Saito-san/Shuten Dohji II Solo Circumnavigation Log
Photos taken off Tasmania by Jeremy Firth who motored out to rendezvous with Saito-san. Click on photo to see it enlarged.
Click here to read report of the rendezvous off Storm Bay in Tasmania.
In the Wake of Shuten-dohji II
Oct. 16, 2004— Day 1
Minoru Saito, age 70, on his boat Shuten-dohji II, leaves Japan on his 7th around-alone circumnavigation in a quest to become the oldest human being to do it without touching land. Dubbed "Challenge-7," Saito's voyage is being run simultaneously with that of Kenichi Horie in a match of minds, if not boats, as the two Japanese sailors compete against the wind, weather and waves. Horie left Oct. 1, also on his own attempt to round the world nonstop.June 6, 2005– Day 233
Saito, now age 71, returns flying the Japanese and U.S. flags (and TSPS burgee) as he completes his record-breaking journey and sails into the record books. He says he is now looking forward to entering his next international competition, with an eye on the Sydney-to-Hobart Race.Highlights:
Feb. 14 article on TheOceans.net website summarizing Saito-san's journey so far.
As he approached the equator in mid-May Saito was mentioned in the May 16 Scuttlebutt Europe in the "Short Tacks" section) and May 16's Sailing Scuttlebutt in the "News Briefs" section. Further commentary on Saito's trip was made by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in Sailin Scuttlebutt on May 17 in the "Letters to the Curmudgeon" section.
February
- Toothaches, leaks, frostbite, damaged mainsails -- undaunted, Minoru Saito continues his quest.
- Saito neck and neck with Horie in the "non-race" neither side is keen to acknowledge.
- Saito follows course of H.M.S. Challenger, a Royal Navy corvette that made 4-year circumnavigation (1872 - 1876).
March
- Broken finger from earlier trip is reinjured, slowing down sail repairs.
- Cyclone season starts.
- Communications improve as vessel enters western longitudes.
- Challenge-7 enters Month 5.
- Damage to Main causes Saito to proceed on only Trysail and Foresails.
- Generator goes on the blink.
April
- Sail problems continue as Saito heads south of Tasmania on Day 177.
- Solar power keeps GPS & Iridium phone alive; boat engine and generator still can't be started.
- Trouble with steering.
- Good News! Mainsail repaired!
- Trying to grow vegetables onboard.
May
- He's back north of the equator ... Crossed May 17!
- Boat-grown veggies are a relished treat
- Wind picking up and he's cruising back to Japan
- Two visitors board the boat (but no single-hand rules broken!)
- Saito closes in on home. Expected arrival in Japan on Sunday or Monday, June 5/6. (We were right... Saito-san arrived June 6. Log has been updated to final arrival.)
- We began making applications for record admissions on behalf of Saito-san.
June
- Final days of fickle winds. Saito-san later called the last day "the worst" as the day stretched on and on.
- Saito crosses finish line at just after sunset, June 6, 2005
- See end of June log for official start and finish times.
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