Welcome to the TSPS Tokyo Tiller Newsletter for November 2026
In this issue, some interesting boating links and resources, and news about the upcoming year-end Keelhaul. But first, a word from our Commander, Remi Wyszynski:
Message from TSPS Commander
This fall a number of famous races have started, like the Golden Globe Race. Some have already crowned their victor, like the Rhoute du Rhum.
I have been following along and participating in the virtual versions of these races. Without the wind, waves, cold, and exhilaration of the real thing, you might wonder, what’s the point? Well, I have learned more about weather patterns and weather routing than at any other time while still on land. I can now see what patterns to watch for on ocean crossings, up and down the Atlantic, beneath the Cape of Good Hope and into the Indian Ocean.
For those of us with aspirations to cross an ocean, virtual racing can be a way to dip our feet into the ocean and train one piece of the puzzle while we gather the rest.
I hope everyone will take advantage of the nice winters in Japan to keep sailing. See you out on the water!
TSPS Commander
Remi Wyszynski
Where to buy boat bits
There are various shops and websites where you can buy boat parts and marine goods in Japan. My number one go-to place if I need a boat part, a custom-sized rope with an eye-splice or a sail repair, is Yuukou Marine, run by Colin Ferrel. The shop in Nishinomiya is an amazing Aladdin’s Cave of every kind of marine equipment or clothing you can think of. You can buy items directly through their website but if you cannot find what you are looking for, send them an email (English OK) to explain exactly what you want. They will go out of their way to help and their prices are reasonable. (Link)
Another shop I use is ONZE Marinet (Link). They are the oldest marine goods retailer in Japan, having been founded in 1852! If you are working in Tokyo their shop near Shintomicho station is very convenient to pop into during the week to pick up a shackle or a piece or rope so that you can start sailing straight away at the weekend. They also have an online shop. Another option is KAZI Sea Plaza (Link), or occasionally I order things from Force 4 Chandlery in the UK (Link) who ship to Japan like many other overseas retailers. If you have any other recommendations, let us know.
Where to get information about boating in Japan
If you want to get information or advice about boating or sailing in Japan, your first port of call should be the TSPS! With around 100 members, there is bound to be someone who can answer whatever question you might have, whether it is how to use a Japanese fishing harbour, what licenses and registrations you need for a boat, or recommendations for the best marinas to keep your boat. Come to the monthly TSPS Keelhaul meetups (first Wednesday of the month) to talk boats and expand your network of boaty contacts. Or you can search through the many interesting articles on the Scuttlebutt page of the TSPS website (Link). One professional source of information in English is Konpira Yacht Services run by Canadian Kirk Patterson. There are a lot of interesting articles about sailing in Japan on his website, so check it out: (Link).
November Keelhaul
The November Keelhaul meetup was held on 4 November at Gotanda Devilcraft. Due to inclement weather (haven’t we had enough rain this year?!!!) only nine brave souls made it aboard. Your reporter was unable to attend so I cannot comment on what was discussed, but I have no doubt that an amazing volume of boating knowledge, nautical insight and rip-roaring tales of daring-do on the high seas was exchanged.
2026 Year-End Keelhaul
We will hold our last Keelhaul meetup of the year on Wednesday 2 December at Gotanda Devilcraft (Link) Everyone welcome! To celebrate Christmas, anyone wearing something Christmasy will receive a free beer, compliments of the TSPS Bridge Committee. The Club will also serve extra free pizzas and we will be giving away TSPS 70th Anniversary floating keyrings. See you there!
Picture of the Month
