Category Archives: Boating in Japan

Race Report: Tokyo Yacht Club March 22nd

Boating in Japan,

Hello and welcome to my attempt at publishing a series of race reports. My goal is to showcase an on the water activity that TSPS connected me to and to encourage anyone who is interested to give racing a try. For anyone inspired by this or other posts, come say ‘Hi’ at our monthly keelhauls, typically held on the first Wednesday of each month, and I’ll try to connect you with some members looking for crew.

After a few months’ sabbatical, races organized by the Tokyo Yacht Club (TYC) have restarted. The calendar for TYC races is typically once a month from March to November with a pause during typhoon season. This year’s schedule can be found on their website. Last year was my introduction to racing, where sail trim, tactics and execution of maneuvers are the priority. This year, I am improving on those skills and still learning many good lessons.

            For the TYC races, I crew on Anais, captained and skippered by Claude. Anais is a 30-foot racer-cruiser with many ways to set and adjust her sails, making it a great boat to experiment with and learn on. Today we had a crew onboard of five, including the skipper. Two on the foredeck, three in the cockpit. With this same crew we have placed first in multiple races last year, but after a long break over winter, and memories of “Did-not-start” and “Did-not-finish” last spring, our goal was simply to start and finish the race in time.

Crew of the Anais

            The race was a short 4 leg course in front of Tokyo Disney with the start line closer to shore and the marker set out in the direction of the aqua line. Winds had been forecasted to die at 11:00, exactly when the race was to start. Luckily, we had a steady breeze of about 8 knots from the south and south-east which made for the perfect conditions for an inaugural race. Our strategy was simple, start nearer to the pin end of the start line on a port-side tack and try to make it to the mark with only one maneuver. Due to an LNG tanker anchored near the course, we ended up tacking earlier than ideal, forcing us to make three total tacks in the first leg before rounding the marker.

Dropping the headsail after raising the spinnaker on a starboard tack

            The down wind leg has always been perilous for us since we lack experience with spinnakers. Still, the best way to learn is by doing and with only a small mishap where the sail bag got caught up in lines, the spinnaker was flying. The next challenge came in gybing, which we have failed with almost catastrophic results in the past. But we had practiced this last year and were ready to give it a try under the sunny and light wind conditions of the day. It turns out that you forget things after a few months and the first gybe took a few minutes to execute, struggling with the pole. But our new predicament was that we already needed to drop the spinnaker and it was now on our port side while the head sail was rigged to be raised on our starboard. Typically, we would want to drop the spinnaker under the wind shadow of our headsail to make it easier and safer.  

Immediately after the first gybe to port tack

Erring on the side of safety, we decided to gybe once more even though that would throw us far off the racecourse. The second gybe went much smoother after realizing that the downhaul of the spinnaker pole should be slacked. In quick succession, we raised the head sail and dropped the spinnaker behind it without incident. A great achievement for this crew. This came at the cost of a good position in the race, but a cost I think we are all happy to pay for safety and experience.

Raising the headsail after a second gybe back to starboard tack to safely drop the spinnaker

The next two legs, we did our best to make up for the lost time dealing with the spinnaker and decided to do the final downwind leg using only the headsail, wing on wing for the most direct route to the finish. In the end we placed seventh in our class, one place ahead of last with a total time of one hour and thirty-one minutes.

Making do with a gaff instead of whisker pole to run dead down wind, wing-on-wing

A few of the big takeaways from the race were:

  • Double check how everything is rigged, then check it again to make sure nothing will get caught.  
  • Using specific names of lines and what actions are needed will make everything smoother. It becomes easy to forget and only yell out “slack” or “the red one” under pressure.
  • Releasing the downhaul will help the foredeck crew to maneuver the spinnaker pole when gybing.
  • Plan the downward legs so that the spinnaker is on the same side as the head sail when approaching the mark.

Our next race will be in early April. If the weather is good then we can put these lessons into practice. If not, we will learn new lessons.

Sailing with Kids: An Adventure of a Lifetime

Boating in Japan, News, Education Activities

Sailing with kids is an experience that blends excitement, learning, and unforgettable moments. While there are certainly a few challenges along the way, the joys and rewards of exploring the open sea as a family far outweigh them. From introducing your kids to the wonders of sailing to watching their confidence grow, every journey on the water helps nurture their spirit of adventure and builds lasting memories that will stay with them forever.

Embracing the Challenges

Sailing with kids comes with its own set of challenges, but they’re part of what makes the adventure so special. Kids are naturally curious, and while the boat provides plenty of space to explore, it also requires some attention and supervision. Keeping them safe while maintaining focus on sailing can feel like a juggling act at times, but with patience and a little creativity, it’s easy to keep everyone engaged and happy.

Weather can be unpredictable, and kids may not always be thrilled by rough seas, but teaching them how to roll with the changes builds resilience and helps them develop a positive attitude towards the elements. And while boat space may be limited, the opportunity to teach kids how to stay organized and work together as a team is a valuable life lesson that will serve them in many areas beyond sailing.

The Adventure of Exploration

The challenges are quickly forgotten once the adventure begins! Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and the fresh ocean breeze, knowing that a day full of exploration lies ahead. Whether it’s discovering hidden coves, spotting dolphins, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the open water, there’s no shortage of excitement. Kids are eager to learn, and sailing offers a fantastic hands-on way to teach them about teamwork, navigation, and the beauty of nature. From raising the sails to steering the boat, they’ll feel like true sailors, gaining a sense of accomplishment with every task they complete.

As they learn to navigate the boat, they also learn to navigate the world around them—developing an appreciation for the environment and a deeper connection with the natural world. The lessons they learn on the water will stay with them long after the trip ends, fostering a sense of responsibility and a passion for protecting the oceans.

Growing the Sailor Spirit

One of the most rewarding aspects of sailing with kids is watching them grow into confident, independent individuals. The challenges they face on the water teach them valuable life skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Sailing also encourages them to take initiative, build their confidence, and become active participants in the journey, helping them develop a sense of pride and accomplishment.

As they master new sailing skills, kids begin to develop their own sailor spirit—a sense of adventure and a love for the sea that will stay with them for life. They’ll share the excitement of each successful tack, the thrill of catching the wind just right, and the joy of discovering something new, all while growing into capable sailors with a deep connection to the water.

Creating Lasting Memories

Sailing together is not just about the destinations; it’s about the moments you share along the way. It’s about laughing together, learning together, and conquering challenges as a team. Each trip on the water strengthens the bond between family members, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

The adventures you experience while sailing with your kids aren’t just fun—they are transformative. Every journey is an opportunity to teach your children about resilience, teamwork, and the wonders of the world around them. The joys of sailing are endless, and the lessons learned on the water will last a lifetime. So, set sail with your family and discover the magic of the sea. The adventure awaits, and it’s more exciting than ever!

Set Sail with TSPS Japan: Your Gateway to the Sea!

If you’ve always dreamed of learning how to sail, there’s no better time to start than now with TSPS Japan! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our expert instructors and welcoming community are here to help you navigate the world of sailing. Sailing with family is an adventure like no other, and at TSPS Japan, we believe that everyone—young or old—can experience the thrill of the open water.

Join us and start your journey toward becoming a confident sailor. With our top-notch training, hands-on experience, and a passion for sharing the joy of sailing, we’ll help you unlock the sailor spirit in you.

Ready to set sail? TSPS Japan is waiting for you!

We Got a Boat! What Now? Registering the Boat in Japan

Boating in Japan, News, , ,

Make your dream a reality

So, you’ve finally got your dream boat! Now comes the exciting part—registering it in Japan. Yes, there’s paperwork and a bit of bureaucracy involved, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Agreement and Title Transfer

First things first, you need to agree with the current owner on the sale terms, including the price. Once you’ve shaken hands (or exchanged emails), the current owner must fill out the 譲渡証明書 (Joto Shomeisho or “Certificate of Title Transfer”). This document has sections for both the current owner (譲渡人) and the new owner (譲受人). The current owner will use their registered stamp (実印, jitsuin) to seal the deal. Make sure the address on the document matches the address on the Certificate of Registered Stamp (印鑑証明書, inkan shoumeisho). If not, the current owner must also provide a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jyuminhyo).

Documents from the Current Owner

Here’s what you need to collect from the current owner:

  • Completed 譲渡証明書 (Joto Shomeisho) sealed with the current owner’s registered stamp.
  • The current owner’s 印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shoumeisho) not older than three months.
  • The current owner’s 住民票 (Jyuminhyo) if their registered residence differs from the address on the Inkan Shoumeisho, also not older than three months.
  • 船舶検査証書 (Ship’s Certificate of Inspection).
  • 船舶検査手帳 (Ship’s Booklet of Inspection).

Payment to JCI

Next, you need to pay JPY 2,950 to the JCI via Yucho or another bank, either at a branch or online. If you pay at a bank branch, get the payment receipt and submit it with your documents. For online banking, note the payment date, amount, and payee name in the remarks section of the 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer).

Application for Boat Transfer

Now, fill out the 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer) following the instructions provided. This form must be sealed with your registered stamp or signed with a certificate of signature if you are a non-Japanese resident.

You can find more information in English at Application form | JAPAN CRAFT INSPECTION ORGANIZATION (jci.go.jp).

Documents to Prepare as the New Owner

Here’s what you need to prepare:

  • Completed 変更・移転登録申請書 (Application for Changing Registered Information and Title Transfer) sealed with your registered stamp or signed with a certificate of signature.
  • Your 印鑑証明書 (Inkan Shoumeisho) or certificate of signature not older than three months.
  • Your 住民票 (Jyuminhyo) if your registered residence differs from the address on the Inkan Shoumeisho, also not older than three months.

Submission of Documents

You can submit all the documents either by visiting the respective JCI office where the boat is registered or by sending them via postal mail.

Notification of Completion

Once your application is processed, you will receive a Notification of Completion. If you visit the JCI office, you will receive this notification along with the updated 船舶検査証書 (Ship’s Certificate of Inspection) and 船舶検査手帳 (Ship’s Booklet of Inspection) on the same day.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process for registering your boat in Japan.

Ready for the Next Steps?

Secure Boat Insurance and contract with Marina

Just like with a car, having insurance for your boat is essential. It shields you from liability and covers any damages to your vessel. Be prepared for a lot of paperwork, often in Japanese, that you’ll need to carefully review. Contracting with a respectable marina for boat mooring is another story.

Let me tell you about those in another post.

Gratitude for turning our dream into reality 

A big thank you to Toshi Tanaka from TSPS for co-authoring this article and helping with the preparation for boat registration process. Also, a heartfelt thanks to my good friend and fellow boating enthusiast, Nemanja, for all the support in getting the dream boat. Your contributions made this journey smoother and more enjoyable! 🚤🌊