NOVEMBER 2004

Nov. 3 — Day 19
Position: 7.56 N, 161.39 E
Shuten-Dohji 2 passes Marshall Islands, nears the equator on nearly straight southerly run.

Nov. 6 — Day 22
Position: Near the Equator
As Saito-san closes in on the Equator, his trip was a major point of discussion at the TSPS Rendezvous Nov. 6. We learned from Jiro Fujiwara that he did suffer from the near-miss of the Oct. 20 typhoon, with some batten and jib damage. The gremlins also took over his new weather fax system, so his land-support team is working out alternate means for him to know what is bearing down on him (or isn't, as he enters the doldrums). And as for that next cold beer... the fridge is also out, so Saito-san will have to fix it himself, or the trip may feel even longer!

Nov. 11 — Day 27
Position: 0.04 S, 168.02 E
His first major Challenge-7 milestone: Saito-san passes the Equator as he nears his first full month at sea. His on-shore support chief, Jiro Fujiwara, reports that 3 teams have been formed to supply Saito with regular weather updates in lieu of his non-operational weather fax.

Kenichi Horie, who embarked 15 days prior to Saito, is presently about two days behind as he approaches the Equator. Having taken a more circuitous easterly route, Horie's well-sponsored (and new) boat, Mermaid, is now on a more southerly heading which closely parallels Shuten-dohji 2 (see route map). Match racing fans, take note!

Nov. 12 - Day 28
Position: 01.40S, 168.18E
Compass course: 160
Wind direction: E
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 4 Kts

Weather: Fine
Temperature: 22°C
Barometer: 1006 hpa

One-point reefed Main, 40% reefed Jib and Storm Jib.
Now sailing with three sails.

Strong westerly current is streaming. The current near the Equator streams differently in the Northern side of the Equator and Southern side.

In the Southern side, the current is coming from the direction of Chile, and streams strongly, like the Black current near Japan.

The wind vane steering is working well, but it is necessary to change the vane according to the strength of the wind. There are two kinds of vanes, one is for weaker wind and the other is for stronger wind. It is easier to use the auto-helm than to change the vane, so stop using the wind vane and use the auto pilot whenever a squall comes.

Nov. 13 - Day 29
Position: 02.29S, 168.26E
Compass course: 150 degrees
Wind direction: ESE
Wind force: 1 to 2
Boat speed: (No reference)

Weather: Cloudy/Rain
Barometer: 1005 hpa
Temperature: 22 °C
Cabin temperature: 29 °C

When it rains, the wind changes greatly. It is chilly when working on deck. SHUTEN-DOHJI 2 has been carried considerably to the West by the strong current near Equator.

So far, have not opened the canned foods, such as bacon or ham, which spoil easily once opened. Eating up the foods that cannot be stored for a long time, so far as possible.

Nov. 14 - Day 30
Position: 3.35S, 168.59E
Compass course: 135 degrees
Wind direction: SW
Wind force: 2
Boat speed: 2.0 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1006 hpa

Could not sleep well last night because of a heavy squall.
A good wind blew until noon today, but the wind has gone
down since.

Nov. 15 - Day 31
Position: 04.24S, 169.44E
Compass course: 140
Wind direction: E
Wind force: 3 to 4
Boat speed: 5 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1008 hpa

One-point reefed Main and 20% reefed No.1 Jib.

Nov. 16 - Day 32
Position: 06.09S, 170.25E
Compass course: 140 degrees
Wind direction: ENE
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 5 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1006 hpa
Temperature: 31°C
Wave height: 1 m

One-point reefed Main and 70% reefed Jib No.1.
Physical condition is good, though worrying about diarrhea, which has stopped. Instead, now anxious about constipation, due to over use of the medicine.
There is a possibility of a tropical low-pressure system in the area near 150S, 175E after Nov. 22. According to experience, low pressure systems tend to occur in/about the time of full moon and new moon. Nov. 27 is full moon. Possibility of birth of low pressure is from Nov. 25 to 27.

The current was strong. Safely passed through Peru (Humboldt) Current. Very difficult to go to the East because of the Easterly wind.

Now passing to the west of Fiji Is.

Nov. 17 - Day 33

(No report.)

Nov. 18 - Day 34
Position: 08.46S, 170.37E
Compass course: 170
Wind direction: SE
Wind force: 3 to 4
Boat speed: 3.5 Kts

Weather: Fine to Cloudy
Temperature: 31°C
Barometer: 1004 hpa

In the morning, the wind blew 24 to 25 Kts.
One-point reefed Main. No. 1 Jib is furled as small as Storm Jib. Also Storm Jib is used instead of No.2 Jib because No. 2 Jib cannot not be used now.

It is a little cold outside the cabin in only a T-shirt. Physical condition is good. Now eating alfa rice as main food because heating is not necessary.

Nov. 19 - Day 35

(No report)

Nov. 20 - Day 36
0:30 Position: 10.06S, 170.38E
Compass course: 210
Wind direction: SE
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 5 Kts

Weather: Cloudy, occasional squalls, high humidity
Barometer: 1003 hpa
Temperature: 29°C in cabin, 27°C on deck
Wave height: 1 meter

One-point reefed Main. No.1 Jib is furled to 70% (as small as a Storm Jib). Also using the Storm Jib as second foresail. Three sails are up.
Wind vane is used because there is a risk of wild tack if auto helm is used while sailing closehauled.
Sailing with repeated tacks because of SE wind.
SHUTEN-DOJI 2 will tack soon. Will have a hard time until she passes New Zealand due to a narrow sea and closehauled. Strong SE wind now blowing.

Information from SHIN-GETSU(name of a Japanese yacht sailing nearby): Sailing "I des Pins" (name of an island) located southeast of New Caledonia at:
27S, 168E heading Auckland, New Zealand.
Heading 190 to 200.
Also sailing in a hard condition due to closehauled sails.

0845 Position: 10.40S, 170.40E
Compass course: 150 to 160
Wind direction: E
Wind force: 5 to 6
Boat speed: 5.0 Kts

Weather: Cloudy, with occasional sunshine
Barometer: 1005 hpa
Wave height: 2 meters

One-point reefed Main, Storm Jib, and 70% reefed No.1 Jib. (Using 3 sails)
The wind has changed to the East, so sailing to the South without tacking. Though a small squall can be seen to starboard, SHUTEN-DOJI 2 is sailing in a best condition.
Feeling very good. Had a can of beer this morning. (Comments by satellite phone.)

2045 Position: 11.19S, 170.43E
Compass course: 150 to 160
Wind direction: E
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 4.0 Kts

Weather: Cloudy, with occasional sunshine
Barometer: 1006 hpa

Sailing one-point reefed Main and Storm Jib.
Frequent squalls are coming since this evening. Wind blows up to 30 to 40 Kts with sudden wind shifts. Visibility is lost during the squalls, which often hit from midnight to 0500 in the morning.
There is a danger of wild jibe if relying on autopilot, so now using wind vane steering.
When squall weakens, the wind falls, also making wind vane steering erratic. At that time have to personally take over steering. Therefore, feeling very tired due to nighttime squalls.

Nov. 21 - Day 37
2100 Position: 12.45S, 170.40E
Compass course: 160 to 170
Wind direction: ESE
Wind force: 4 to 5
Boat speed: 4.0 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1005 hpa
Wave height: 2 m

Sailing one-point reefed Main, Storm Jib, and No.1 Jib shortened as small as a Yankee Jib. (3 sails)
Just east of Santa Cruz Is.
Probably passed Mitore Island (Mata Utu?) in the daytime.
Will tack when the boat reaches 015S so far as the present wind is blowing. Heading south till then.
The speed will be decreased by the influence of the current if tack now.
The seas are getting higher. Probably this is an influence of the shallow bottom.
Soon going to pass Vanuatu, New Hebrides Is. and Fiji.

Nov. 22 - Day 38

(No report)

Nov. 23 - Day 39
2100 Position: 15.42S, 170.58E
Compass course: 140 to 150
Wind direction: E
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 5.0 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1006 hpa
Temperature: 29°C, very comfortable. It is cool on deck.
Wave height: Under 1 m

Sailing one-point reefed Main, and 20% reefed No.1 Jib
Confirmation of time: 1200 Nov. 23 Greenwich Time (2100 Nov. 23 JST)
Local time: Recorded as 2400LST on the logbook.

Tried to take a photo of "green flash" of sunset, but failed because of the clouds on the horizon.
NB: It is said that a green light can be seen at the last moment of sunset. This is called "green flash."

Now only a few stars can be seen because of the bright moon.

Had squash for today's supper. This is the third day of squash. Japanese squash is easily rotten though tasty. On the other hand, Australian squash lasts a long time, about half a year though the taste is not as good as Japanese squash.
Going to finish the rest of the squash tomorrow.
Two squash were disposed of because they were rotten. Beer and squash together is not so bad!

News from SHIN-GETSU
Location: 33.02S, 171.45E
Wind direction: N
Temperature: 22°C
The boat is reportedly past the most northern part of a cold front.
Three Japanese yachts are sailing to the south in the Southern Pacific.

The heading of each boat is different.
MERMAID -- closehauled
SHUTEN-DOJI 2 -- beam reach
SHIN-GETSU -- running to quarter lee

Nov. 24 - Day 40
2100 Position: 16.59S, 171.33E
Compass course: 070
Wind direction: SE
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 5.5 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1006 hpa
Temperature: 29°C
Wave height: 1.5 meters

Day of moon: 13; looks beautiful.
Cannot go to the east because of SE wind. Forced to go near Fiji leaving from New Hebrides Islands. In this area, it is dangerous to go too near New Hebrides Is. because many small isles are scattered about.

According to the weather chart, a low-pressure system was born near the Solomon Is. Hope that this low pressure will not develop to a cyclone, as pressure now approaching 1000 hpa. If a low pressure develops near Solomon Is. and becomes a cyclone, it tends to move to the south between the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Though the weather forecast says the course of this low pressure will be to the east of Fiji, this course may cross the course of SHUTEN-DOJI 2. Will have to pay full attention to this low pressure.

Nov. 25 - Day 41
2100 Position: 17.34S, 172.56E
Compass course: 070
Wind direction: ESE to SE
Wind force: 3
Boat speed: 5 Kts

Weather: BC
Barometer: 1009 hpa

Now sailing close-hauled. Bad waves are coming. It's just like off Tsumeki-zaki of Izu. Was at the helm for 3 hours today because neither wind vane nor autohelm could be used due to unstable wind.

One-point reefed Main and 50% Genoa. Otherwise, there is a danger of sudden tacks.

So far, have sailed this area four times. Twice near Fiji. Twice near New Caledonia. This is the first time to sail right down the middle.
Have not slept more than 2 hours at a stretch since leaving Japan, but although short of sleep, otherwise feeling well.
Have finished one pumpkin. It took five days. Only one more is left now.

Nov. 26 - Day 42
2300 Position: 18.03S, 174.29E
Compass course: 170 to 180
Wind direction: SE
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 4.5 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1007 hpa

Near full moon and a mackerel sky (prior warning of a cyclone?).
Now going to the south and will sail to the SE utilizing the SW wind. Now planning to sail the south of Tonga.

It feels a little chilly with just a T shirt. Time to break out the windbreaker and a training suit.

Heard SHINGETSU has safely arrived at Auckland before the storm. The boat is going to stay there for 6 months.

Nov. 27 - Day 43
2100 Position: 18.56S, 175.09E
Compass course: 085
Wind direction: SE
Wind force: 5 to 6
Boat speed: 5 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1008 hpa
Temperature: 26°C inside cabin

Sailing with one-point reefed Main and 60% reefed No. 1 Jib.
About 20 to 30 dolphins were swimming along with SHUTEN-DOJI 2. Tried to take their photographs thinking to send them to Japan, but found it very difficult. Though the camera is a hi-tech camera, it was difficult to work everything out. Transmitting the image is more difficult than taking the helm.

Nov. 28 - Day 44
2100 Position: 19.53S, 175.50E
Compass course: 170
Wind direction: ESE
Wind force: 5
Boat speed: 4 Kts

Weather: Cloudy
Barometer: 1008 hpa
Temperature: 25°C

Sailing close-hauled with one-point reefed Main and 20% reefed Genoa.
Have sailed to the east for the past two days. Now sailing to the south.

The temperature has dropped a lot, but still alright with T-shirts.

Managed to send photographs to Sankei Newspaper Co. though the boat was swinging on the seas, making the communications link up difficult.

Nov. 29 - Day 45
1630 Position: 21.15S, 175.30E
Compass course: 170 to 180
Wind direction: SE
Wind force: 4
Boat speed: 4.5 Kts

Weather: Fine/Cloudy
Barometer: 1008 hpa
Temperature: 25°C

Sailing close-hauled with one point reefed Main, and 20% reefed Genoa.

He repeated tacking twice because "SHUTEN-DOJI II" was drifted to
the west due to a strong current though he wished to go to the south directly.
He complained he lost 30 miles by this current.
He aimed at the east for these 2 days. In the morning, it blows a good wind. But the wind becomes weakened afterwards.
SHUTEN-DOJI 2 sails slow at the wind force 4 because the hull is rather heavy for the wind force.
Weather information from the Meteorological Center of Australia will stop at 180E.
Therefore, he is asking the Support Base to send the information of the Meteorological Center of New Zealand.

Nov. 30 - Day 46
2300 Position: 22.43S, 176.26E
Compass course: 155
Wind direction: E
Wind force: 3
Boat speed: 4.5 Kts

Weather: Fine
Barometer: 1009 hpa
Temperature: 24°C
Wave height: 1 meter

Sailing with one-point reefed Main, 10% reefed Genoa. Now going to the high pressure and the wind is becoming weak.
The moonlight is very beautiful.
International Date Line will be expected to pass at 30S near Tonga.

He sends a personal message:
" Miss. Noriko Imakyuure. Thank you for your message. I missed that I could not see you when I went to Kagoshima last year.I hope to see you at the cherry blossom season next year, if possible. I hope you to be concerned with my voyage."

(NB: Ms. Imakyuure is a famous female sailor who achieved a long
single-hand voyage several years ago. She is living in Kagoshima.)