Kobe Japan

[Zen]

Well here is our ultimate goal. Several years and many stops to the big launch, but this is where we are headed our retirement cruise...

Hawaii/Marshall Islands/Guam/Kobe

[starcrest]

how long do you think it will take to do this?? sounds like a plan---the return trip from japan has been done by a guy in a catalina 22----I am sure its well known by many who this guy is---but I distinctly remember reading about it----also ----when I was living a board in the yet to be rebiult marina in pahokee florida-----there was a small boat from japan there---it was flying the japanese flag and had some sort of oriental writing on the hull----this may have been koenichi hori----I am not sure----but if you ever contemplate the return----its the same current that takes you there----just the "upside" of the clock.thats how they got to pearl harbor - :)

[Zen]

Time hmmm, I figure on a about a 3 month voyage. 3 weeks to each port plus stop over for play. Once we are there I plan on setting up a small bi-lingual ASA sailing school and also offer private cruises on an American Vintage Yacht. Work during the good months, sail down to southern Japan were it is warm for the winter. Hang out explore, etc. As far as sailing back... we'll see. Since my father in Law pas$ed away ( this will not let you type Pas$) whilst we were there, my wife wants to be in Japan for her aging mother, who will hopefully be in her late 80's. If things go reasonably well we will stay there. I maybe too old to want to sail back and get all my sailing done over there. Lots to explore in that neck of the world.
I just signed up for my first clas$ in the series with ASA. which I had planned on doing anyway, but then a guy ( from CA) there in Japan who is teaching suggested that I could like him teach. He just does teaching just in English , so I should be able to cover a larger range of people. Water activities are BIG there. Having a wife who is a national gets me around a lot of red tape for working.
I have eight years to train, prep, study, practice and get sea ready, maybe find some sponsers. Maybe I'll write a book...It does happen ... not just on TV  ;D
Interesting little side note for the spiritual minded. I use to say I would sail to Japan, teach some tai chi , study some ceramics and Zen while there. As it turns out, 1 of the 3 top ceramic artist in Japan is in the Kobe area, there is also someone named Yoh Aoki
http://www.aokiyacht.com/aoki/sailing-e.htm
who sailed around the world solo when he was 22 ( 1978). Now he manages a yacht harbor and teaches Zen ( a Zen Master )  & sailing in Osaka ( next to Kobe ). Wow talk about fate... the Universe maybe telling me something... or not  :D

[Pixie Dust]

Zen, so cool. You have a plan, but the plan is subject to change at any given moment.  You are going with the breeze in more ways than one!  ;)  Gotta have dreams.  That is what keeps life so much fun and interesting.   Can't wait to watch it all unfold.   
We plan on staying tuned in to the story.  8)

[Zen]

Indeed Connie.
It will be interesting to see how the saga unfolds and what wind changes the Universe will have along the way.

s/v Zen official maidian voyage will be next Sat. My wife, cousin & I will take a day cruise to a nearby city.

http://www.friendlyharbors.com/glencove.html


Hang out a bit then return. The weather finally after a couple of weeks of rain will be, so far it seems nearly perfect We are all looking forward to it.