Position:
35 07 30 N, 139 41 20 E

Distance completed: 0%

Heading: 180
Boat speed: 5-6 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 0 nm (24-hr ave. 0 kt)
Distance made good: 0 nm
ETA: 184 - 240 days
Weather: Clear
Barometer: 1006
Waves (from):
Wind (from): 8-10 kt N
Current (from):
Engine: 0
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Minoru Saito crossed the Kenzaki Lighthouse start line at 11:54 this morning under the crystal-clear azure skies that typically follow typhoons here.

A tiny red-jacketed lone figure in Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III, Saito-san was accompanied by a second sailboat carrying official witnesses of his departure.

As he crossed the line at 35° 07' 30" N, 139° 41' 20" E, Saito-san cranked out the genoa and staysail to join the main in a comfortable downwind sail, pushed by light winds from the north of about 8-10 knots.

Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III, accompanied by a second yacht carrying several witnesses, heads toward the official start line. (Photo snapped by Hunter from an observation platform on Jogashima Island.)

As a moderate but weakening typhoon, Jangmi ("Rose" in Korean) passed just south of Tokyo yesterday, narrowly missing the coast after making an abrupt turn toward Japan over the weekend. While Saito-san awaited her arrival, the temporary respite allowed some welcome, if rain soaked, last-minute boat preparations.

Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III at her typhoon mooring this morning in Aburatsubo.

Saito-san and three Tokyo Sail & Power Squadron burgees that went aboard just before departure.

Tomorrow we will supply the first of the daily logs using position reports called in at 0700 each morning. These daily updates from the skipper will be supplemented by twice-daily lat-long coordinates delivered by email via s an on-board satellite beacon.

And now... the Great Adventure begins!

Position:
33 32 N, 140 01 E

Distance completed: 0.43%

Heading: 175
Boat speed: 5.8 kt
Distance in last 19 hours: 110 nm (24-hr ave. 5.8 kt)
Distance made good: 110 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 25,501 nm

Yokohama ETA: 184 days (based on today's ave boat speed)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 21.5 days

Weather: Clear skies, steady strong wind
Barometer: - 1016 hPa
Waves: 2.5 m
Wind (from): 15 - 20 kt NE
Current: 2.4 kt SE
Engine: 0
Generator: 9 hrs
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Good wind, 18-23 kt last night, currently about 20 kt. No engine use; 9 hrs on the generator to supply power to autopilot. Beautiful clear skies. Can see Hachijojima about 25 nm away. High pressure system at 1017mb.
Saito: "Everything is going very well. Very good wind."

Added Comment

All systems are working well. Saito-san called in using the INMARSAT satellite comms phone, which was very clear and unbroken. (A subsequent test call by the back-up Iridium sat phone was adequate but he had difficulty hearing, with slight breakup.)

The separate auxiliary generator is expected to be used 2 or 3 times a day, several hours each time, to keep the batteries charged and permit electrical generation for AC devices.

Until much later the "Yokohama ETA" will be little more than an exercise, so we will also chart the ETA to the following waypoints as they are approached:

Waypoint 1: Solomon Islands (2,988 / 2,988 nm total distance)
Waypoint 2: Cape Leeuwin, S. Australia (2,300 / 5,288 nm)
Waypoint 3: West of Australia (1,573 / 6,861 nm)
Waypoint 4: Cape of Good Hope, Africa (4,123 / 10,984 nm)
Waypoint 5: Cape Horn, Argentina (4,182 / 15,166 nm)
Waypoint 6: Humboldt Current (899 / 16,065 nm)
Waypoint 7: Fiji (5,674 / 21,739)
Waypoint 8: Kenzaki Lighthouse, below Yokohama (3,872 / 25,611 nm)

Click to see all Waypoints.

Position:
30 41 N, 140 51 E

Distance completed to Yokohama: 1.05%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 7.2 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 172 nm
Distance made good: 270 nm
Distance to Yokohama: 25,341 nm

Yokohama ETA: 148 days (based on today's ave boat speed)
Solomon Islands (Waypoint 1) ETA: 18 days

Weather: Cloudy, steady favorable wind
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 2.5 m
Wind (from): 16 - 20 kt ESE
Current: 0.5 kt NE
Engine: 0
Generator: 8 hrs
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

All systems OK, although the "main system" feels a little seasick from the 2 to 3 m swells. "It's not too bad," Saito-san laughed. He's really happy about the good time he is making.

Added Comment

For now he's doing very well with an ave 24-hr boat speed of 7.2 kt (172 nm/24 hr).The Yokohama ETA is currently 148 days at that speed.

We want him to average at least 5.0 kt to meet the anticipated 213-day trip duration. (Clearpoint indicates area winds will slacken within 24-36 hours, then pick up when he hits the tradewind latitudes.)

He is not using the engine. He ran the generator 8 hours today, 9 hours the day before, mainly for autopilot use.

There is no fuel gauge so fuel consumption must be estimated by the No. of generator operating hours. He estimates 2 to 3 liters/hr are expended to run the generator. He has 5,500 liters in the boat's tanks (4 total) and thirty 20-liter jerry cans stored on deck. Thus there were 6,100 liters of fuel on board at departure. Assuming 3 L/hr, he consumed 27 L yesterday + 24 L today = 51 L expended, giving him enough fuel for potentially 240-250 days of generator use.

A solar panel also provides trickle-charging of the batteries as well as emergency DC power, should the need arise. It is not expected that he will normally use the generator as much as he has the last 2 days, as a result of the strong winds.

He successfully sent 2 faxes out yesterday to test the fax capability of the INMARSAT satellite comms.

Temperatures are already rising, at 27.5 C this morning compared to Tokyo's 17.5 C.

Photos courtesy of Tony Whitman, who served as a "witness" on board an observer boat at the Kenzaki Lighthouse start line (11:54 JST, Oct. 2, 2008, 35° 07' 30" N, 139° 41' 20")

Position:
28 23 N, 141 26 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 1.6%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 5.9 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 141 nm
Distance made good: 411 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 25,200 nm

Yokohama ETA: 181 days (based on today's ave boat speed)
Expected ETA: 210 days
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 17 days

Weather: Clear, beautiful, steady favorable wind, turning to east
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 2 - 2.5 m
Wind (from): 17 - 23 kt E
Current: 0.5 NE (variable)
Engine: 0
Generator: 8 hrs
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Saito-san was happy to report that "the seasickness is finished." Yesterday he reported feeling some mild queasiness: "All I had to eat was one roll." Today he's back to full appetite.

All continued to go well through the day and night and this morning Saito-san was greeted by a gorgeous sunrise under clear blue skies. "It was really beautiful," he said.

Added Comment

He has been consulting Clearpoint Weather and identified that the wind will lessen and turn unfavorable "probably this afternoon," which agrees with our own predictions. (Saito-san and we are seeing the same weather information as shown by Clearpoint on his INMARSAT-connected laptop computer. So far, what the skipper reports from his on-board observations and the Clearpoint Weather information have been virtually identical.)

Boat speed will drop as the wind abates but when it does he plans to unreef to either a 1-point or full main, and 100% genoa to add more sail area. Variable and mostly unfavorable wind conditions are anticipated for the subsequent 24-36 hours. Steady trade winds (from the east) are shown about 200 nm south of his position.

His 24-hr distances after 2 full days have respectively been 172 nm and 141 nm. He needs to average 120 nm a day to meet the "likely case" scenario of 213 days to the finish line.

He has been snapping pictures as a trip record, and has both a digital camera and several backup disposable film cameras.

Click to see all Waypoints.

Position:
26 18 N, 142 15 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 2.1%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 5.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 132 nm
Distance made good: 540 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,973 nm

Yokohama ETA: 193 days (based on today's ave boat speed)
Expected ETA: 209 days
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 17 days

Weather: Clear, calm seas, wind becoming variable
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 12 - 18 kt SW
Current: Strong and variable due to close proximity of islands
Engine: 4 hrs
Generator: 9 hrs
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Saito-san passed Chichi Jima, the largest island in the Ogasawara archipelago about 500 nm south of Yokohama, shortly after sundown yesterday. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichi-jima

During the night the winds eased to under 5 kt and he was forced to motor 4 hours at 2,000 rpm as the strong currents in the area pushed him dangerously close to Hahajima and other islands. (See images below.)

While he intends to only use wind power most of the time, he will resort to the engine in conditions he feels might jeopardize the vessel — in this case strong, variable currents near islands during weak wind.

Winds had picked back up by 6 am, at 12-18 kt out of the southwest. Will be variable for the next 24 hours.

Saito-san's position as of 0700 this morning, after passing through the Ogasawara Islands 500 nm south of Yokohama. Images taken from Clearpoint.

Added Comment

Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III is equipped with several communications systems for Saito-san's own safety as well as to allow a high level of information as we track his progress. Such maritime standards as a single-sideband radio and VHS hand-held radio allow him to communicate with shore stations and passing ships. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-sideband_modulation

On his earlier repositioning voyages from Hawaii to New Zealand, then on to Yokohama, Saito-san depended on an Iridium phone, a very handy satellite device that, though relatively inexpensive, is plagued by dropped calls, delayed audio, and frequent interruptions.

For the actual circumnavigation, an Inmarsat Fleet 33 (F33) system was supplied by contributing sponsor Japan Radio Corporation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inmarsat

The resulting improvement in voice sound quality? On a scale of 10, the Iridium is a "3," and the Inmarsat easily a "9" (a momentary drop-out yesterday morning, the first of the voyage, keeps it from rating a perfect "10"). On top of the improved voice quality and signal reliability, the new system also allows the use of computer-based weather monitoring software, email, and fax communications.

The Inmarsat service was arranged and tested by contributing sponsor Clearpoint to confirm shipboard usability with Clearpoint's satellite-based weather data service. Saito-san now using it on a daily basis to check the weather, wind forecasts, local sea conditions, weather alerts, and other data.

Position:
25 35 N, 143 07 E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 2.3%

Heading: 160
Boat speed: 2.7 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 65 nm
Distance made good: 597 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,916 nm

Yokohama ETA: 197 days (based on week's ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 208 days
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 18 days

Weather: Clear, flat seas, wind variable and very weak
Barometer: 1015 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 1.7 - 1.9 kt E
Current:
Engine: 9 hrs charging DC & autopilot operation
Generator: 8 hrs for AC refrigeration, 4 hours twice a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 100%

Today's Report

Winds have been very weak the last 12 hours, and opposing currents saw him lose some ground during the night as he barely eked out 65 nm "made good," the least 24-hr distance so far. Winds were expected to improve later today as the trades become established as he nears 24 degrees N latitude.

Mid-morning Update

The locator beacon update at 0827 showed him at a position about 26 nm further south, so we need to clarify with Saito-san tomorrow on the position he gave in his daily call. He made 91 miles in the past 24 hours if the beacon position was correct, which seems likely.

Added Comment

Saito-san has made a correction toward the east putting him closer to the "anticipated route" after clearing the Ogasawaras. He's also set for an extended broad reach, one of the fastest points of sail, as he enters the zone of the trade winds -- mainly steady "easterly" winds of 15 - 25 kt. After that he's looking at several hundred miles of largely favorable wind conditions.

Meanwhile, in the first 4 days he has enjoyed mainly steady winds from the NE, as he rides "down hill" toward his first waypoint near the Solomon Islands. Had he left even 3 days later he'd have been struggling with unfavorable wind conditions that have now formed a few hundred miles south of Yokohama.

***

An editorial aside:

"Easterly" is one of those oddities of the English language with definitions that squarely contradict each other.

east·er·ly (str-l)
adj.
1. Situated toward the east.
2. Coming or being from the east: easterly winds.
n. pl. east·er·lies
A storm or wind coming from the east.

Thus winds and storms are "easterly" if coming FROM the east (as is true for all compass points, i.e., easterly, westerly, etc.) But a boat going TOWARD the east is said to be moving "easterly."

Despite its frequent use by Slocum, Stevenson, London and other writers of sea-going classics, we find this confusing and will attempt to avoid "ly." We will instead use the somewhat clumsier but far clearer "from." Therefore:

"He's also set for an extended broad reach, one of the fastest points of sail, as he enters the zone of the trade winds -- mainly steady winds of 15 - 25 kt from the east."

***

This morning he crossed the latitude of Iowa Jima 100 nm due west. Iwo Jima is famous as the site of the February-March 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima between the United States and Japan during World War II, when the iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima was taken. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwo_Jima

Position:
23 18N, 143 17E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 2.7%

Heading: 190
Boat speed: 3.3 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 78 nm
Distance made good: 730 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,783 nm

Yokohama ETA: 197 days (based on week's ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 207 days
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 17 days

Weather: Cloudy, passing thunderstorms
Barometer: 1015 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 12 - 16 kt SE
Current: Up to 4 kt, opposing from south (Black Current)
Engine: 0
Generator: 8 hrs for AC refrigeration, 4 hours twice a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Saito-san reports he was dogged by multiple thunderstorms throughout the night, requiring reefing and subjecting him to wind changes, tacking, and slack sails. As a result, his 24hr distance was 78 nm.

He noted that the fuel level in the No. 1 starboard tank had dropped 2 cm in 6 days. From generator and engine charging time estimated to consume 3 L/hr, he's used approx. 190 L, or 25-32 L/day.

Added Comment

He gave a correction for his 0700 position provided yesterday, restating the latitude coordinate to 24 35 N, instead of 25 35 N. Thus the actual Day 5 distance was 112 nm.

***
A locator beacon installed on the mast provides a signal that is picked up by satellites to allow the vessel's position to be relayed automatically at 12-hour intervals, and reported by email. This provides confirmations of his 0700 JST position, as well as provides a regular, automatic backup system. (Two manually operated EPIRBs* are also on board for possible emergency use. )

*Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_locator_transmitter)

***

He could not catch Rei yesterday, in the first of his twice weekly calls to her. She subsequently asked that he call her 1 hour earlier before she heads off on the subway for work. This was relayed to him this morning. Rei will "interview" him in Japanese to get a more personal commentary.

***
We just received these pictures taken by Katu Ida, who was one of the observers on the vessel that was on hand to witness the start on Oct. 2.

Position:
21 34N, 143 03E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 3.2%

Heading: 175
Boat speed: 4.5 kt
Distance in last 24 hours: 107 nm
Distance made good: 828 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 24,685 nm

Yokohama ETA: 204 days (based on week's ave. boat speed)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 17 days

Weather: Partly cloudy, passing thunderstorms
Barometer: 1014 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 2 - 3 kt ESE, variable
Current: Strong, opposing from the south (Black Current)
Engine: 2 hrs
Generator: 9 hrs for AC refrigeration, in 2 sessions a day
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Today's report is from Rei, over Inmarsat phone, conducted in Japanese (AND from a woman's perspective) -- all with much improved results! This is the first of twice weekly reports filed by Rei.

The weather is not too bad, but squalls attack me every day -- and it is always in the evening, not daytime. Yesterday I had 2 of them with winds that hit 30 - 35 kt. After, the winds are very weak.

The main problem is that it is too cold to take a shower in the evening. The temperature is not high enough, and in addition, water from squalls is colder than usual rain. So I haven't had a shower since I left Misaki last week. Maybe when I reach N 17 deg., the rain squalls will be warmer and I can take a shower.

Breakfast: Bread and cheese

Lunch: Dried alfonsino (Kinmedai) & boiled rice
The fish I received in Misaki is so large that only 1/4 was enough. Very nice.

Dinner: Stew (Mince meat, potatoes, onion, carrot, etc.) & bread

Stew? I cooked it from those raw ingredients. There is some ready-made stew on board as well, but they are in a small quantity. So I cooked my own recipe yesterday.
Unfortunately, milk does not stay for longer than 2 days as inside the fridge is not kept cool throughout the day. It becomes cool only when I use the generator for battery charging. So it is hard to keep milk, anyway.

Boat speed cannot be so fast as the Black Current runs in its fastest speed around this area, which is 2-3 kt, in addition to the (occasional) head wind. I'm looking forward to having a shower soon, though.

Well, that's all so far.

Regards to all!

Added Comment

The news is spreading and we're starting to get emails from across the world. Excerpts will occasionally be published here, and more fully in the Daily Logbook on the Saito 8 web page. If you haven't visited it this week, here's the URL -- http://www.saito8.com/. The stats are beginning to climb.

*
Just read about Minoru's latest adventure.
Please pass on my greetings and wishes for a safe and trouble free voyage.
Alan Nebauer
Jervis Bay, Australia

*
My name is Greg and I look forward to watching the adventure ahead. It is my dream to do a solo unassisted circumnavigation some day, this is going to give me a day by day idea of what it is like.
I will pray here in Atlanta Georgia for a safe and speedy return.
Please send my admiration and best regards to Mr. Saito.
Greg Phillpotts
Atlanta, Ga.

*
Minoru,
I am so glad to see you still have the fire. "Shuten-Dohji, Shuten-Dohji, Shuten-Dohji, this is No Barriers callingŠ" I miss our radio scheds during the last race in 1998-99. You make me very proud with all you are doing. Harry must be proud too looking down. I spoke a lot about you in my last book, and how much fun it was competing with you. Keep strong and keep going. I am rooting for you. Maybe our wakes will cross again.
Neal Petersen
www.no-barriers.com

*
We are friends of Minoru, built Shuten-dohji II and raced with him in the 1990 BOC Challenge ... so wonder if you could please pass on a short message to him for usŠthank you.

WOW Minoru! Only just discovered your new voyage and web site. We will be watching every day ..FANTASTIC Challenge. Good luck and watch out for the Bullshita waves!!..You look healthy and strong -- we know you can do it.
All the best,
Don & Margie McIntyre
Hobart, Tasmania
P.S.
Lamb chops are on the table for you.

*
... please be assured that we have been updating ourselves by frequenting your web site, together with all the e-mails you have sent us. Thanks a lot. We learnt that Mr Saito has just left for another journey and we wish him all the best. Please help us convey our well wishes to him. He is indeed a great source of inspiration for us youths.
Alex Kho
Community college student
Singapore

More on Alex's and his team's efforts will be described later. He leads a university special projects team that selected Saito-san for inspiration, to encourage others to achieve their personal best, whatever the endeavor.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Position:
109 52N, 148 35E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 6.4%

Heading: 110
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 4.1 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 85 nm
Distance made good: 1,604 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,571 nm

Yokohama ETA: 240 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 196 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 14 days

Weather: Overcast, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m
Wind (from): 9 - 11 kt SE (unfavorable)
Current: Opposing from south
Engine: 5.75 hr (1,500 w/1,800 rpm in the last 30 minutes)
Generator: 9.5 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Saito-san is easting to get to the windward (east) side of the numerous atolls and small islands of the Federated States of Micronesia. As he approaches the Equator the current will change from opposing to minimal and then to favorable. Trade winds, which recently have been disappointingly weak as well as unfavorably from the SE, should also improve.

Added Comment

We're watching fuel use with a closer eye since the hydraulic auto-steering requires use of electrical power from the aux. generator. After the Equator Saito-san expects to use the engine less or not at all. The generator, which he runs about 9 hours a day, uses about 2 liters of fuel an hour. Just under 10% of fuel has been used to date, with 6,100 liters in tanks and jerry cans at departure.

Position:
09 05N, 150 15E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 6.6%

Heading: 120
Boat speed: 4.5 kt (7-day average: 4.1 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 109 nm
Distance made good: 1,661 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,514 nm

Yokohama ETA: 239 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 195 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP 1) ETA: 13.5 days

Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1008 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m
Wind (from): 8 - 11 kt ESE (unfavorable)
Current: 0.8 kt from east
Engine: 20.0 hr @ 1,500 + 1.5 hr @ 2,000 rpm (in 3 x 0.5-hr periods)
Generator: 8.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: furled

Today's Report

Saito-san has spent the past 24 hours mostly motoring to get through and past the numerous atolls and small islands of the Federated States of Micronesia. He will pass the Chuuk island group (formerly Truk) on the west side. This returns him to a more southerly heading, with slightly less than half the distance remaining to the first of 12 waypoints, a point near the Solomon Islands.

See here for the recently updated waypoints.

Added Comment

Chuuk - formerly Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus - is an island group in the south western part of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), along with Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Chuuk is the most populous of the FSM's states.

Position:
07 52N, 150 49E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 6.9%

Heading: 150
Boat speed: 4.0 kt (7-day average: 4.0 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 81 nm
Distance made good: 1,740 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,435 nm

Yokohama ETA: 244 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 194 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 3,000 nm) ETA: 14 days

Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1009 hPa
Waves: 0.3 m
Wind (from): 8 - 14 kt ENE (favorable)
Current: 0.8 kt from east
Engine: 5.0 hr @ 1,500 rpm
Generator: 8.0 hr
Sails
Main: 1-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Saito-san was in especially good spirits today, happy to report having had his first good night's sleep in more than a week. "There were squalls, but they were small and not as many," he said. The seas are also virtually flat, with swells at less than half a meter. He was just about ready to pass the Chuuk Island Group and is closing in on the Equator, which he said he expects to cross in about 4 1/2 days.

Added Comment

Eiko Brumfield and Chii Takahashi (Eiko's mom) were present for this call and peppered him with questions about -- what else? -- his health and how he's eating. He assured them that there are no problems in either regard, and that the refrigerator is keeping various meats frozen, including hamburger, beef, sausage, and ham. Although the tomatoes and lettuce did not survive into the second week, the eggs, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes are all "very good." He also said the "Como Bread" -- a long shelf-life bread donated by the Como Company, is a special favorite of his.

He was obviously happy to have a chat, and the Imarsat call ran nearly 10 minutes, or almost twice the usual duration.

Position:
06 07N, 151 09E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 7.3%

Heading: 165
Boat speed: 4.5 kt (7-day average: 4.0 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 107 nm
Distance made good: 1,843 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,332 nm

Yokohama ETA: 243 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 193 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 3,000 nm) ETA: 13 days

Weather: Overcast and stormy
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves: 2.5 m
Wind (from): 8 - 10 kt SSE (unfavorable)
Current: 0.3 kt from ESE
Engine: 8.0 hr @ 1,500 rpm
Generator: 8.0 hr
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: furled, but expected to open it soon
Genoa: 0%

Today's Report

Saito-san reported the hardest sea and weather conditions of the voyage so far, saying he was hit by a fierce thunderstorm/gale that lasted a full four hours beginning at 8 pm last night. He said the night was "completely black" so he could only judge, but thought the wave heights were 1.5 to 2.5 meters. During the worst of it winds were 35 kt from the southeast.

He reported using the electric bilge pump to clear accumulated water during last night's gale. The pump had not functioned on his solo voyage from New Zealand to Yokohama in the spring, so this was a reassuring test that it is now working OK.

He said other than some slight seasickness ("the boat is really rolling") and sleepiness, he's fine. He said the boat performed well during the gale under reduced sails, with a triple reef on the main.

Though tired, he noted that the last 12 hours were "good practice for the Southern Ocean" where sustained winds of 30 knots and gales that can last several days are not uncommon.

During the night he saw two ships on radar, the closest coming to within 3 nm.

Added Comment

As an isolated "pocket gale," last night's storm showed on Clearpoint as a patch of orange, representing heavier winds, but no general area gale warning had been raised by the weather service that provides such alerts.

James H. later found that he was passing very close to Weno Island at 7N 151E. Wind indication in the area was yellow to orange 16-22 kts. The point forecast at Weno Isl indicated a gale of 23.9 kt from ESE, James said.

Despite the stormy nighttime conditions he was able to achieve one of his best distances of the last 5 days at 107 nm, compared to a daily average of 95 nm. So far his longest distance was 172 nm (Day 2) and the shortest was 78 nm (Day 6). The daily average for the last 18 days (distance made good) is 102.4 nm.

Clearpoint continues to show area squalls, with otherwise steady winds up to 16 knots mainly out of the east over the next 48 hours.

***

Meanwhile CNN this morning was showing a typhoon, No. 23, crossing Saito's path 1,100 nm north of him between Japan and his present position.

This may have caught him had he left on Oct. 11 or slightly later, as had earlier been planned. The date was moved up to allow him a bit more time for his return by the first week of June (the 150th anniversary week celebrating the opening of Yokohama Port).

Position:
04 16N, 151 51E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 7.8%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 5.0 kt (7-day average: 4.1 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 119 nm
Distance made good: 1,969 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,206 nm

Yokohama ETA: 242 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 193 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 3,000 nm) ETA: 13 days

Weather: Partly cloudy
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 1.5 m
Wind (from): 17 - 23 kt E (favorable)
Current: 0.5 kt from east
Engine: 6.0 hr @ 1,500 rpm
Generator: 8.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

The past 24 hours were good, once skies had cleared about noon yesterday. Trade winds are now out of the east at close to 20 kt steady, for a comfortable broad reach on a 170 heading. Current is out of the east so not opposing compared to more recently.

Our Inmarsat connection did not work today for some reason but the Iridium back-up phone served excellently. This is the first time we've had to fall back on the Iridium phone, but anticipate this will become more necessary in parts of the ocean where the higher bandwidth (thus clearer) Inmarsat phone does not have full satellite coverage. (The Inmarsat equipment was donated by Japan Radio Corporation, and the Iridium phone plus the comms fees by Clearpoint Weather.)

Added Comment

Clearpoint has added a web page dedicated to Saito Challenge 8 that makes it possible to see the weather at his position. The site is "interactive" allowing the selection of specific types of weather and sea condition information at his precise location.

We'll be writing more about Clearpoint Weather soon, and now there is a great website that puts it into perspective.

***
Bob Brumfield, Hunter's "baby brother," listened in on today's call via Skype on his mobile phone in San Antonio, Texas.

Bob, as a driver, was part of a 6-person search team that took a trip in 2007 by rental RV to Maine to check out a steel yacht that was up for sale. It was gorgeous and, unfortunately, too expensive. Nonetheless it helped us consider the absolute minimum that was needed for a westward circumnavigation, and the trip allowed Saito-san to renew some old BOC and Around Alone friendships in the Newport RI area.

Saito-san got a kick out of talking to Bob. He has a special affection for Texas, where he has several friends going back a number of years. One couple, ham radio operators, were daily voices to him as they cheered Saito-san along during the Atlantic portion of the 1990-91 BOC race. They finally could meet several years later and have stayed in contact since. Saito-san even carries a dried rattlesnake rattle they gave him for good luck.

Happy 50th, Bob!

Position:
02 25N, 152 19E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 8.3%

Heading: 165
Boat speed: 4.8 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 114 nm
Distance made good: 2,076 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,099 nm

Yokohama ETA: 229 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 192 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 3,000 nm) ETA: 11.5 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 11 - 16 kt E (favorable and steady tradewinds)
Current: 0.3 kt from east
Engine: 0 hr
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90 to 100%

Today's Report

No success in getting the Inmarsat system back on line, after several trouble-shooting procedures were taken. Power, as shown by lighted LEDs, seems fine up to the Inmarsat handset, which is dark and silent. Questions about whether it was damaged by a lightning strike have been raised, though there is no immediately apparent physical evidence of that.

The back-up Iridium connection was very good and Saito-san could hear well.

He reported having a good 24 hours with winds steady and moderate seas. At one point a large thunderstorm approached but passed well off.

He said he expects open up the sails more later in the morning and was already clocking over 6 kt at the time of today's 0827 beacon report.

Added Comment

Saito-san bit into something hard yesterday and was dismayed to find "two, no wait -- three" teeth from an upper bridge had broken. "It's really bad," he rued, obviously contemplating 5 or 6 months of difficulty eating. This was not, he said, the same partial bridge his dentist replaced just a few weeks before departure. "Good thing you have lots of rice," we suggested. "Yes, I guess so," he said, laughing at some length.

Rice and boiled cabbage. His often-declared favorites, and as such part of our theory why only someone like Saito-san could relish 6 or 7 months apart from urban comforts, and thousands of miles from the nearest Big Mac.

***
At Day 20, he's cleared his second thousand miles, has just 160 nm left to the Equator, and about one-third of the distance remaining to the Solomon Islands, his first waypoint. He's edging back close to the 5 kt average under sails alone as the welcome tradewinds hold fair and stable out of the east.

Position:
0 45N, 152 35E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 8.6%

Heading: 165
Boat speed: 4.4 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 106 nm
Distance made good: 2,169 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 23,006 nm

Yokohama ETA: 223 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 190 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 3,000 nm) ETA: 9.5 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1010 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 10 - 12 kt ESE
Current: 0.3 kt from east
Engine: ? hr
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90 to 100%

Today's Report

Still no success getting the Inmarsat comms system back on line, after more procedures were tried this morning with the help of James and JRC. There's growing concern of lightning damage to one of the components.

Winds moved back to contrary out of the ESE but for much of yesterday they were favorable.

Added Comment

Rei spoke with Saito-san and filed the following report:

There was a small thunderstorm last night. Squalls and thunderstorms in this area are not as large as those I had over past weeks. Even if you have strong rain, it will finish soon.
But they are still troublesome as they change wind direction very frequently. Once a thunderstorm starts, I become really busy running to grab sails, helming, etc. , and so I didn't sleep enough last night.

When I'm not having squalls, it is very quiet. I cannot see any birds, means there is no fish for them to eat. There is no dolphin either to play with, perhaps for the same reason.
Only one or two birds come towards the boat when I eat. They know I will give them some food. Very clever.

It is already 3 weeks since I left Japan, but I saw only a couple of beautiful sunrises.
Usually you can expect a bit more. Well, you can see things are always different on the sea
although you think you know the area very well.

This is where many typhoons are born in winter, but it is really quiet.

I'm expecting to cross the equator soon, hopefully this evening.

Color of the sea? it is still Black Current area.

Breakfast: (yesterday) last cheese & toast
(today) rice bread- this is really yummy!
Lunch (Rei could not hear him well because of noise from the non-Inmarsat connection)

Most vegetable have gone already. There are only a few onions, potatoes, carrots, and cabbages left.

Position:
00 44S, 152 44E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 9.1%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 3.7 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 89 nm
Distance made good: 2,260 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,710 nm

Yokohama ETA: 220 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 189 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,875 nm) ETA: 6.0 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 10 - 15 kt ESE
Current: 0.6 kt from east
Engine: 9 hr @ 1500 rpm
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90 to 100%, furled during thunderstorms

Today's Report

Saito-san crossed the Equator about 7 pm last night, for what is one of the highpoints in any oceanic sailing adventure.mThe celebratory practice by crews in the early sailing ships was a good dowsing in the bosun's chair for all Equator first-timers.

For him the event was welcome but just another in his storied sailing career. When he passed it last February on the trip down from Hawaii to Auckland he guessed he'd crossed the Equator "34 or 35 times."

And since then, he's done it twice more.

***

Saito-san reports three thunderstorms in the past 24 hours; though not bad, each requires pre- and post-squall sail modifications, tacking, course corrections, and constant vigilance for the next one. Saito-san seemed less tired this morning though said he could only catch brief naps.

Winds stayed contrary out of the ESE and will remain out of the ESE and occasionally SE (nearly head-on) for the next 2 days at about 10 kt. Saito-san reports a "strong" current that shows on Clearpoint as 0.6 kt out of the east.

He mentioned a return of the auto-pilot steering problems in which the helm swings as much as 20 degrees from the set heading for unknown reasons.

Added Comment

We made a waypoint alteration today as Saito-san clarified that he is planning to pass between Papua New Guinea (to his west) and the Solomon Islands (to his east).

This effectively cut the total distance for Waypoints 1 & 2 by 205 nm. Thus, the total circumnavigation route is being calculated as 24,970 nm, instead of 25,175. (Additional modifications are anticipated as he proceeds.)

Position:
02 25S, 152 59E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 9.5%

Heading: 165
Boat speed: 4.3 kt (7-day average: 4.3 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 104 nm
Distance made good: 2,361 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,609 nm

Yokohama ETA: 219 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 188 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,875 nm) ETA: 5.0 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 17 - 21 kt ESE
Current: 0.6 kt from east
Engine: 8.5 hr @ 1500 rpm / 0.5 hr @ 2000 rpm
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: furled
Genoa: 90 to 100% (furled during thunderstorms)

Today's Report

Saito-san crossed the Equator about 7 pm the night before last, for what is always a major highpoint in any oceanic sailing adventure. The celebratory practice by crews in the early sailing ships was a good dowsing in the bosun's chair for all Equator first-timers.

For him the event was welcome but just another in his storied sailing career. When he passed it last February on the trip down from Hawaii to Auckland he guessed he'd crossed the Earth's midline "34 or 35 times."

And since then, he's done it twice more.

Added Comment

An emailed question and the response:

How's he doing with his busted teeth? Is he not allowed to get even medical assistance except in life-threatening situations?
Boyd Gatlin
Starkville, Mississippi

Nope... even if he runs out of beer!

He's ok about it, typically stalwart about such things. In his last Around Alone he broke a finger of his left hand in the last two weeks and did the rest of the voyage truly "single-handed." That finger is pretty crooked now, but he can grasp lines.

He actually feels that non-stop circumnavigations are easier/safer because you don't need to make ports or go near land.

P.S.
Joking of course about the beer, but he does have a daily ration of one much-enjoyed cold can of Asahi, especially now that he is in the balmy climes of the Equator.

Position:
02 38S, 153 49E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 9.6%

Heading: 180
Boat speed: 2.7 kt (7-day average: 4.2 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 64 nm
Distance made good: 2,389 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,580 nm

Yokohama ETA: 218 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 187 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,875 nm) ETA: 4.5 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1008 hPa
Waves: 2.0 m (3.0 - 4.0 m yesterday)
Wind (from): 17 - 20 kt ESE
Current: 0.6 kt from east
Engine: 8.0 hr @ 1500 rpm / 0.5 @ 1900 rpm
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef / 3-pt during gale
Staysail: 50% during gale
Genoa: 90 to 100% (furled during gale)

Today's Report

Moderate gale durin the day yesterday, with winds up to 35 kt and 3 to 4 m seas. Required him to moto0sail into the winds/east for much of the day so not much progress was made on the route.

Added Comment

This was his worst weather and least progress made on the voyage so far, making 64 nm but only about 35 nm toward Waypoint 1. But the boat did well in the gale conditions. All sails in good shape, Saito-san reports. He reported a "wild" uncontrolled tack at about 2 am when the wind suddenly shifted, but he was able to recover quickly.

Position:
04 01S, 153 44E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 9.8%

Heading: 170
Boat speed: 3.5 kt (7-day average: 4.0 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 84 nm
Distance made good: 2,470 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,500 nm

Yokohama ETA: 234 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 186 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,875 nm) ETA: 4.0 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 9 - 12 kt E
Current: 0.5 kt from east
Engine: 5.75 hr @ 1500 rpm
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Conditions much improved today after yesterday's gale subsided. However, weak and variable winds are forecast for next 2 days.

Added Comment

A problem was discovered and fixed involving the autopilot linkage that was causing wide swings in the hydraulic steering. After the swings grew increasingly worse, Saito-san traced it to a coupling that had become disengaged, and was able to put it back on. A sensor rod had also become displaced and was re-positioned. Both issues were fixed with the assistance of Mike Seymour, after several Iridium "road calls" were placed to him from Saito-san. Mike is serving as the shore-based engineer and was on the sea trials just prior to departure.

Position:
05 42S, 153 33E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 10.2%

Heading: 145
Boat speed: 4.3 kt (7-day average: 3.9 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 102 nm
Distance made good: 2,552 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,418 nm

Yokohama ETA: 240 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 186 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,005 nm) ETA: 2.0 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1011 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m
Wind (from): 9 - 11 kt ENE
Current: 0.5 kt from east
Engine: 9.0 hr @ 1500 rpm, 0.5 @ 1800 rpm
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Saito-san reports a rise in ship traffic as he approaches the Australian east coast, and with the narrowing of the sea lanes west of the Solomons. Last night he saw 5 large ships on radar and judges that one came to within 500 meters of him. He was hit by several brief squalls, followed by weak winds mainly out of the east. Winds had picked up again and become favorable out of the ENE at the time of his call.

Added Comment

Rei filed this report from her call received this morning:

I haven't slept enough. Am I always saying so? Yes.
It has been because of thunderstorms, but now the main reason is tankers. My boat is on the route for those main vessels since yesterday, and so I became busy checking the radar.
Tankers from the front, tankers from behind, well, just a lot.

Once I find something that can be a large vessel on the radar, I will not leave the radar until I can confirm the thing moves on the display and I can secure a safety route. This process usually takes about 30 minutes. Can you imagine? They cannot see me from a large vessel if my boat gets too close to it. So I have to make sure the boat is taking the right course.

This will last until I past Tasmania [in about 2,300 nm.]

Lunch: Sausage and boiled rice
Dinner: Instant noodle (miso) for the first time!
Occasionally: Rice bread -- they are really tasty!
During storms: Rice brei

There are still some vegetables left -- potatoes, carrots, leeks, and cabbage (but I accidentally dropped most of cabbage into the sea when cutting sausages for lunch).

These days, it is difficult to find supermarkets that sell leeks covered with enough dirt.
Same for potatoes. Do you know that such potatoes with dirt can be kept twice as long as potatoes already washed? You should keep them with mud on until you actually use them.
Maybe you don't need to think such things if you are not going to keep them for long time - but it is not a good thing that all vegetables are already washed when you buy them. Just not natural.

There are not many birds around here, which means I won't catch fish easily if I try. Usually you can find fish more when you get closer to the land.

***

Saito-san now completed 10.2% of Saito Challenge 8. He'll arrive at Waypoint 1 in 2 days, which he has plotted as 009S, 155E, a point 100 nm west of the Solomon Islands and 2,800 nm from Yokohama.

Position:
007 15S, 153 47E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 10.6%

Heading: 200
Boat speed: 4.0 kt (7-day average: 3.8 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 96 nm
Distance made good: 2,648 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,322 nm

Yokohama ETA: 244 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 185 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,800 nm) ETA: 1.5 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves: 0.5 m
Wind (from): 7 - 9 kt ESE
Current (from): 1.1 kt W
Engine: 11.0 hr @ 1300 &1500 rpm, 0.5 @ 1800 rpm
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Saito-san bemoaned the weak and variable winds that forced him to mainly motor at fuel-conserving low speed, as he also dealt with a westward current of 1 to 1.5 kt. Usually this is an area where cyclones arise, he said, "but now, nothing." [Clearpoint shows below him about 150 nm orange patches of stronger winds the past 48 hours but they are gradually dissipating.] He seems to be wishing for something that would break the pattern of the last week that has dropped his average speed to under 4 kt.

He said 4 ships passed him in the night but none came close.

Added Comment

He will reach his first waypoint in about 1.5 days, which he has plotted as 009S, 155E, a point 100 nm west of the Solomon Islands and 2,800 nm south of Yokohama, his start point.

***
A clarifying question from Dr. John P. in Baltimore, Md.

When giving "speed," is it in "knots per hour," or is that implied by the term "knots"?

Thanks, your landlubber friend . . . John

A knot is 1 nautical mile per hour, so it is a big no-no to say "knots per hour."

1 n.m. = 1.15077 mi. OR 1 mi. and 265.3 yd

Thanks for asking...!

Click here for nautical mile conversion.

***
The close proximity of islands in the Solomon Group (140 - 200 nm to his east and others to the south) are compressing and directing the currents in several directions. Clearpoint shows a south-going current of about 1 - 1.5 kt starting 40 nm from his 0700 position. We suggested he steer for it at a 160 degree heading to break out of the westward current he is in. Saito-san said his present wind direction would make that heading difficult, but he would try.

This current would give him a "down-hill" ride that, with winds expected to turn favorable soon out of the NE, would accelerate his forward progress between 10 to 20 nm over the next 24 hours. We'd like to see his average speed at 5 kt or a bit better to make up some lost time.

Position:
008 31S, 153 54E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 10.9%

Heading: 140
Boat speed: 3.2 kt (7-day average: 3.7 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 77 nm
Distance made good: 2,725 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,245 nm

Yokohama ETA: 251 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 184 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Solomon Islands (WP #1 / 2,800 nm) ETA: 0.5 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, scattered thunderstorms
Barometer: 1013 hPa
Waves: 1.0 m
Wind (from): 7 - 12 kt ENE (return to favorable)
Current (from): 0.4 kt W
Engine: 3.75 hr @ 1500 rpm
Generator: 8.5 hr
Sails
Main: 3-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 90%

Today's Report

Weak and variable winds continued, though after the 3rd thunderstorm since midnight, winds came around to favorable this morning about 6 am but still not much help as he ghosts along at about 3 kt. He's trying to use the engine less to conserve fuel so progress is reduced as he nears Waypoint No. 1.

He said 3 large ships passed him in the night, with ship traffic that seems to be lessening.

Added Comment

He will reach his first waypoint about mid-afternoon today. As judged from his track, he will pass it to the west about 40 nm distant. He had plotted the waypoint as 009S, 155E, but apparently is satisfied to follow the wind rather than make for what is actually an arbitrary spot on the open ocean, as opposed to a particular cape or island, etc.

We'll discuss his next leg tomorrow.

Position:
009 49S, 154 40E

Distance completed to Yokohama finish: 11.4%

Heading: 135
Boat speed: 3.8 kt (7-day average: 3.7 kt)
Distance in last 24 hours: 90 nm
Distance made good: 2,852 nm
Distance remaining to Yokohama: 22,118 nm

Yokohama ETA: 249 days (based on 7-day ave. boat speed)
Expected ETA: 183 days (assumes 120-nm daily ave.)
Tasmania (WP #2 / 2,233 nm) ETA: 25 days

Weather: Clear to partly cloudy, numerous thunderstorms
Barometer: 1012 hPa
Waves: 1.0 - 1.5 m
Wind (from): 18 - 22 kt ENE (return to favorable)
Current (from): 0.6 kt W
Engine: 10.0 hr @ 1500 rpm
Generator: 9.0 hr
Sails
Main: 2-pt reef
Staysail: 0%
Genoa: 80%

Today's Report

Saito-san passed Waypoint 1 at 1600 yesterday, a point on the ocean at approximately 008 55"S, 154 5"E between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The last 24 hours were marked by numerous thunderstorms -- "I think 5," Saito-san said, wearily. But everything is going well as he makes for his next waypoint just below the Australian island of Tasmania.

Added Comment

On the next leg he'll pass through the Coral Sea, then the South Pacific Ocean, past Brisbane following the east coast of Australia on a fairly straight shot to Tasmania, 2,280 nm distant. He is expected to reach Tasmania in about 22 to 25 days.

Here are the stats for his first leg (Yokohama to Solomon Islands WP 1):
Days: 28
Distance from Yokohama start: 2,800 nm (rhumbline distance)
Actual distance traveled: 2,888 nm
Daily average distance: 103 nm
Average boat speed: 4.3 knots
No. of gales: 1
Top reported winds: 28-30 kt gusts, 22-25 kt sustained