Well, this was unexpected. Strings and patches of pumice from the eruption in the Ogasawara Islands ( where a new island has been forming since August) have reached Amami Oshima and clogging up some of the harbors. I feel bad for the fisherman whose liv...
Actually, the real question is `When to go?`
My margin for getting to Amami Oshima ( an Island towards Okinawa from mainland Kyushu) is evaporating. The local experienced sailors are advising me not to attempt the passage this week due to the weather. I...
I have been sailing south off the coast of East Kyushu with the goal of reaching Amami Oshima by late October. The sailing has been gentle but navigating tidal currents and the resultant turbulence through narrow passages has kept me attentive.
That with...
Sister ships, Wahine and Distant Dreamer, have keel work projects going on side by side. Wahine, my boat, a Gib Sea 402 is having to redo a repair I did two years ago as well as having the keel bolts inspected. Distant Dreamer, a Columbia 43 and a Trans...
My final few hours in Canada were significant as I had precious moments with my mother and breakfast with long time friend with my good friend Terry with whom I have had adventures on three continents! He wanted to trade me his PING Golf Shirt for a Neve...
I was gutted when I could not set sail after my JCI inspection on August 26th because of a potential Keel problem. But at the very same time, Canada lifted its quarantine rules for returning Canadians who are fully vaccinated. Still, there are lots of pr...
Finally, inspection day arrived, but in doing routine maintenance, while Wahine is out of the water, I discovered a two-year-old repair needed to be done again, and then one thing led to another. It seems that a lightning strike is to blame and I am needi...
The day finally arrived for the haul out and the JCI Inspection which I need to go further offshore. So this episode is likely boring to most but there may be a few people who will enjoy a no-frills walk through a boatyard in Japan.
If like me you want t...
I`m having summer fun while waiting for my boat to be inspected. Part of that fun is being in the water rather than ON the water. Also, I have been looking to the sky to increase my understanding of clouds and what they convey to a sailor. On my way to ...
It looked like Typhoon # 9 would be a direct hit. So after a quick dash across Kyushu to visit Kumamoto City and have lunch with friends, I returned to Wahine to prepare her. Also, I decided to have a 5th covid test. I was in for a surprise!
If like me...
This is not a HOW TO video but it is an update of the things I am learning and having to learn. Things about the boat, working remotely from the boat, being a sixty-year-old trying something new, etc.
www.nevertoolateacademy.com
These videos are made ...
.I was asked recently by a group of friends what I am learning and is it difficult at my age . . so I have come up with a TOP TEN list. Actually, after I recorded I could think of dozen more.
One of the things I am learning is how to work from the boat ....
Warning: this not the happiest of videos. One morning, following a gale the night before, I discovered a Grey Heron entangled in my backstay. Another Heron, likely its partner, watched from the treetops across the cove and sometimes circled overhead watc...
Well, this is a slightly different episode. In addition to the 7 things I have learned about Typhoons in Japan, I share four reflections following being on board Wahine in Tokyo during Super Typhoon 19 and share tips from Japan cruising specialist Kirk Pa...
The risk of thunderstorms, unexpected acts of kindness, and an interesting coast lined marked my final few days sailing the Ehime Coast in West Shikoku.
I had to be mindful of CAPE numbers ( Convective Available Potential Energy: see below) during my fin...
In southwest Shikoku, near Cape Ashizuri, lies the wonderful town of Tosa Shimizu offering spectacular vistas, history, and charm as well as convenience for yachts who harbor there. With laundry, restaurants, shops, marine stores all within minutes if not...
The charm of the Japanese Coast, on and off land continues to delight. This three-day voyage starts with my final preparations before departure. I am touched and inspired by the people I meet along the way. Shibafuji san, took me to his boatyard where ...
Hosted by Lowell's brother, Brent, this live interview dives deep into the trials and triumphs of Lowell's solo sailing journey. Two years ago he set out to realize a life-long dream. Sailing solo from Tokyo to Vancouver.
This trans-Pacific interview wil...
Just before I left Kochi, I was invited to be guest crew on Dawn, a Beneteau 35. for a Kochi Yacht Club Race. Also, a highlight of the day was to have lunch in the Port from which John Manjiro set off on his fateful fishing trip. His life affected the ...
Join me as I revisit Temple #23 after 21 years and then cruise the coastline to the SE most tip of Shikoku following the pilgrims way.
Shikoku is the smallest of Japan`s four main islands. Standing like a gargantuan breakwater off western Honshu, the i...
Calling all Never Too Laters . . . for a Special YT Live event to mark the two year anniversary since I stepped on board my dream.
It is two years ago that I stepped on board my dream.
At my 64th Birthday Party in March 2019 I announced my dream to buy ...
I woke every morning for forty days to a wonderful view at Uchinoura Sea Station ( Umi no Eki) based at the Shinjo Fishermen’s Cooperative. The entire team there was very helpful and went beyond the call of duty to assist in helping getting parts, organi...
I first visited Kochi on my epic bicycle trip following the Cherry Blossom front from Kyushu to Hokkaido and I had an extraordinary conversation with a gentleman who explained to me the connection between the Cherry Blossoms and the spirit of the Kamikaze....
Yay. I waited 40 days and it arrived and now I can solo again. This is a Two in One Episode. A current updated ( as of today) and a collage of scenes of my cruise around the most southern tip of Honshu, Japans largest island and the news that my auto helm...
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