Minoru Saito Challenge 8: Week 6
Day 33 [Nov. 4, 0700 JST]
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.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 34 [Nov. 5, 0700 JST]
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.)
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 35 [Nov. 6, 0700 JST]
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.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 36 [Nov. 7, 0700 JST]
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.
Weather Forecast generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 37 [Nov. 8, 0700 JST]
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.
Winds
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
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Day 38 [Nov. 9, 0700 JST]
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.
Clearpoint Winds
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
Weather Forecast
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Day 39 [Nov. 10, 0700 JST]
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:
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.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 34 [Nov. 5, 0700 JST]
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.)
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 35 [Nov. 6, 0700 JST]
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.
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 36 [Nov. 7, 0700 JST]
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.
Weather Forecast generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
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Day 37 [Nov. 8, 0700 JST]
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.
Winds
Weather Forecast
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 38 [Nov. 9, 0700 JST]
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.
Clearpoint Winds
Generated using ClearPoint Weather (a Saito Challenge 8 supporting sponsor)
Weather Forecast
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day 39 [Nov. 10, 0700 JST]
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.
posted by ClearPoint Weather - Weather Decision Technologies Inc. at
11/10/2008 09:28:00 PM
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