We’re excited to invite you to Bonenkai 2024 at the stunning INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO BAY, perfectly situated by the water right across from Takeshiba Station.
Dress to impress (or come as you are) and indulge in a delightful feast while soaking in breathtaking views of the Sumida River, the striking Little Manhattan skyline, and the picturesque Tokyo Bay, complete with the iconic Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of good food, great company, and a celebration of our community!
Details:
Venue: INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO BAY, 6F Manhattan More info here
Date: Wednesday, December 4
Time: 18:30 – 21:00
Cuisine: French delights
Drinks: Enjoy a free flow of beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks
Payment Deadline: November 24 (Sunday) by 18:00 Payment Method: Online credit card payments only—no cash or day-of transactions.
Are you passionate about sailing and eager to build long-lasting friendships in Japan? Do you want to find a vibrant community in Tokyo with other boat enthusiasts? Do you carve speed and would like to try wakeboarding? TSPS Japan welcomes you!
Our secret sauce: Strong Social Circles
TSPS Japan offers a unique environment to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow boating enthusiasts. Beyond the technical skills, fostering strong social circles within, our vibrant community unlocks numerous benefits.
Mentorship and support
Experienced sailors like Eugen, our Commander Emeritus, gladly share their wisdom and foster a culture of mentorship and growth. He continuously inspires us all with exciting boating stories and his past adventures.
Eugene, thank you for joining the Keelhaul in September!
Shared experiences and how to develop valuable skills while having fun
All sailors face similar challenges and triumphs. Sharing these experiences strengthens community bonds and creates a sense of belonging. It also inspires the sailors to work towards common goals and objectives. Working together on boat maintenance activities helps you develop essential soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Plus, you’ll gain handyman skills for future boat upkeep!
Please meet Timothy, the outspoken guy with a charming smile, who recently got a new boat that he wants to renovate. Some people say that bigger is always better, and when it comes to boating, we cannot disagree with this statement.
Let me tell you more secrets! Some of the TSPS members are already helping Timothy to refresh his new boat and make his dream happen—a huge thank you to all who contribute with their time and expertise. I hope Timothy has been serving good pizza that we get at Pizzakaya in Roppongi during the Keelhaul events. By the way, if you need a sailboat, Tim’s dream Yamaha 26′ “Santana” is now for sale!
Celebrate Triumphs Together
Speaking about triumphs, kindly take inspiration from Claude (our resident Yoda of education in TSPS!) and his racing team with their beautiful sailboat, Anais. They all love speed and challenges and as Claude proudly says, “Nothing makes you a better sailor than participation in races”.
Their dedication and hard work paid off with a well-deserved 3rd place finish in the Tokyo Bay regatta – now that’s something to celebrate as Anais got listed in the Kazi boating magazine for this significant success. Look at that happy face!
Collaboration is Key
Strong social connections lead to better communication and teamwork on board and ashore. Our boating and activity nerds are discussing innovative ways to utilize the Hayama boats. Be prepared for exciting changes and digital transformation at TSPS Japan!
Speaking of innovation, Vlad, our energetic member, returned from his break with a renewed spirit to introduced us to a more agile process for boating activities. With the same, he decided to hide the current paperwork under his t-shirt. We all value individuals and interactions over processes and tools!
Grow Personally and Professionally
TSPS Japan offers a wealth of networking opportunities and cultural exchange. Engaging in social activities helps you develop essential soft skills and broaden your horizons by interacting with sailors from diverse backgrounds. Boating together is a fantastic way to achieve this!
Join the Fun!
Looking for some fun and recreation? We’d love for you to join our next event – a camping and boating trip to Lake Inawashiro on September 14th-15th!
Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of creepy crawlies (we’re just kidding… maybe a little!). You can relax at the local onsen for a comfortable stay. Parking is also available at the lake, and the event is accessible by bullet train from Tokyo. It’s not too late to join! Reach out to us at activities@tspsjapan.org.
The JMRA summer class for 2024 has just concluded. Meet the happy team!
As participants await the results, let’s deep-dive into the details of TSPS – Water Practice for the JMRA Class 2 Exam.
Preparing for the Japan Marine Recreation Association (JMRA) Class 2 Boat License exam through on-water practice sessions provides numerous benefits. Here are some of these advantages:
Hands-On Experience:
Essential Preparation: On-water practice offers exposure to real-world boating scenarios under various conditions.
Confidence Boost: Gaining proficiency in boat controls, maneuvers, and safety procedures enhances confidence for the practical exam.
Exam Relevance:
Practical Assessment: The JMRA Class 2 exam includes an underway component, and practicing in advance ensures readiness for this part.
Navigational Proficiency: On-water sessions improve skills in navigation, buoy identification, and coastal geography.
Instructor Guidance:
Professional Advice: Instructors provide hands-on guidance during practice, offering feedback and rectifying mistakes.
Exercise Repetition: Instructors ensure exercises are repeated as necessary for complete comprehension.
Emergency Preparedness:
Challenge Management: Practicing on the water equips you to handle unexpected events such as engine failure, abrupt weather shifts, or navigational mistakes.
Safety Training: You’ll learn vital emergency procedures, including man-overboard recovery and distress signaling.
Boat Familiarization:
Vessel Understanding: Get to know the specific characteristics, responsiveness, and limits of boats.
Docking Skills: Practice essential techniques for docking, anchoring, and mooring.
Interactions:
Practicing on the water offers an excellent opportunity to engage with other international boating enthusiasts and also mastering the knot-tying skills essential for the Class 2 JMRA exam.
NEW!!! TSPS also provides Refresh Water Practice Classes for those who have already obtained their license but wish to improve their on-water skills. For any inquiries, please reach out to Education TSPS at education@tspsjapan.org.
Moreover, the TSPS offers advanced boating skills classes suitable for both sail and power boats, including the boat handling class from the United States Power Squadrons. This class covers practical skills like real-world docking, collision avoidance, and navigation. A new session will be available this Fall.
Remember, the more time you invest in on-water practice, the more prepared you will be for boating activities!
Wishing you safe and successful boating and sailing!
References:
Class 1 & 2 Japan Boat License | Tokyo Sail and Power Squadron Guide to Examination for Boat’s Operator (JMRA) Credit for pictures: Jochen Damerau & Maria M. Tenold
Wednesday night we held our regularly-scheduled 1st-Wednesday-of-every-month Keelhaul at Pizzakaya in Nishi-Azabu.
It was a huge success… the largest ever (even though some of the regulars were missing!). The entire place was full with no seats available throughout the entire establishment: Derek (Owner) was very pleased but very busy. The food was great and the service kept up with the demand; Tabasco was liberally dispensed.
As it stands, 30 Members and Guests attended:
6 Bridge Members
Commander: Bill Van Alstine
Social Activities Chair: Svetlana Ilyushechkina (Organized tonight)
Treasurer: Maria Tenold
WebMaster: Ash Smart
Education Chair: Claude Strobbe
Secretary & Legal Officer: Timothy Langley
6 Guests
Maya Matsuoka
Miki Toyota
Dominique’s son
Makoto Steiner
Jan (former Member, visiting from …)
7 Captains
Darren Halliday, Halcyon (34.5’ Hanse)
Evan Burkowsky, Garuda (33′ Peterson 1984)
Chris Eve, EOTHEN (24′ Cornish Crabber)
Timothy Langley, Santana (26′ Yamaha 1986)
Toshio Tanaka, Stella Maris (30′ New Japan Yacht Esprit du vent, 1989)
Claude Strobbe, ANAIS (33′ Kawamoto-made New Japan Yacht design)
Mike Scott, Hui Aloha (31′ cabin cruiser)
5 New Members
Frank Miller
Denis Hubbs
Yuta Shimada
16% women
Business:
Since next weekend is three-days (Marine Day a National Holiday on Monday):
TSPS proposes to sail as many boats as possible to Misaki; overnight there on Saturday; continue-on sailing throughout Sunday & Monday (perhaps sail to Oshima, overnight there on Sunday, sail back to home-port on Monday?).
There are some looking for a bit more adventure and suggest a run to Shimoda and back… completely doable but a farther reach across Sagami Bay. We will explore if there are any takers next week. Personally, I love going to Shimoda: the 1000 people onsen, the Soul Bar Tosaya right there on the docks (open until 3~4 am!), the walking available, the grub, etc. Plus lots of TSPS Members who live there.
For Members looking for crewing-opportunities, an email and a list of available spots & destinations will be circulated next week. Hopefully there will be plenty of chances to get out under sail next weekend. Stay tuned and please weigh-in!
Our Next Keelhaul is August 7… 6:30 and once again at the fabulous Pizzakaya. Be aware this is likewise followed by a three-day weekend (Mountain Day)! Let’s enhance what we are able to achieve this next weekend?
Here are some photos of the gathering:
Happiness is eating.Commander Bill & evil Press Secretary LangleyCommander Bill Val Alstine addressing the throng.Svetlana, Captn. Darren Halliday, Naomi, Remi (left); Alex, Kaoru, Captn. Chris, Captn. Claude (right)Svet amazed: gazing at the dry bottom of her glass again (for like the 5th time)…Commander Bill enthralling the crowd except for snoozing Alex…Itza nice an spicy!Captn. Chris Eve & KaoruWhat a pair!Treasury Maria Tenold; the only time she looks truly happy.Maksim Ziurin & Maya MatsuokaMaksim guarding a coveted empty-seat!(left) Denis Hubbs, Jan, Toshio. (right) Dom Steiner, Evan Burkowsky, Claude Strobbe.Maksim Ziurin & Captn. Toshi TanakaCaptn. Toshio Tanaka enjoying his 6th pint! Ash gazing off, Miki Tanaka’s head.Dominik Steiner & son Makoto, Evan, Claude, Chris, Kaoru; Jan, Remi, NaomiRemy Wyszynski & Mike Scott
Finally, please don’t forget to submit Posts for uploading on Skuttlebutt: Drink For Free at the next-following Keelhaul! Must be sailing-related and packed with photos.
Wind was blowing at 3 knots, from south/southwest. The sky was dark – at 7:30pm: a fan blowing on the back of my neck.
Commander Bill Van Alstine, Maria Tenold, Toshi Tanaki, Mike ScottTimothy Langley, Chris Eve, Jochen Damerau, Claude Strobbe, Commander Bill, Maksim Ziurim, Toshi Tanaka
But by 7:30pm we were almost 20 strong, with a couple of beers in us and pizza on the table at Pizzakaya in Roppongi.
Dom Steiner
23 people showed-up, including Eugene Mall, our very popular past commander from the early noughts.
Ash Smart, Maksim Ziurim, Cathy Medvigy, former Commander Eugene Mall
Eugene is famous for a beach BBQ he would host back then. He was also a member of the Foreign Correspondents Club and the club was able to hold our Change of Watch and other important events there.
There were several new faces at the Keelhaul, Cathy, Toshi, Jochen and Yuta.
Claude Strobbe, Maria Tenold, Svetlana Ilyushechkin, Maksim, Toshi
Toshi described the sailboat he had just purchased (at a pretty reasonable price).
Toshi Suzuki
The crowd was getting raucous with several conversations going at the same time. For instance, the chance of being arrested for taking a kayak up the Shibuya river and climbing out at Shibuya Station.
Claude Strobbe, Maria Tenold, Mike ScottMaya Matsuoka, Yuta Shimada, Jeff Canaday
But just as the group was reaching peak enjoyment, Tim Langley interrupted the whole thing and made sure that everyone in the restaurant knew that
1. He owns a Rolls Royce (no, he didn’t say that)
2. They have to pay for their own beer, except for Chris who had two great posts on Skuttlebutt.—that page on the website, see here
3. That the Commander would make a brief statement, emphasizing it be “brief”. And it was.
We had almost the entire Bridge at the Keelhaul and we were able to speak at length about some important stuff, like how to get Members on the water more often.
How successful was the Keelhaul? We finished close to 10:30pm, well beyond the call for last order.
For those of you that could not make it, don’t worry: we will be there again July 3, same place, same channel.
Member Evan Burkosky, an acknowledged sailor not just within TSPS but throughout the sailing region far & wide, has owned and gradually brought-up-to-snuff several sailboats in the last 10 years: Watari, a handbuilt dinghy, Santana, etc. But like all sailors, Captain Evan always longed for something larger (though capable of single-handing)… something with pedigree. He succeeded by finding an abandoned 33 feet Peterson of 45 year vintage last year. It needed a lot of work.
Here is what he did over a period of 9 months, a testament to anyone who is interested in expanding their scope and exploring more of Japan (or themselves) than is evident to the casual observer. Plus, it is a pretty interesting story:
8.26 This is 45 year old Garuda, a Peterson design built-in-Japan, in original condition, as found in September ’23… after 5 years of laying unloved and deteriorating.3.24 Garuda in home-port a stones-throw away from Hota. This is the photo-journey of how ole’ Garuda got from derelict to a fast-moving proper ocean-going yacht.
The restoration process:
The bow after many hours of working on deck to remove the accumulated dirt and grit and prepare for marine paint.. Here, the deck is not quite ready and needs hand sanding through the several previously laid layers.40 feet up, Evan photographing Langley who has suddenly lost interest in lowering him back down: 33′ Peterson 45 years old. Note: dirt, filth and gloom.1.20 A’danglin’ Evan… he was up there for almost 2 hours. Note: Evan’s dirt, filth and gloom.
Interior
9.2 Rat-warren-looking interior of V-berth when acquired.Main cabin floorboards, a bit spongy when acquired.Week 4, remove floorboards, repaint bilge, cake-on cushioning material (to silence squeaking), rebuild floorboards.10.14 Unending job or repairing, sanding, cutting-out rot, replacing with good wood.11.18 Rip out all the teak planking encapsulating the ceiling, remove all wiring: repaint and re-wire with marine-compliant wiring.12.16 Waterproof, epoxied and handbuilt new foorboards. Base for the mast also completely rebuilt.A brief respite after working 15 weekends non-stop. Behind the staircase leading up to the deck, the engine compartment. Chart table to the left.2.17 Not just the interior but the engine compartment and the storage lockers also needed full re-build. Here, the flooring was laid by handcut plywood, then treated for durability and waterproofing. To the side, entry into engine… panels similarly treated but layered with fireproofing 1/8 inch thick foam, and on top of that 3/4 inch soundproofing. Jeech!Cutting-to-measure… wood-paneled flooring…Tedious work in close-quarters requiring precision and skill which not everyone possesses!Partially done…Fully complete… took about 5 hours…3.20 Now, warmth and tranquility. Luxuriousness…. but now on to the next project!
Exterior: deck and helm
7.20 Grime, soot, mold… several years of just sitting and waiting for some rescue. The sticker says “12 person capacity”.Climbing into the cockpit locker allows access to the engine compartment and more. A favorite workspace for about 6 weeks running.8.20 The helm, or cockpit as it originally appeared 15 weeks ago. Note the teak-strips to keep your feet out of constant water… they of course needed to be removed completely…The helm tidied-up a bit, scrubbed as much as physical labor can possibly manage over two weekends. Doesn’t seem to have made a dent.3.9 Starboard side with huge winches and french-cleats. Scrubbed and sanded.More scrubbing and sanding, prep for painting. Requires 3 coats marine-paint: paint upon clean-surface (hahahaha, right!), wait to dry, paint on dry surface again, wait; apply final coat, wait.3.10 First Mate Freddie Snoxall of Niijima fame, slaving laboriously in-between naps and lunches. That is a LOT of hard work… stubborn stains and grime.3.10 Captain Evan Burkosky besides Garuda. Two weeks later, with sails re-attached and lines replaced, off to Kisarazu Marina for hull treatment then to home-port ~3/25/24. Congratulations, Captain! Welcome back, Garuda!1.20 When you need a hole when there was none. But you’d still like to have one….Masking tape on all brightwork or metal… thousands of these everywhere: buckles, clasps, hooks, hinges, buttons… endless.2.24 Scrubbed and sanded bow, ready for painting. That is a windlass, a crank for lifting-up the anchor. I think it works… will find out next weekend!First coat applied… need to do it all within shortest amount of time. Dirt, soot and debris seems to just fall from the sky!Cabin hatch just above V-berth… newly installed, of course.Lots and lots of masking…. the steeering-wheel or rudder is called the helm.And more winches (the mechanical kind, not the female kind); Winches are otherwise known as blocks (the mechanical kind, not the male kind).I kind of don’t envy the job or tearing off all the masking tape but when we do, wow the boat will appear completely different than before! Already kind of does!Lots of French-cleats… lots and lots of masking-tape. I have bad dreams still of masking tape… And then there’s the removal…3.9 What an unbelievable improvement of the cockpit and helm. This isn’t lipstick-on-a-pig!
Engine
“Oh hell why not? Might as well just yank out the old engine and put in a larger and more powerful one I just found laying around!” once said Evan Burkosky.12.16 A vacant engine bay. Discovered in the process: the crank was cracked and misaligned… so replaced the whole mechanism from the propeller-to-driveshaft in one fell-swoop (without sinking the boat). Oh, right: the new engine did not quite “fit” so had to chew-down on the bedding a couple centimeters. Fun!12.27 The ties that bind us. Notice the entire engine bay has been striped, so new walls, fireproofing and sound-proofing needs to be measured, cut, and adhered. 1.20 New engine: quieter, more powerful, tons more dependable… shinny, too! New engine bay to boot!
The hull
3/22 Hoisted out of the bay, thick layer of growth all under the waterline… that’s what 5 years of inattention will give you!Gunk: in places almost an inch thick… the red color is the last paint applied.. which is designed to keep the barnacles and growth from proliferating: generally needs to be redone every two or three years.This monster we use to force-off the layer of growth. After the hull dries, then scrape everything again. Wash-off again. After drying, sand to a flat layer, look for damages to the hull (found / repaired several, using various techniques Evan has perfected since working on fishing boats as a kid). Wash-off again, paint with two coats when dry. Whew.We were fed, from time-to-time… never enough, never of enough substance. But at least Tabasco.3.23 Like ghost busters. This work is filthy and arduous. The pressure hose works great but blasts gunk everywhere including all over the slaves.Piles and piles, mounds of accummulated junk.3.23 Removing the propeller to replace the cutlass, reinstall, prepare everything for years of use without worry.3.9 Several victims were involved in this months-long process…. almost a year! …but at least the rudder is now looking ready for coats of epoxy and strengthening treatment before the final two coats of black hull paint.Removing years of oxidation and grime… a nice result with plenty of elbow grease.Keel needed some serious repair, then sanding to a fine finish.A couple of bubbles from hull osmosis-damage: identified, cut-out, refilled with fiberglass and then sanded, painted, then the final two coats of black underwater paint.3.22 Shiny above, fully prepared below: ready for the undercoats.
Sails
1.25 Not terribly out-of-shape or damaged… just dirty and unused. Need professional cleaning and minor restitching. All the lines and halyards, of course, to be replaced. Woo-hoo!2.18. Two weeks later, back from the sail-cleaning shop. Nice job! Notice that this is the foresail, much bigger than the mainsail!
Architect
3.24 Captain Burkosky finally at the helm, traversing Tokyo Bay to snuggle in, for Garuda the first time, into home port Katsuyama… the end of (well, not quite… STILL needs to replace that 45 year-old, used-to-be-bright-red, cutesy pink life-preserver) a long journey. .Bimini and dodger added, ready for anything!
Please post your comment or observations if this tickled any of your fancy…
Super Keelhauls 2022-23 were a great success! More than 50 members, non-members and families join the party every year. The food is delicious (pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, sweets!) and drink are flowing non-stop.Don`t mis it this year too!
The Super Keelhaul 2024 will be on March 23th (Sat), from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wolfgang Puck Pizza (Minato Mirai), which is about a 10 minute walk from the Yokohama Pacifico where the Boat Show will be held! Gather at the booth with us or come straight to the venue!
TSPS holds a monthly gathering every month, open to everyone, called the Keelhaul.
In January about 15 people showed-up for pints of craft beer and delicious Chicago deep pizza. Photos below identify most of the culprits but, in a nutshell, 6 Bridge Members attended, two new Members, and approximately 5 boat-owners joined others to eventually stumble out at closing-time.
Sailing, in spite of the bad reputation, does not mean you have to be wealthy. Thirsty, yes, but not wealthy.
Though the core of TSPS is for helping people qualify for the Japanese boat licenses in English (see the schedule of Tests and classes are posted on the TSPS website), there are regular social components and skills-upgrading opportunities, too. Similarly, there are opportunities to get out on the water, crew on someone’s boat, join in overnight sailing, purchasing a yacht or rescuing/restoring something of timeless worth (a couple of those projects on-going and wildly bragged about over beers). Plus , just getting together and meeting new people.
The February Keelhaul is at Pizzakaya in Roppongi https://pizzakaya.com/ from 7:00 o’clock (but earlier is better!): February 7th…. no excuses.
Upcoming in March is the enormous Yokohama Boat Show (TSPS will have a booth) and a SUPER Keelhaul on the last Saturday of the Boat Show (Wolfgang Puck’s in Yokohama!) https://www.wp-japan.jp/menu/wpp-yokohama/
Stay tuned to learn more about these opportunities and the venues, and get involved in supporting sailing the waters in-and-around Japan!
Lovely Devil Craft in Jiyugaoka, venue for the January Keelhaul. Too chilly for outside but nice when available. Owner Steve Bettink is a Member of TSPS, so please frequent his place!Captain Ash Smart, TSPS Webmaster, with Captain Bruce Reinhart, working his second pint.Erol Emed selecting the precisely right Craft Beer to accommodate the occasion (his first of 8 pints!). Captain Svetlana Ilyushechkina Social Activities & Administrative Officer, rocking those turquoise fingernails, contemplating her 6th pint; Captain Bruce in the background yacking it up with former Commander Mike Snyder (boat-owner) behind Svet.Captain Svetlana Ilyushechkina serving deep-dish pizza, apparently ordered by Commander Van Alstine. Disappeared as if being served to a school of piraña.Captain Wolfgang Bierer (boat-owner) and Maya Matsuoka, respectfully giving praise to the Beer gods before downing it in one gulp (ever observant Server at-the-ready with her next one).The coveted piece o’ pizza.Pizza arrives, pizza disappears. Erol Emed victoriously celebrating (… I guess he is in his 4th pint by now…). Svet looking for silverware to stock her kitchen at home.Mark Lindlof joining for beers… more of a powerboat kind of guy, he admits. Though TSPS is loaded with sailors, motor-boaters also make up a significant portion of the Members. Erol Emed pensively gazing into the distance….Captain Bruce being quisical, Robert Lang explaining with vigor.Commander Bill Van Alstine, grinning Captain Claude Strobbe (boat-owner), Education Officer, with Captain Ash Smart, Webmaster.Captain Ash, Captain Bruce,Captain Mike Snyder… everyone awaiting the third Chicago-style pizza!Maya with Robert Lang…Svet forgetting in mid-sentence what she was going to say….Bridge Secretary & Legal Officer Captain Timothy Langley, hoisting a beer with Ash, Bill, and Sir Claude providing emotional support (and in Sir Claude’s case, helpfully opening the hot sauce).Captain Mike Snyder looking loonglingly at the photographer. Long days at sea will do that to you, we have heard; Captain Bruce telling him to keep it down (under his breath).Captain Svet savoring her, like, 16th pint, and looking for a fight.… but then someone says, “hey, Svet! I’ll shout you a pint!” And the World is at Peace again.Restoration-in-Process, Captain Evan Burkowsky’s Garuda.Generally-speaking, undertaking ownership, to say nothing about restoration, requires a goodly amount of tools.Some tools don’t quite look like tools, but instead items of clothing. Here is Evan strapping-in for a hoist up the mast.The art of dangling is an acquired skill. Evan in a bosun’s chair… Langley on-deck cranking his heavy-ass up there three separate times!
(Upcoming: February’s Keelhaul at Nishi-Azabu’s Pizzakaya on February 7th)
This year the party will take place in the iconic luxury waterfront hotel INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO BAY, just in front of Takeshiba St.Dress up (or not), drink and eat all you can, enjoy the spectacular view across the Sumida River which includes the skyscrapers across the river in the area known as Little Manhattan and the view of Tokyo Bay that includes the nearby Rainbow Bridge and the Odaiba area.
We are also going to have our new traditional Annual Award, praising achievements and failures of our fellow sailors . Last year it was great fun, be sure not to miss it this year!!
