Boat Safety in Japan: A Tragedy and Important Questions
Like many people in Japan and around the world, I was deeply saddened by the recent boating tragedy in Okinawa, where a 17-year-old student and a 71-year-old captain lost their lives.
A number of you have reached out asking questions—especially in comparison to the La Vagabonde incident.
These are very different situations.
In this short video, I share a few immediate thoughts and explain why I’ll be releasing a longer video soon to clarify:
the legal requirements for boats and captains in Japan
what a weather advisory really means
and what good seamanship looks like for everyone on board
This topic is personal for me.
I’m a sailor.
I’m 71 years old.
I’ve served on the board of a high school.
And I’m a grandfather whose grandson goes on school trips.
I’m also recording this while attending a conference on aging here in Tokyo—which adds another layer to how I think about responsibility and judgment.
More to come soon.
In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those affected.
Like many people in Japan and around the world, I was deeply saddened by the recent boating tragedy in Okinawa, where a 17-year-old student and a 71-year-old captain lost their lives.
A number of you have reached out asking questions—especially in comparison to the La Vagabonde incident.
These are very different situations.
In this short video, I share a few immediate thoughts and explain why I’ll be releasing a longer video soon to clarify:
the legal requirements for boats and captains in Japan
what a weather advisory really means
and what good seamanship looks like for everyone on board
This topic is personal for me.
I’m a sailor.
I’m 71 years old.
I’ve served on the board of a high school.
And I’m a grandfather whose grandson goes on school trips.
I’m also recording this while attending a conference on aging here in Tokyo—which adds another layer to how I think about responsibility and judgment.
More to come soon.
In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those affected.
Pacific Solo
Hi, I`m Lowell, a 67-year-old rookie sailor, and a never-too-later! I preparing myself for the biggest challenge of my life: a solo journey across the North Pacific. I am a Canadian living in Japan, and in 2019, I purchased Wahine, a 1988 Gib Sea 402. I moved on board while she was moored in Tokyo. In March 2021, I terminated my contract with the Marina and have been cruising Japan full time since gaining valuable experience all the while working remotely from the boat. Wahine is my home, my studio, and my lab. Join me on my learning voyage around Japan, trying to prepare myself for Pacific Solo. If you want to see where I am please go to my website and click on the Where`s Wahine Button at https://www.pacificsolo.com Also, if you are a fellow never-too-later check out www.nevertoolateacademy.com PSThe History Channel asked if they follow me into various remote ports for a new series called Dare to Dream. The pilot airs in Japan July 24th at 8pm.
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Like many people in Japan and around the world, I was deeply saddened by the recent boating tragedy in Okinawa, where a 17-year-old student and a 71-year-old captain lost their lives. A number of you have reached out asking questions—especially in compa...
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