Minoru Saito Challege 8: Week 2
Day 8 [Oct. 10, 0700 JST]
Position:
19 58N, 143 34E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 3.7%
Heading: 185
Boat speed: 5 kt (7-day average: 5.0 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 100 nm
Distance made good: 930 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,583 nm
Yokohama ETA: 205 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 205 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 17 days
Weather: Partly cloudy, passing thunderstorms
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 12 - 18 kt SE, variable
Current: Strong, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 5 hrs
Generator: 10 hrs for AC refrigeration, in 3 sessions a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%
Today's Report
More squalls and thunderstorms in the night. Until this unsettled weather is left behind sailing will be slower and under reduced sails.
Asked which of the Shuten-dohjis (II or III) is better he was quick to assert: "Shuten-dohji III," due of her greater size and because she's a lot drier. "No water comes into the cockpit," he said, "but it's a lot heavier, and so it is slower" than the boat he used for his previous circumnavigations.
He said all rigging and sails are still in good shape after his first full week (and nearly 1,000 nm) and that he has not had a repeat of any of the problems he had on his single-handed "shakedown" voyage from Auckland to Yokohama in early summer. His main problems then were a genoa that was destroyed in a storm after it became caught and could not be completely furled, and an under-sized main boom traveler system that fell apart in the first few days. Its replacement -- a much larger double-car "big boat" traveler* -- is serving very well so far, he reports.
*A traveller system permits the skipper to position the end of the boom at a specific point and keep it there, using pullies and a rolling "car" on a track affixed to the deck.
Added Comment
There was a bit of a scare reported this week as fellow solo sailor (and Clearpoint-supported) Zac Sunderland was accosted by what he feared were pirates off the coast of Indonesia in the Indian Ocean. See this for an excerpt of the log filed by Zac, who is looking to take the Guinness Record as youngest circumnavigator at age 16.
[Both Saito-san and Zac are supported by contributing sponsor Clearpoint.]
Hard to know whether they were pirates but there have been increasing instances of piracy directed at freighters and even oil tankers lately, the crews of which have zero defense against the threat of automatic weapons and grenade launchers.
Advice given to"Team Zac" we'll pass on here. We'll also try to keep Saito-san aware of anything along his own route.
You can keep an eye on the world pirate situation on line. It is monitored from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia where the latest information is available. They keep everyone informed and co-ordinate action when snecessary. They will certainly be aware if anything is happening in the areas that Zac is crossing. Try http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php for latest reports and check where these are happening on the map. None of the reports on Indonesia is south of the archipelago. Hope this helps as Zac will probably see a lot of small craft before he completes the circumnavigation and the likelihood that they are bad is very low along most of his route.
A search of piracy-related web sites reveals just how serious this has become in certain areas of the world.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 9 [Oct. 11, 0700 JST]
Position:
18 15N, 144 20E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 4.1%
Heading: 165
Boat speed: 4.7 kt (7-day average: 5.1 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 113 nm
Distance made good: 1,037 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,476 nm
Yokohama ETA: 200 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 204 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 16 days
Weather: Partly cloudy, occasional thunderstorms
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves: 1.5 m
Wind (from): 16 - 21 kt E
Current: .5 kt, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 1 hrs
Generator: 10 hrs for AC refrigeration, in 3 sessions a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%
Today's Report
Completed the first 1,000 nm during the early morning hours today.
Thunderstorm squalls seem to be diminishing and winds are becoming less variable. Had an easier night and is making better time as the trades begin to kick in.
We mentioned to him the growing incidence of piracy as reported recently in the newspapers, although not in his sea area nor along his route. Targets have typically been freighters and tankers. He was particularly interested if there have been reports in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, his first waypoint in about 16 days. The qualified answer was "no."
He began taking the whey protein supplement provided by contributing sponsor U.S. Dairy Export Council, and pronounced it "very good." This is a supplement used by athletes to maintain muscle mass and is starting to undergo clinical trials in Japan for use by elderly persons. Normally, a small measured amount mixed in water is to be taken daily, and as a precaution Saito-san will begin taking it every other day, then every day after a few weeks.
Passing the Northern Mariana Islands to his east about 60 nm.
Added Comment
The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is a commonwealth in political union with the United States located at a strategic location in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. Population about 80,000, with women outnumbering men roughly 10 to 7.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 10 [Oct. 12, 0700 JST]
Position:
16 44N, 144 26E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 4.4%
Heading: 185
Boat speed: 3.9 kt (7-day average: 4.9 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 93 nm
Distance made good: 1,134 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,379 nm
Yokohama ETA: 199 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 203 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 15 days
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.5 m
Wind (from): 8 - 11 kt SE (opposing)
Current: .5 kt, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 0.75 hr
Generator: 9 hrs, in 2 sessions
Sails
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%
Today's Report
Everything is "fine" but the winds are opposing and reduced, thus the boat speed is at a low for the Solomon Islands Leg (3.5 kt at the time of his call).
He continues to pass the Mariana Islands to his east, and is presently about 180 nm north of the United States :).
Added Comment
A follow-up on the whey protein supplement provided by contributing sponsor U.S. Dairy Export Council:
Today Saito-san said he had had no unusual digestive response to the supplement he started yesterday, and commented that he particularly likes the cocoa-flavored variety. "It's very good," he judged, adding that he planned to begin using it daily after tomorrow.
***
At the end of his Challenge 7 Circumnavigation in 2005, his weight had dropped by 7 kg to 55 kg, which was 11% down from his usual 62 kg on a 164-cm frame.
7 kg = 15.4 lb
55 kg = 121.2 lb
62 kg = 136.7
164 cm = 5 ft 4 1/2 inches
This is from his medical checkup when he arrived back in Japan on June 6, 2005.
The day before he left on Saito Challenge 8 facing a 25,500 non-stop solo voyage, a pressure cuff read his blood pressure at just 118/75, considered normal for a 20-year-old. (Normal for a male 60 to 64 years old is 134/87.)
And a full blood work-up exam at his health clinic showed everything "perfect" about 10 days before he left.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 11 [Oct. 13, 0700 JST]
Position:
15 01N, 145 10E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 4.8%
Heading: 155
Boat speed: 5.5 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 112 nm
Distance made good: 1,227 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,286 nm
Yokohama ETA: 235 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 202 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 15 days
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 18 - 24 kt ENE (favorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 7 hrs (1,500 - 2,000 rpm)
Generator: 9 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%
Today's Report
Winds much improved from yesterday as he steers more easterly to gain the windward side of Guam. Boat speed at the time of the call was 5.5 kt.
He is presently working his way through the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Guam. He is presently about 20 nm due west of Saipan with Guam 90 nm to his south and slightly west as he adjusts his track to the east.
Added Comment
From previous experience Saito-san said he expects much improved winds to the east and south of Guam, and said he is experiencing the improvement already (as well as can see it on Clearpoint).
Over the years he has visited Guam, a U.S. territory, a number of times on annual pilgrimages to renew the U.S.-based vessel registration of Shuten-dohji II. (Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III is registered in Hawaii, where she was purchased last year. Postcard renewals every year are also available for blue-water cruisers.)
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 12 [Oct. 14, 0700 JST]
Position:
13 30N, 145 58E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 5.2%
Heading: 140
Boat speed: 5.0 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 103 nm
Distance made good: 1,330 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,183 nm
Yokohama ETA: 234 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 201 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 16 days
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1012 hP
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 14 - 17 kt ENE (favorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 8 hrs (1,500 - 2,000 rpm)
Generator: 9 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%
Today's Report
Heavy rains hit three times after 2 am, as he neared Rota Island. He judged he was 2 nm or less from the coast at that time, as shown on the radar. He said he was very tired after he fought the accompanying wind changes and reduced the main sail from a 1-pt reef to a 2-pt reef. "That made a big difference," he reported.
During the night he experienced swings of 15 degrees to starboard and 10 degrees to port while using the hydraulic autopilot, the first time to report this problem. He said a difference in 5 degrees "is ok" but that such large swings are dangerous especially when near islands, as he was last night, or when the winds are erratic. He said that by morning the autopilot problem had gone away but he is seeking advice from the Japan agent for the Ray Marine system that was fitted in Hawaii and repaired in Auckland and again in Yokohama.
Added Comment
He is now past the islands of Saipan and Rota, and by 0700 this morning was 60 nm almost due east of Guam.
The next island group is the Federated States of Micronesia, an island nation that traces its origins back four thousand years. Its decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious empire centered on Yap Island.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 13 [Oct. 15, 0700 JST]
Position:
12 07N, 146 45E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 5.6%
Heading: 150
Boat speed: 4.0 - 5.0 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 98 nm
Distance made good: 1,428 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,085 nm
Yokohama ETA: 233 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 201 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 15 days
Weather: Partly cloudy, frequent thunderstorms
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 10 - 15 kt ESE (unfavorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 2 hr (1,800 rpm)
Generator: 10 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled
Today's Report
Three thunderstorms struck again last night causing several tacks and some nervy sail reductions in the dark under strong gusts. Furled the headsail (genoa) and instead used the staysail which is easier to tack. Very tired after only two hours sleep, which he hopes to catch up on today.
Another thunderstorm was about to hit as he made his 0700 call, so he quickly gave his position and heading and hung up. He called back 45 minutes later to say the squall had passed, leaving him totally windless, but during that 5-minute call he said the winds had again picked back up to between 10 and 15 kt out of the ESE.
Added Comment
Temperatures have risen somewhat to 28C (83F) as he nears the Equator, with about 800 nm to go. As he moves south he'll leave the late fall climate of the northern hemisphere and swap it for the early spring climate of the southern hemisphere where summer is December 1 to March 21.
This is one of his first voyages in which he has had cold bottled water and his "one daily cold beer," thanks to the auxiliary generator that produces AC current for a small refrigerator. He recently has estimated the generator uses 1 to 1.5 liters of diesel an hour. (An earlier guess was 2 to 3 liters.)
The boat's 4 tanks hold a total of 5,500 liters, while an additional 600 liters is stored on deck in jerry cans. Presently an estimated 290 liters of fuel have been consumed.
Thus for now there appears to be plenty of diesel for the voyage. If not, he'll have to forgo the "luxury" of cold beverages and refrigerated foods.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 14 [Oct. 16, 0700 JST]
Position:
10 47N, 147 29E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 6.0%
Heading: 170
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 91 nm
Distance made good: 1,519 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,656 nm
Yokohama ETA: 235 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 197 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 14 days
Weather: Overcast, heavy thunderstorms
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 10 - 12 kt SE (unfavorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 5 hr (1,600 rpm)
Generator: 9 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled
Today's Report
Today's report is by Rei, after speaking to him in Japanese.
Now I'm in a squall. [Rei says could hear noise from strong rain.] Each squall does not stay for long, usually only 10 to 15 minutes. It is not long enough for me to take a shower because at the beginning I become very busy with trimming the sails.
I had more than 10 squall attacks over last night, which means nearly 10 times of wild tacks. It is hard to have this many as the wind direction completely changes once the boat gets into a squall. Can you imagine such thing happening many times while you are sleeping?
An even worse thing happened last night around 3:00 am when I had another squall, and I turned on the motor without realizing there was a loose rope [that had washed over the side and was trailing]. In a moment the rope was fouled around the propeller. I had to switch off the engine and think hard what to do -- I would have to jump into the water to release the rope, but no diving wetsuit is loaded on the boat this time. I left it on Shuten-dojji II!
After a long and hard time of thinking, I decided to go for a try. First, I pulled the rope out as much as possible, and kept it tensed. Then I turned on the motor again, and put the propeller in reverse. Luckily, the rope came off at once, so I didn't have to swim in the cold sea water!
Breakfast: Rice, bread & tea
Lunch: Fried mincemeat with vegetables.
Dinner: A bowl of boiled rice with tea poured over it (otchazuke)
You could see I was too busy to prepare/eat meals yesterday.
So well, now things are ok. Do you know it was the 16th night (izayoi)?
You shouldn't forget to look up the sky and enjoy the full moon even though you are busy living in Tokyo.
--
Rei M.
Added Comment
Thunderstorms seem to have eased, with fewer projected by Clearpoint over the next 48 hours.
***
A reassessment of waypoint distances has shaved some miles of the voyage total -- previously 25,500 nm and now adjusted slightly downward to 25,175 nm. An update will be posted on the web page.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
Position:
19 58N, 143 34E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 3.7%
Heading: 185
Boat speed: 5 kt (7-day average: 5.0 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 100 nm
Distance made good: 930 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,583 nm
Yokohama ETA: 205 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 205 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 17 days
Weather: Partly cloudy, passing thunderstorms
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 12 - 18 kt SE, variable
Current: Strong, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 5 hrs
Generator: 10 hrs for AC refrigeration, in 3 sessions a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%
Today's Report
More squalls and thunderstorms in the night. Until this unsettled weather is left behind sailing will be slower and under reduced sails.
Asked which of the Shuten-dohjis (II or III) is better he was quick to assert: "Shuten-dohji III," due of her greater size and because she's a lot drier. "No water comes into the cockpit," he said, "but it's a lot heavier, and so it is slower" than the boat he used for his previous circumnavigations.
He said all rigging and sails are still in good shape after his first full week (and nearly 1,000 nm) and that he has not had a repeat of any of the problems he had on his single-handed "shakedown" voyage from Auckland to Yokohama in early summer. His main problems then were a genoa that was destroyed in a storm after it became caught and could not be completely furled, and an under-sized main boom traveler system that fell apart in the first few days. Its replacement -- a much larger double-car "big boat" traveler* -- is serving very well so far, he reports.
*A traveller system permits the skipper to position the end of the boom at a specific point and keep it there, using pullies and a rolling "car" on a track affixed to the deck.
Added Comment
There was a bit of a scare reported this week as fellow solo sailor (and Clearpoint-supported) Zac Sunderland was accosted by what he feared were pirates off the coast of Indonesia in the Indian Ocean. See this for an excerpt of the log filed by Zac, who is looking to take the Guinness Record as youngest circumnavigator at age 16.
[Both Saito-san and Zac are supported by contributing sponsor Clearpoint.]
Hard to know whether they were pirates but there have been increasing instances of piracy directed at freighters and even oil tankers lately, the crews of which have zero defense against the threat of automatic weapons and grenade launchers.
Advice given to"Team Zac" we'll pass on here. We'll also try to keep Saito-san aware of anything along his own route.
You can keep an eye on the world pirate situation on line. It is monitored from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia where the latest information is available. They keep everyone informed and co-ordinate action when snecessary. They will certainly be aware if anything is happening in the areas that Zac is crossing. Try http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php for latest reports and check where these are happening on the map. None of the reports on Indonesia is south of the archipelago. Hope this helps as Zac will probably see a lot of small craft before he completes the circumnavigation and the likelihood that they are bad is very low along most of his route.
A search of piracy-related web sites reveals just how serious this has become in certain areas of the world.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 9 [Oct. 11, 0700 JST]
Position:
18 15N, 144 20E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 4.1%
Heading: 165
Boat speed: 4.7 kt (7-day average: 5.1 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 113 nm
Distance made good: 1,037 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,476 nm
Yokohama ETA: 200 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 204 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 16 days
Weather: Partly cloudy, occasional thunderstorms
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves: 1.5 m
Wind (from): 16 - 21 kt E
Current: .5 kt, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 1 hrs
Generator: 10 hrs for AC refrigeration, in 3 sessions a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%
Today's Report
Completed the first 1,000 nm during the early morning hours today.
Thunderstorm squalls seem to be diminishing and winds are becoming less variable. Had an easier night and is making better time as the trades begin to kick in.
We mentioned to him the growing incidence of piracy as reported recently in the newspapers, although not in his sea area nor along his route. Targets have typically been freighters and tankers. He was particularly interested if there have been reports in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, his first waypoint in about 16 days. The qualified answer was "no."
He began taking the whey protein supplement provided by contributing sponsor U.S. Dairy Export Council, and pronounced it "very good." This is a supplement used by athletes to maintain muscle mass and is starting to undergo clinical trials in Japan for use by elderly persons. Normally, a small measured amount mixed in water is to be taken daily, and as a precaution Saito-san will begin taking it every other day, then every day after a few weeks.
Passing the Northern Mariana Islands to his east about 60 nm.
Added Comment
The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is a commonwealth in political union with the United States located at a strategic location in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. Population about 80,000, with women outnumbering men roughly 10 to 7.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 10 [Oct. 12, 0700 JST]
Position:
16 44N, 144 26E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 4.4%
Heading: 185
Boat speed: 3.9 kt (7-day average: 4.9 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 93 nm
Distance made good: 1,134 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,379 nm
Yokohama ETA: 199 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 203 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 15 days
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.5 m
Wind (from): 8 - 11 kt SE (opposing)
Current: .5 kt, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 0.75 hr
Generator: 9 hrs, in 2 sessions
Sails
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%
Today's Report
Everything is "fine" but the winds are opposing and reduced, thus the boat speed is at a low for the Solomon Islands Leg (3.5 kt at the time of his call).
He continues to pass the Mariana Islands to his east, and is presently about 180 nm north of the United States :).
Added Comment
A follow-up on the whey protein supplement provided by contributing sponsor U.S. Dairy Export Council:
Today Saito-san said he had had no unusual digestive response to the supplement he started yesterday, and commented that he particularly likes the cocoa-flavored variety. "It's very good," he judged, adding that he planned to begin using it daily after tomorrow.
***
At the end of his Challenge 7 Circumnavigation in 2005, his weight had dropped by 7 kg to 55 kg, which was 11% down from his usual 62 kg on a 164-cm frame.
7 kg = 15.4 lb
55 kg = 121.2 lb
62 kg = 136.7
164 cm = 5 ft 4 1/2 inches
This is from his medical checkup when he arrived back in Japan on June 6, 2005.
The day before he left on Saito Challenge 8 facing a 25,500 non-stop solo voyage, a pressure cuff read his blood pressure at just 118/75, considered normal for a 20-year-old. (Normal for a male 60 to 64 years old is 134/87.)
And a full blood work-up exam at his health clinic showed everything "perfect" about 10 days before he left.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 11 [Oct. 13, 0700 JST]
Position:
15 01N, 145 10E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 4.8%
Heading: 155
Boat speed: 5.5 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 112 nm
Distance made good: 1,227 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,286 nm
Yokohama ETA: 235 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 202 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 15 days
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 18 - 24 kt ENE (favorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 7 hrs (1,500 - 2,000 rpm)
Generator: 9 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%
Today's Report
Winds much improved from yesterday as he steers more easterly to gain the windward side of Guam. Boat speed at the time of the call was 5.5 kt.
He is presently working his way through the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Guam. He is presently about 20 nm due west of Saipan with Guam 90 nm to his south and slightly west as he adjusts his track to the east.
Added Comment
From previous experience Saito-san said he expects much improved winds to the east and south of Guam, and said he is experiencing the improvement already (as well as can see it on Clearpoint).
Over the years he has visited Guam, a U.S. territory, a number of times on annual pilgrimages to renew the U.S.-based vessel registration of Shuten-dohji II. (Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III is registered in Hawaii, where she was purchased last year. Postcard renewals every year are also available for blue-water cruisers.)
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 12 [Oct. 14, 0700 JST]
Position:
13 30N, 145 58E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 5.2%
Heading: 140
Boat speed: 5.0 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 103 nm
Distance made good: 1,330 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,183 nm
Yokohama ETA: 234 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 201 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 16 days
Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1012 hP
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 14 - 17 kt ENE (favorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 8 hrs (1,500 - 2,000 rpm)
Generator: 9 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%
Today's Report
Heavy rains hit three times after 2 am, as he neared Rota Island. He judged he was 2 nm or less from the coast at that time, as shown on the radar. He said he was very tired after he fought the accompanying wind changes and reduced the main sail from a 1-pt reef to a 2-pt reef. "That made a big difference," he reported.
During the night he experienced swings of 15 degrees to starboard and 10 degrees to port while using the hydraulic autopilot, the first time to report this problem. He said a difference in 5 degrees "is ok" but that such large swings are dangerous especially when near islands, as he was last night, or when the winds are erratic. He said that by morning the autopilot problem had gone away but he is seeking advice from the Japan agent for the Ray Marine system that was fitted in Hawaii and repaired in Auckland and again in Yokohama.
Added Comment
He is now past the islands of Saipan and Rota, and by 0700 this morning was 60 nm almost due east of Guam.
The next island group is the Federated States of Micronesia, an island nation that traces its origins back four thousand years. Its decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious empire centered on Yap Island.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 13 [Oct. 15, 0700 JST]
Position:
12 07N, 146 45E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 5.6%
Heading: 150
Boat speed: 4.0 - 5.0 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 98 nm
Distance made good: 1,428 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,085 nm
Yokohama ETA: 233 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 201 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 15 days
Weather: Partly cloudy, frequent thunderstorms
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 10 - 15 kt ESE (unfavorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 2 hr (1,800 rpm)
Generator: 10 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled
Today's Report
Three thunderstorms struck again last night causing several tacks and some nervy sail reductions in the dark under strong gusts. Furled the headsail (genoa) and instead used the staysail which is easier to tack. Very tired after only two hours sleep, which he hopes to catch up on today.
Another thunderstorm was about to hit as he made his 0700 call, so he quickly gave his position and heading and hung up. He called back 45 minutes later to say the squall had passed, leaving him totally windless, but during that 5-minute call he said the winds had again picked back up to between 10 and 15 kt out of the ESE.
Added Comment
Temperatures have risen somewhat to 28C (83F) as he nears the Equator, with about 800 nm to go. As he moves south he'll leave the late fall climate of the northern hemisphere and swap it for the early spring climate of the southern hemisphere where summer is December 1 to March 21.
This is one of his first voyages in which he has had cold bottled water and his "one daily cold beer," thanks to the auxiliary generator that produces AC current for a small refrigerator. He recently has estimated the generator uses 1 to 1.5 liters of diesel an hour. (An earlier guess was 2 to 3 liters.)
The boat's 4 tanks hold a total of 5,500 liters, while an additional 600 liters is stored on deck in jerry cans. Presently an estimated 290 liters of fuel have been consumed.
Thus for now there appears to be plenty of diesel for the voyage. If not, he'll have to forgo the "luxury" of cold beverages and refrigerated foods.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 14 [Oct. 16, 0700 JST]
Position:
10 47N, 147 29E
Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 6.0%
Heading: 170
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 91 nm
Distance made good: 1,519 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,656 nm
Yokohama ETA: 235 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 197 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 14 days
Weather: Overcast, heavy thunderstorms
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 10 - 12 kt SE (unfavorable)
Current: Opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 5 hr (1,600 rpm)
Generator: 9 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled
Today's Report
Today's report is by Rei, after speaking to him in Japanese.
Now I'm in a squall. [Rei says could hear noise from strong rain.] Each squall does not stay for long, usually only 10 to 15 minutes. It is not long enough for me to take a shower because at the beginning I become very busy with trimming the sails.
I had more than 10 squall attacks over last night, which means nearly 10 times of wild tacks. It is hard to have this many as the wind direction completely changes once the boat gets into a squall. Can you imagine such thing happening many times while you are sleeping?
An even worse thing happened last night around 3:00 am when I had another squall, and I turned on the motor without realizing there was a loose rope [that had washed over the side and was trailing]. In a moment the rope was fouled around the propeller. I had to switch off the engine and think hard what to do -- I would have to jump into the water to release the rope, but no diving wetsuit is loaded on the boat this time. I left it on Shuten-dojji II!
After a long and hard time of thinking, I decided to go for a try. First, I pulled the rope out as much as possible, and kept it tensed. Then I turned on the motor again, and put the propeller in reverse. Luckily, the rope came off at once, so I didn't have to swim in the cold sea water!
Breakfast: Rice, bread & tea
Lunch: Fried mincemeat with vegetables.
Dinner: A bowl of boiled rice with tea poured over it (otchazuke)
You could see I was too busy to prepare/eat meals yesterday.
So well, now things are ok. Do you know it was the 16th night (izayoi)?
You shouldn't forget to look up the sky and enjoy the full moon even though you are busy living in Tokyo.
--
Rei M.
Added Comment
Thunderstorms seem to have eased, with fewer projected by Clearpoint over the next 48 hours.
***
A reassessment of waypoint distances has shaved some miles of the voyage total -- previously 25,500 nm and now adjusted slightly downward to 25,175 nm. An update will be posted on the web page.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
Labels: Minoru Saito, Saito Challenge 8
posted by ClearPoint Weather - Weather Decision Technologies Inc. at
10/21/2008 11:39:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home