Yves and Toshi on the grill, Maya and Michael in the background…
On Saturday, TSPS hosted a fabulous barbeque at the Yumenoshima Marina; about 35 people showed-up.
The day started with a Bridge Meeting in a corner of the restaurant while the tables were being set-up and folks were gathering.
Bridge Meeting for November: Bill Van Alstine as Commander… new Member Andy Reekie, Jochen, Maria, Claude and Remi; on Zoom so others Members could participate.
This was an “Open Meeting” where everyone was invited to attend. It was well-received and maybe something to consider doing regularly. People enjoyed glimpsing into how the organization is actually managed and how-things-get-done.
From 1:00 the grills were ignited and the beer-taps opened.
Bill and Max deep in munching….
As you can see from the photos, the weather was perfect and the atmosphere just festive and glorious!
Much appreciation to Bridge Member Claude Strobbe for initiating and setting this up for the Club… plus, it happened to be his birthday, too! So maybe a bit of double-dipping to have a party with all his sailing mates! A terrific idea.
Demir and birthday-boy ClaudeYves and Bill together with, ummmm, well slap my face!Jiro Fujiwara with Past Commander Per and Anne Bille!Naoko and EricMichael and lovely kissy-face son, Ken…Naoko, Freddie, Kaoru, ChrisRemi with new Members Dryden Bouamalay, Mark Swaine, Eric RitterBright-eyed Gennady with Richard… looks like they are impatiently waiting for keg to get tapped?Always close to the beer tap: Master mechanic Tony Hardie (Maya in the background, Per in red in the far background)Talkin’ trash: Naoko, Tony, Yves, Per, Toshi, Maya, Richard
After the Marina turned off the taps, the remaining throng lumbered over to see the reality of the rumor that a Swan ’44 had entered into the bevy of boats belonging to TSPS Members.
Yves, Gennady and Jeremy making their way to Grymes (the ’44 Swan).
Bridge Secretary Timothy Langley hosted 20+ people to visit his newly acquired, fifty-year-old forty-four foot Swan sailing yacht: it was something of a coming-out for this yacht, since it was the first time for visitors!
Zeus-like Yves: dispensing pearls of wisdom from teak-decked Gryms… onlookers enthralled.Grymes IIIAbout 23 people poured into the cabin!Sorry, no photos of the rear berth private cabin…. hmmmmmm… Galley sink is full of yakisoba from the bbq (which of course no one touched!) “Hey, where’s the beer?”!Still celebrating the birthday: ClaudePeering down into open hatch, we see Gennady holding the fort.Chris Eves, Kaoru, Maya, Freddie, can’t tell, Jeremy, Yves…
Halfway through the revelry, the electricity went-out, leaving the entire cabin in darkness. Unfazed, the hearty-crew still continued until all the liquor, beer, and kaki-no-tani were consumed: it was a perfect ending to a really remarkable day.
Ryan, Jochen, Maya, Toshi, Timothy… Gennady, DemirLights went out suddenly; no body cared (or noticed?)… Captain Langley with Jeremy, Naoko, Bill and Tony sitting at the nav station…Jeremy explaining the technique of sailing to an enthralled audience…. a very large, comfortable yacht.
Next up: Bonenkai on December 4… instead of December’s regularly-scheduled Keelhaul. This event will be an Awards Banquet with Andy Lawson coming back for a repeat performance as MC, so it should be something not to miss. Rumor has it that the competition for the Blue Bucket Award is heated…
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.
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! 🚤🌊
SOLD: the very first person who came to view Santana purchased her on-the-spot. She will now be moved to Yokohama Bayside.
Goodbye lovely Santana: you taught me so much and spent such a great time with me. I am grateful and thankful for being a part of your life these last 4+ years. I will never forget you.
Santana will teach you sailing, as she did me. And maybe, like me, she will prepare you to move-on to a larger vessel (because she did such a good job!). Anyway, I simply need her berth. She is in Hota; free berth until end of January.
She is a great single-handed sailing yacht; she sleeps 4, riding capacity for 8; comfortable for 3~4 on extended off-island journeys; equipped with enclosed head, galley with fresh water & gas stove; sails and rigging in fine condition; tiller steering. Well-maintained throughout.
Since finding her five years ago, I have sailed and refurbished her; I became passably competent as a solo sailor as a result. Now as a consequence, I am able to move-up to a more substantial sailing yacht (a fifty-year old Finnish-built 44′ Swan; sleeps 8, capacity for 12). That’s quite a jump!
Click to read of Santana traversing her registered Region One sailing area. We took an entire Golden Week to do it, hitting 4 of the 7 Izu islands and Shimoda, Sagami Bay, Tokyo Bay. Pretty epic.
If you are interested, please let me know timothy.langleytokyo@gmail.com
All the photos are from last year’s bacchanalian BBQ….
Every year, TSPS organizes a fabulous outdoor BBQ, courtesy of Marina-member Claude Strobbe. This year TSPS will again host a BBQ on the deck overlooking the 300+ yachts docked in Tokyo’s own downtown marina!
Notice how massive this marina is!Notice how close in-town all these boats are! 15 minute drive or nearest station Shin-Kiba (+12 minute walk)!
The BBQ starts at 1:00 o’clock on November 9th, always a gloriously-sunny Saturday. Last year, 50 people attended, 12 guests and some new Members, too!
All-you-can-eat assorted meats and veggies, free-flowing beer & wine. Bring the kids, friends, colleagues, girlfriends…. loiter around gazing at the yachts and visit the collection of Member’s vessels tied to the Visitor Dock (for easy access!) afterwards!
Photo from las year: This year’s BBQ will substitute for the monthly Keelhaul (normally the first Wednesday of every month!). So: no Keelhaul in Roppongi’s fabulous Pizzakaya in November… (but we will invite honorary-Member Derek to join us, hopefully towing some of his many girlfriends!).
While the TSPS Bridge Meeting is every second-Wednesday of every month, THIS YEAR we will hold an Open Bridge Meeting just before the BBQ! So please show-up early and join-in the broader discussion, meet the management-team and overhear how our boating and sailing issues are addressed; weigh-in, too, then quaff some draft beers with everyone afterwards?
Bridge Meeting: 11:00 in the restaurant; BBQ: 1:00 o’clock until ~3:00 o’clock on the outside 2nd Floor deck; Afterwards, visit Member’s yachts which are tied-up on the quay and continue into the evening.
Reservations must be secured by Thursday, November 6.
Saturday November 9th
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 is Bridge Meeting; then BBQ from 1:00 until 15:00 or thereabouts
At Yumenoshima Marina
Including : Food and Drinks
Fee Members: ¥7,000
Fee non- Members: ¥8,500
Closest Station: Shin-Kiba (12 minute walk)
Shuttle bus available Station to Marina
Parking: available free (ticket stamp at the BBQ )
Wifi: available free
In charge: Sir Claude of Strobbe (090-9139-1000)
Sometimes, since it is all included, just one plastic cup is not enough!Do you get a bit tongue-tied in social situations? Have a few TSPS drinks to loosen-up…. and if you overdue it, everyone will know….Bolster your good-looks: Swag available for cash-purchase… always-popular TSPS-logo’d hats, long-sleeve tee-shirts, polo-shirts ….
The October Keelhaul was another great success at Pizzakaya: 34 people showed-up.
Among the group were two former Bridge Commanders (Eugin Mall and Eric Due), 4 guests and 3 new Members! This is our 8th consecutive Keelhaul where we exceeded 25 people, and our 3rd consecutive with 30 or more! The Keelhaul is increasingly becoming a solid, highly looked-forward-to monthly event.
The Bridge Meeting followed a week later as is usual: Keelhaul 1st Wednesday, Bridge Meeting 2nd Wednesday). Several important matters were decided including:
…. BBQ in Yumenoshima Marina on November 9 (Saturday) from 1:00 o’clock;
…. Open invitation to November Bridge Meeting (before Yumenoshima BBQ from 11:30)… all welcome to observe & join-in;
…. the Bonenkai on December 4 from 6:30 at The Tokyo Bay Intercontinental Hotel;
…. cancelling the Yokohama Boat Show TSPS booth (but NOT the SuperKeelhaul!); and
… getting rid of the dinghy;
…. no Keelhaul in November (replaced by 11/09 BBQ) nor in December (replaced by 12/04 Bonenkai).
Details on each to follow separately.
SKUTTLEBUTT: please see the newly uploaded report from Commander Bill Van Alstine on Lake Inawashiro Weekend Event (click on this hyperlink to go directly to the Post).
In any event, here are some
Photos from the Keelhaul:
Guest from France Marion, Shun-from-Katsuyama, Freddie, RemiTSPS packed-the-house with 32 people, another record!New Members Lemar, Max, and Dryden…Ashley chomping-down with his friend, Evan & Dom chatting-up a storm.Ashley sitting under a poster especially hung just for him (okay… maybe both posters just for him/her).Dominique and daughter!Bridge Secretary Timothy hosted this Keelhaul.Johan and former Bridge Commander Eric Due…. staring-down the pizza….Famous mechanic Anthony Hardie and Maya Matsuoka (re-arranging napkins)Michael and precocious Ken!Michael and Ken-chan eyeballing each other, Naoko looking on.Commander Bill chomping on a salad, sitting next to dandily-dresser former Commander Eugin Mall.Finicky Freddie, Maya, AndrewFormer Commander Eric Due chatting with a new Member Dryden, Freddie STILL studying the menu.Essential ingredients for any successful TSPS Keelhaul!Scene of the crimes…Maya and Remi in synchronized chewing (a new Olympic sport), Andrew yackin’ it up as usual!Bridge Treasurer Maria Tenold and Commander Bill (pretending to smile); Evan Burkosky doing something-or-other.
Remember: NO KEELHAUL in November… instead a BBQ that weekend in Yumenoshima Marina on 11/09, Saturday.
TSPS’S BBQ at Lake Inawashiro Sept 14-15 included Sunfish sailboats, wakeboard boats, an evening BBQ and a morning of French toast… many members brought their own camping equipment, paddle boards, picnic items to share. Two days on this beautiful lake was fabulous!
All in all, 19 Members and families showed up to have a pretty good time. This was the second time for TSPS to attempt this lakeside ordeal, with a chance for everyone to try something new, to enjoy a truly spectacular place, and get to know each other a lot better.
The organization could have benefitted from the wake-boats NOT being a 30 minute drive from the other side of the lake, out of sight of the rest of the group, the wind NOT being so iffy at the beach, a little less rain on Sunday, and someone’s better ability to get the windsurfers and canoes to the beach. But the event actually went swimmingly well, given the logistics and the last-minute weather.
In fact, sponsoring a BBQ that far from Tokyo (a four hour+ drive) requires more than a couple of boats and a fabulous steak BBQ to be attractive! And, in fact, this involved a lot of fellow Members’ help and contributions to get off the ground. Brendan, Alex D., Jeff Canaday, Gary Thomas, Maria, Svetlana and lots of others deserve at least a mention for carrying so much: thank you, guys.
On the day of the event, its a beautiful morning. By noon, people are filtering in to the marina, far away from our actual camp, so some Members take a few boats and get out on the water while another group forms a caravan to drive through the forest where the event is being held. Tons of incidents and drama in between.
At the BBQ folks are just starting to party. People on the Sunfish, on paddle boards, swimming, the fire is started in the grill. Brendan shakes my hand with a smile.
In the morning, I wake-up to see Frank ready to depart in the Sunfish, the sun just rising over the nearby mountain ridge. I get a fire going to make French toast and Marina joins in. Its a blast. We choose teams to sail the boats back to my cottage with Alex in charge.
Suggestively, the wind is dying and clouds are coming in. There is a table covered with breakfast food still and suddenly, rain starts. It increases in strength as people rush the sails and rigging into the container before they get too wet, attempt to break camp, load things getting increasingly drenched back into their cars; just a tiny bit of pandemonium.
One of the team drives back from the marina (after delivering the boats) but by now the water is cascading from the sky. I see fleeting glimpses of the team scattered here-and-there as they scurry to finish loading. We wave our goodbyes hurriedly as I observe a table of leftover food and drinks – a lot of bread on the table under plastic, but no way to rescue them; packs of ham and chicken filling with water. And I am of course soaked.
Nevertheless, the event was largely successful and I think everyone had a good time. We should definitely make this an annual event but maybe devote a little more organization into it. The volunteers who helped this year were fabulous, and TSPS owes you a huge debt of gratitude!
So please add your own observations and Comment in the section below, and let everyone know how YOUR experience was?
———-
Bill is an avid boater and reasonably tolerable Commander of Tokyo Sail and Power Squadron for the last two years. He has held several positions on the Bridge including as Treasurer and also as Secretary. If he is not making granola at his shop in Tokyo then he is probably on, in or close to the water. #wakeboard, sunfish dinghy, windsurfing, canoe, sailing, swim
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.
Bridge Member Ashly Smart embedded Analytics into our webpage a few months ago. It has taken a while to gather the data but this is what we have learned so far:
Skuttlebutt Posts listed by popularity, below (hyperlinked to the actual Post, so please “click!”). The following list is from #1 to #40.
More than 12,000 hits over the last 3 months!
Congratulations to Svetlana on her Number One Ranking Post!
Lots of people in this photo: Maria Tenold (Bridge), Eirik Tenold, Captn. Toshi Tanaka, Jeff Canaday (Bridge), Maksim, Michael, Remi, Ash Smart (Bridge)(AND Keelhaul Sponsor!), Greg Melchior.
The Bridge was initially unsure, given the weather, the holidays, many out-of-country, etc., to host the August Keelhaul. Bridge Member Ash Smart took the bull by the horns with”damn the torpedos!” and so we announced as-usual: the first Wednesday. And what a party it was!
To the delight & surprise of all, this Keelhaul turned-out to be a total blow-out: it exceeded the number of people who attended in years past: more than 32 Members, Friends-of-TSPS and lurkers joined us! And this was in spite of the tremendous rain and wind that followed everyone into the Pizzakaya venue, and basically flooded everyone when we left!
But anyhow, a great time was had by all. Here is a photo-montage of the event.
Someone watching their weightCaptn. Michael Staley, Captn. Darren Halliday, Remi in the backgroundJochen DamerauGreg MelchiorCaptn. Toshi Tanaka, Jeff Canaday (Bridge), Bridge Commander Bill Van Alstine, Laurie Wesselhoff.Half gnawed pizza….Captn. Claude Strobbe (Bridge), Michael, Ash, Remi, Mike, Emma, Chris AdamsonAlways-hungry Maksim ZiurinCaptn. Daren Halliday, Naoko Staley, Captn. Michael Staley, Captn. Chris EveJochen Damerau is joined by his daughter for pizza~~Always Tabasco…
Please join us on the first Wednesday of September, too, at Pizzakaya for a return engagement!
Weather patterns in Tokyo can become erratic later in summer as Typhoon season kicks into gear. This is well-known to anyone who has suffered from guerilla-downpours we frequently get in the afternoons.
The ability to assess the weather is key when planning a multi-day sailing trip during such an unpredictable season. Captains familiar with the region are who you want to trust for a weeklong trip to the Izu Islands during the Obon holiday. I was aboard the sturdy Halcyon, a Hanse 34, captained by Darren Halliday, a seasoned long-distance race helmsman and avid fan of Niijima.
Sailing to Niijima
The crew of four, all experienced sailors, set off from Yumenoshima Marina to sail through the night to Shimoda. We planned to relax there before hopping-over to Niijima, our main attraction, to enjoy its beaches and locally caught sushi. However, three storm systems appeared in the forecast just east of Japan. Knowing that two would have already passed north of Tokyo, we decided to skip Shimoda and go directly to Niijima.
Getting there was an adventure. Sustained winds above 20 knots, choppy waves from all directions, and an outgoing tide made for an uncomfortable ride. Each wave crashing over the bow and spray into the cockpit elicited a cheer from the crew. All were in good spirits and having the time of our lives. At sunset, after passing Yokosuka, the seas calmed. Finally, at midnight, the wind died, and the motor was kicked into life, its steady hum accompanying us the rest of the way.
Night Sailing
Night sailing poses its own set of challenges. Large cargo ships are no longer easy to spot in the dark, and neither is a comparatively tiny sailboat. The night passed in shifts of three hours, each pair keeping an eye on the horizon. The waxing crescent moon illuminated the world like a minor sun, and I watched it set, burning a deep orange above the waves. Without the moon to outshine them, a magnificent spectacle of stars was revealed—one of the last places on earth where the night sky can be seen as it was millennia ago.
Morning announced itself with a slight fading of the stars and a brightening of the eastern horizon. We spotted the islands ahead: Oshima, Toshima, and finally Niijima—small mountains of greenery surrounded by the deep blue ocean. Arriving at port, we were greeted by a friendly crew offering help to tie up at the pier, a typical kindness in the cruising community. We quickly set up tarps for shade as the sun became unbearable, then plunged into the clear, inviting water. Lounging in the cockpit, we enjoyed the slight breeze, talking, laughing, and enjoying the camaraderie of the trip. Gazing into the water, we spotted a surprising diversity of sea life, including tiny squid, a puffer fish, and a red stingray.
The Island
Feeling hunger creep up, we left the quay and walked into town, following a nicely paved road along the coast. Stone statues of dolphins and faces provided a welcome distraction from the heat. We rented bicycles, making travel a breeze, and arrived at a local sushi restaurant notorious for long lines and limited stock. The chef only sells what he catches himself, and possibly due to the impending storm, the store was almost empty. A curious deviation from mainland sushi is the use of Karashi instead of Wasabi, a local adaptation due to the island’s lack of fresh running water.
The rest of our time was spent visiting the gorgeous beaches on both sides of the island, easily accessible by bicycle. The beaches of Niijima, with their white sand and crystal-clear water, transported me back to the Caribbean. After enjoying the sun, sand, and saltwater, we visited the free, open-air hot springs. The springs, built on a cliff overlooking the ocean and facing west, allowed us to relax together and watch the sun set.
Clean and fresh, we returned to Halcyon for dinner. A sailboat tied up nearby offered us a beautiful Kanpachi (yellowtail tuna) they had caught but couldn’t keep. Darren displayed his expertise, filleting and preparing the fish sashimi-style. Paired with a bottle of dry sake, the sashimi made for an excellent dinner to cap off the day. Tired from the sun and activities, we went to bed full and content.
Return to Home Port
The next morning began with freshly brewed coffee. Instead of the morning news, we checked the latest on the storm. It had strengthened into a low-grade typhoon and was now forecasted to arrive earlier than expected. Given the update, we decided to stay a final day on the island and leave after dinner, sailing directly back to Tokyo overnight.
The return was made under motor to outrun the storm. We took the east side of the island chain to catch the Kuroshio, a current that added two knots to our speed. We made quick time back to Tokyo Bay, arriving at Yumenoshima before 11 in the morning. The round trip consisted of just under 40 hours of sea time, traveling over 200 nautical miles. It was an experience that surpassed all expectations, enriching us with newfound friendships.
