp: 13°C

Storm and cyclone season is now on us.
Covered about 123 Nm in the last 24 hours.
Saito is 648 Nm from Point 6.

March 9 - Day 145
JST 0600 Position: 42.07S 67.55E
(Local time 0200 Mar. 09)
Heading: 90 to 100 degrees Windvane
Boat speed: 3 Kts
Wind direction: NW
Wind force: 4
Weather: r, a little rain
Barometric pressure: 1003 hpa
Temperature: 15°C
Wave height: 2 m

Sailing with Storm Jib and Trysail
Rain in the Indian Ocean is warm.
I am having coffee with brandy.
Now going to the North because the wind will change to the East from Mar. 11 GMT. A cold front has passed.

March 10 - Day 146
JST 0600 Position: 42.11S 69.25E
(Local time 0200 Mar. 10)
Heading: 140 degrees Autohelm
Boat speed: 2 Kts
Wind direction: SSW
Wind force: 2 to 3
Weather: r, a little rain
Barometric pressure: 1006 hpa
Temperature: 15°C
Wave height: Less than 1 m

Sailing with Storm Jib, 30% No. 1 Jib, and Trysail
Mains'l cannot be used until I can repair it.

March 11 - Day 147
JST 0600 Position: 41.07S 69.51E
(Local time: 0200, Mar. 11)
Heading: 90 degrees  Autohelm
Wind direction: SSE
Wind force: 5 to 6
Weather: O, Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1011 hpa
Temperature: 13°C
Wave height: Under 3 to 4 m

Sailing with Trysail, Storm and 30% No.1 Jib.

March 12 - Day 148
JST 0600 Position:  39.48S  70.31E
Local time: 0200, Mar 12
Heading:
Boat speed: 1.5 Kts
Wind: SE, Force 7
Temp: 15°C
Wave height: 4 to 5 m

Hove-to, under storm jib only.
I have stopped the boat since I do not wish to go to the North.
I will wait for the change of the wind.

JST 2300 Position: 40.31S  70.27E
Local time: 1900 Mar. 12
Heading: 180 to 190 (Compass)
Boat Speed: 6 Kts
Wind: E, Force 7 to 8.
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1009 hpa
Temperature: 16°C
Wave height: 6 to 7 m
Sailing with trysail and storm jib.

The wind is forecast to shift to ENE.
The boat will be able to go to the East.
The radio is in good condition, but the battery tends to go down quickly.

March 13 - Day 149
Local time 0200, Mar. 13
JST 0600 Position:  40.57S  70.59E
Heading: 150 to 160 (Compass)
Boat speed: 6 Kts
Wind: ENE, Force 7 to 8
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1008 hpa.
Temp: 14°C
Wave height: 6 to 7 m

Sailing with Trysail and Storm Jib.

To Mr. Iguchi of the Atlantic-net: The wave conditions were the worst  ever experienced. Thank you very much.

Local time 1900, Mar. 13.
JST 2300 Position:  41.33S 72.52E
Heading: 130 to 140 (Compass)
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind: NNE, Force 5 to 6
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1008 hpa.
Temp: 17°C
Wave height: 3 to 4 m

Sailing with Trysail and Storm Jib.

The wind has begun to shift to the north.
Radio communication has improved. I have contacted Atlantic-net, Okera-net, and Mr. Hase.
Now waiting for the time to contact Seagull-net.
I am now feeling like I am actually approaching Japan.


March 14 - Day 150
Local time 0200, Mar 14
JST 0600 Position:  41.32S  73.39E
Heading: 140 to 150 (Compass)
Boat speed: 5 to 6 Kts
Wind: NE, Force 5 to 6
Weather: light rain
Barometric pressure: 1010 hpa.
Temp: 17°C
Wave height: 2 to 3 m

Sailing with trysail and storm jib.

1800 Position:  41.52S  75.00E
Heading : 140 to 150 (Compass)
Boat speed: 2 to 3 Kts
Wind: North, Force 3
Weather: BC
Barometric pressure: 1011 hpa.
Temp: 16°C
Wave height: 1 to 1.5 m

Saito is 287 Nm from Point 6.
Horie is 247 Nm from Point 6.

Local time 2000, Mar. 14.
JST 2300 Position: 41.52S  75.15E
Heading: 140 (Autohelm)
Speed: 3 to 4 Kts
Wind: NE, Force 3 to 4.
Weather:  Fine.
Barometric pressure: 1011 hpa
Temp: 17°C
Wave height: 1 to 2 m

Sailing with trysail and 80% of No. 1 jib.

Wind force is very weak!
When I changed the sail, I injured the joint of the finger which was injured before. I will have to take more care.

It's uncertain at this point, but Saito-san may be referring to the finger that was broken on his last around-alone trip -- badly snapped as he made a foresail change.

Mar 15 - Day 151
Local time 0000, March 15
JST 0600 Position: 41.55S  75.42E
Heading: 145 (Autohelm)
Speed: 2 to 3 Kt
Wind direction: NE, Force 2
Temperature: 15°C
Weather:  Fine.
Barometric pressure: 1012 hpa

Wave height: Zero. Dead calm, like a mirror
Trysail with 90% No. 1 jib

The forefinger of my left hand is better, but the thumb is still numb.
It is wet in the cabin. Condensation and mildew is terrible.
Things will be very wet today.

March 16 - Day 152
 18:00 Position: 42.47S, 79.48E
Heading: 120 to 130 (Compass) 099 (True)
Boat speed: 7.9 Kts (!) (between 1230 and 1800)
Wind: NNE, Force 7 to 8
Weather: Rain
Barometric pressure: Not reported
Temp: 16°C
Wave height: 1 to 1.5 m

Saito is 2891 Nm from Point 7, and making good progress despite damage to the mainsail in gale force winds. Horie is 2826 Nm from Point 7.

March 17 - Day 153 (start of Month 5)
JST 0600 Position: 42.21S 80.46E
(Local time 0300 Mar. 17)
Heading: 90 to 100
Boat speed: 3 to 4 Kts
Wind direction: S
Temperature: 10°C
Weather: Fine
Barometric pressure: 1014 hpa
Wind force: 4 to 5

Sailing under Storm jib only

March 18 - Day 154
JST 0600 Position: 42.28S 81.43E
(Local time 0300 Mar. 18)
Heading: 60 to 70 wind vane (GPS 20 degrees)
Boat speed: 2 to 3 Kts
Wind direction: SSE
Wind force: 3 to 4
Weather: Rain
Temperature: 12°C
Wave height: 1 m
Sailing with Trysail, Storm jib and 40% of No. 1.

March 19 - Day 155
JST 0600 Position: 42.32S 84.05E
(Local time 0000 Mar. 19)
Heading: 140 to 150 wind vane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: WSW
Temperature: 10°C
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1002 hpa
Wind force: 7 to 8
Wave height: UnKtsown, bad waves
Sailing with Storm jib only

To Zen-osho: The tape attached to the 3rd slider of the Main repaired the other day was broken. Due to this, I cannot hoist the Main. But I cannot repair this portion for the time being because my left thumb and pointing finger are now swollen due to an old injury.
I will repair it when the sea becomes calm and my fingers become better.

March 20 - Day 156
JST 1100 Position: 42.34S 87.15E
(Local time 0800 Mar. 20)
Heading: 130 to 140 degrees wind vane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: WSW
Wind force: 6
Barometric pressure: 1002 hpa
Weather: Cloudy
Temperature: 10°C
Wave height: 2 to 3 m

Sailing under Trysail, Storm jib only.
I cannot start the generator.

Note: This aux generator resupplies the main batteries that support electrical equipment, GPS, radio, etc. Saito has solar panels which may not be enough to handle the power requirements without substantial reductions in normal power usage. We're going to especially follow this development, since generator failure has been the cause of other circumnavigations being ended prematurely as backup battery stores -- including for GPS positioning -- begin to peter out.

March 21 - Day 157
JST 2100 Position: 42.23S 91.27E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 21)
Heading: 120 to 130 degrees, windvane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: SW
Temperature: 11°C
Weather: Fine
Barometric pressure: 1010 hpa
Wind force: 5 to 6
Wave height: 2 to 3 meters
Sailing under Storm jib only

Now passed 90E -- the difference in time with Japan is only 2 hours.

March 22 - Day 158
JST 2300 Position: 41.52S 93.45E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 22)
Heading: 120 to 130 degrees, windvane
Boat speed: 5.5 Kts
Wind direction: SW
Wind force: 6 to 7
Barometric pressure: 1012 hpa
Weather: Fine
Temperature: 10°C
Wave height: 4 to 5 m

Sailing under Trysail, Storm jib.
Now checking the generator and trying to start timed radio communication.

March 23 - Day 159
JST 2300 Position: 42.11S 96.20E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 23)
Heading: 120 to 130 degrees windvane
Boat speed: 7 Kts
Wind direction: NNW
Wind force: 8 to 9
Barometric pressure: 995 hpa
Weather: Rain
Temperature: 9°C
Wave height: 7 to 8 m

Sailing under bare pole.


March 24 - Day 160
JST 2300 Position: 42.37S 97.52E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 24)
Heading: 140 to 150 degrees wind vane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: SW
Temperature: 12°C
Weather: Fine
Barometric pressure: 995 hpa
Wind force: 6 to 7
Wave height: 5 to 6 m
Sailing with Storm jib only
I was in the midst of a low of 988 hpa.
Still feeling short of electric power.

March 25 - Day 161
JST 2300 Position: 42.26S 101.02E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 25.)
Heading: 120 to 130 degrees wind vane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: W
Wind force: 5 to 6
Barometric pressure: 1019 hpa
Weather: ]Cloudy
Temperature: 11°C
Wave height: 3 m

Checking the boat position by GPS installed in the boat and two hand GPSs.
I will join the [Saito Challenge-7 Support] meeting tomorrow in Tokyo with voice only from Indian Ocean. I do hope the Iridium condition will be good.


March 26 - Day 162
JST 2300 Position: 42.54S 103.39E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 26)
Heading: 110 to 120 wind vane
Boat speed: 5.5 Kts
Wind direction: N
Temperature: 13 degrees C
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1016 hpa
Wind force: 5 to 6
Wave height: 3 to 3.5 m

Sailing with storm jib and trysail. A cold front is approaching.  
The conversation of yesterday was hard to hear, but I thank you very much for your support. [In reference to the Saito Support Party held at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Tokyo.]

March 27 - Day 163
JST 2300 Position: 43.11S 106.19E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 27)
Heading: 110 to 120 wind vane
Boat speed: 5.5 Kts
Wind direction: N
Temperature: 13°C
Weather: Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1003 hpa
Wind force: 5 to 6
Wave height: 5 to 6 m

Sailing with storm jib only. A cold front is passing. Minimum power is kept by solar battery and charge by 12 V generator. The sea is worsening.

March 28 - Day 164
JST 2300 Position: 43.14S 109.16E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 28)
Heading: 130 to 140 windvane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: W
Temperature: 12°C
Weather: c Cloudy
Barometric pressure: 1009 hpa
Wind force: 5 to 6
Wave height: 2 to 3 m

Sailing with Storm jib and trysail
A cold front has just passed.
I have located 46 dry batteries (U 3) So I can determine the position by a handheld GPS and GPS installed in the boat.
The minimum power is supplied with the solar batteries and the 12-volt battery charged by the aux. generator 3 hours a day.
Light oil, water, and rice (mainly alfa-rice) will probably be kept until I arrive to Japan. These days I am having almost same meals, mainly mixed alfa-rice (so-called
Gomoku-rice), every day. Usually I have alfa-rice with water.
Instant noodles have many variations and are tasty. It helps to keep me warm.

March 29 - Day 165
JST 2300 Position: 43.36S 110.52E
(Local time 2100 Mar. 29)
Heading: 110 to 120 wind vane
Boat speed: 5.5 Kts
Wind direction: SW
Temperature: 10°C
Weather: Cloudy / Rain
Barometric pressure: 1005 hpa
Wind force: 6
Wave height: UnKtsown

Sailing with Storm jib and Trysail. I hoisted No.1 Jib since the wind was weak.
I really sympathize with the people damaged by the latest earthquake in Sumatra.

March 30 - Day 166
JST 2300 Position: 43.16S 113.53E
Mar. 30, 2005(Local time 2100 Mar. 30.)
Heading: 110 to 120 wind vane
Boat speed: 5 Kts
Wind direction: SW
Wind force: 7 to 8
Barometric pressure: 1016 hpa
Weather: Fine
Temperature: 9°C
Wave height: 7 to 8 m

Sailing under Storm jib only.

March 31 - Day 167
JST 2300 Position: 43.14S 116.03E
(Local time 2200 Mar. 31)
Difference of the time is revised to one hour.
Heading: 120 to 130 wind vane
Boat speed: 2 Kts
Wind direction: SW
Wind force: 2
Barometric pressure: 1029 hpa
Weather: Fine
Temperature: 9°C
Wave height: 2 m

Sailing with Trysail, Storm jib and 20% No. 1 jib.