How to Cruise Japan: Fabulous but Different
Welcome to Part 2 of my interview with the seasoned gentleman sailor Francis Hawkings aboard his sailboat, PlainSong. In part one, we explored Francis's sailing adventures around the world and his eventful journey to Japan. In this segment, Francis shares invaluable tips and recommendations for those interested in sailing Japanese waters.
While meeting various cruisers in Japan, I've learned something unique from each of them. Francis brings a particularly rich and informed perspective to the table. One aspect that stands out about Francis is his respectful and meaningful interaction with local communities and their culture. He embodies the spirit of an ambassador for the cruising world, especially in Japanese ports and communities that are often cautious of foreigners and may see us as an `inconvenience` whilst wearing a smile and maintaining a cordial, even warm, conversation.
In this interview, Francis offers a wealth of practical advice and mindset tips for incoming cruisers. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate and enjoy the unique experience of sailing in Japan.
Tune in and benefit from Francis's expertise!
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In part two of our interview with experienced sailor Francis Hawkings, we delve deeper into his recommendations for anyone interested in cruising or sailing in Japan. A seasoned sailor with a wealth of knowledge, he shares valuable insights on everything from anchoring and fenders to charting software and the mysterious aspects of Japanese culture.
The Unique Experience of Cruising in Japan
Francis starts by explaining why Japan is a fabulous but different cruising destination compared to other places he’s visited. One major difference is the preference for docking in harbors rather than anchoring out, which may seem surprising at first. He mentions that this practice is due to factors like aquaculture and underwater obstacles that make certain bays unsuitable for anchoring.
The Importance of Mindset Adjustment
Another crucial aspect Francis highlights is the need to adjust your mindset when cruising in Japan. Embracing a more organized approach, such as making reservations for marinas or pontoons and planning your ETA (estimated time of arrival), will make your journey smoother. He emphasizes that taking your time and adapting to local customs can transform a challenging experience into an enriching one.
The Role of Big Fenders
A essential item for cruising in Japan, according to Francis, are big fenders. The rugged shoreline and seawalls can put a lot of pressure on your boat when docking, making oversized fenders crucial for protecting your vessel.
Mastery of Local Charting Software
NewEx SM, a local Japanese charting software program, proves to be invaluable for navigating the waters around Japan. Although it’s in Japanese, Francis insists that mastering this tool is worth the effort as it provides better detail and accuracy compared to other popular programs like Navionic or CMAP.
The Pleasures of Exploring Small Places
Don’t rush through your journey in Japan – take the time to explore smaller, hidden gems that make this country so unique. Francis recommends immersing yourself in the local culture and customs to truly appreciate the richness of the Japanese experience.
Navigating Mysterious Situations
Sailing in Japan can lead to some perplexing situations that may seem illogical or contradictory. Francis shares a personal anecdote about how two fishermen initially asked them to leave, but later welcomed them for a party aboard their boat. These mysterious interactions may happen behind the scenes, but trust that they often lead to positive outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Cruising in Japan is unique and requires an adjusted mindset compared to other destinations.
- Anchoring is less common, and harbors are often a more popular choice for docking.
- Bigger fenders are essential for protecting your boat from rugged shoreline and seawalls.
- Local charting software like NewEx SM offers better detail and accuracy when navigating the waters around Japan.
- Taking your time to explore small places and immerse yourself in local culture makes for a more enriching experience.
- Mysterious situations may arise, but trust that they often lead to positive outcomes with an open mindset.
Embark on Your Japanese Sailing Adventure
If you’re considering a sailing adventure in Japan, this interview offers valuable insights and recommendations to help guide your journey. By embracing the unique culture, preparing for potential challenges, and trusting in mysterious circumstances, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy all that this fantastic cruising destination has to offer.
Don’t miss part one of Francis Hawkings’ interview about his solo sale journey from Hawaii to Japan and other exciting sailing adventures. And remember, it’s never too late to embark on your own Pacific Solo voyage.
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