Blog Post

Troubles at the Marina

Lowell Sheppard • August 25, 2019

...one of these boats is mine!!

Don't worry, my boat is the one on dry land. However, the image of the sunken boat, sent to me just a few days ago, was uncannily similar to the dream I had of Wahine sinking in the slip, a couple of weeks ago. I woke with a start, but it was not a nightmare. Rather, I took it as a reminder to inspect all of the through holes to ensure that they were all okay, and also to have the bilge pump repaired ASAP.

Then, Wahine's gear box went on the fritz, and I was told the mechanics would have to take her out of the water. I felt frustrated, on the one hand, because my training would be interrupted, but on the other hand, I welcomed the opportunity to check the nether regions of Wahine.

So, yesterday, with two friends (Claude and David) helping me, I did exactly that. The through holes seem okay and having given the bilge pump a thorough inspection to try to figure it why it was not working, I decided to buy a new one. Thanks, Amazon! You saved me 30%. David and Claude, what you are saving me, is immeasurable!
I am also very grateful for three Founding Sponsors of the Keel Club (Round 1) for helping me get the boat. Although I will navigate the Pacific alone, I need help getting to the starting line. Round 2 of the Keel Club is seeking 22 people to join the team. A big thank you to Hekabio/Rob Claar for being the first!

More Blogs

Lowell Sheppard aboard his boat Wahine on the open water.
By Lowell Sheppard January 12, 2025
This past year, I've been based in the Ryukyu Islands, particularly Okinawa - a region renowned as a "Blue Zone" for its high concentration of centenarians. But as I've discovered, other prefectures like Shimane and Kagoshima are rewriting the narrative, often surpassing Okinawa in longevity statistics.
A painting of a sailboat in the water in Japan with Mt. Fuji in the background.
By Lowell Sheppard January 3, 2025
As we welcome 2025, I'm thrilled to share some exciting plans for the first half of the year. This spring, I'll embark on a unique sailing journey through Japan - a voyage that blends adventure, culture, and a quest for understanding the secrets of longevity.
Survival Japanese for sailors
By Lowell Sheppard October 31, 2024
As more cruisers head to Japan, communication becomes crucial - not just for getting by, but for truly connecting with people. While some folks are natural language learners, I've always found it a bit of a challenge. But after spending five years cruising and visiting over 70 ports, I've picked up a few key words that have made a world of difference.
Ramona Rae
By Lowell Sheppard April 16, 2024
I'm thrilled to share that this week I will begin a 30-45 day passage from Hawaii to Japan. However, this time, I'll be sailing aboard, Ramona Rae (an Ingrid 38) instead of Wahine (my Gib Sea 402).
ship captain and a doctor
By Lowell Sheppard September 29, 2023
Just a quick update from dry land. I hopped off Wahine a few days ago and left her securely moored in Buren Bay.
Lowell Sheppard aboard Wahine
By Lowell Sheppard March 7, 2023
I'm currently docked in the small port of Uken in the far south of Japan. Yes, I've finally reached the island of Amami-Oshima - at the third attempt - and can check another item off my Dream List!
October update from PacificSolo
By Lowell Sheppard October 24, 2022
I was away for a couple of weeks attending the Annapolis Boat Show. Wahine waited patiently for me to return to give her bottom a clean fresh coat of paint. It's good to see her clear of barnacles. We went back in the water a few moments ago and now enjoying the still and quiet of an autumn evening in Niihama Marina.
Load More Blogs
Lowell Sheppard aboard his boat Wahine on the open water.
By Lowell Sheppard January 12, 2025
This past year, I've been based in the Ryukyu Islands, particularly Okinawa - a region renowned as a "Blue Zone" for its high concentration of centenarians. But as I've discovered, other prefectures like Shimane and Kagoshima are rewriting the narrative, often surpassing Okinawa in longevity statistics.
A painting of a sailboat in the water in Japan with Mt. Fuji in the background.
By Lowell Sheppard January 3, 2025
As we welcome 2025, I'm thrilled to share some exciting plans for the first half of the year. This spring, I'll embark on a unique sailing journey through Japan - a voyage that blends adventure, culture, and a quest for understanding the secrets of longevity.
Survival Japanese for sailors
By Lowell Sheppard October 31, 2024
As more cruisers head to Japan, communication becomes crucial - not just for getting by, but for truly connecting with people. While some folks are natural language learners, I've always found it a bit of a challenge. But after spending five years cruising and visiting over 70 ports, I've picked up a few key words that have made a world of difference.
Ramona Rae
By Lowell Sheppard April 16, 2024
I'm thrilled to share that this week I will begin a 30-45 day passage from Hawaii to Japan. However, this time, I'll be sailing aboard, Ramona Rae (an Ingrid 38) instead of Wahine (my Gib Sea 402).
ship captain and a doctor
By Lowell Sheppard September 29, 2023
Just a quick update from dry land. I hopped off Wahine a few days ago and left her securely moored in Buren Bay.
Lowell Sheppard aboard Wahine
By Lowell Sheppard March 7, 2023
I'm currently docked in the small port of Uken in the far south of Japan. Yes, I've finally reached the island of Amami-Oshima - at the third attempt - and can check another item off my Dream List!
October update from PacificSolo
By Lowell Sheppard October 24, 2022
I was away for a couple of weeks attending the Annapolis Boat Show. Wahine waited patiently for me to return to give her bottom a clean fresh coat of paint. It's good to see her clear of barnacles. We went back in the water a few moments ago and now enjoying the still and quiet of an autumn evening in Niihama Marina.
Sailors write their plans in the sand
By Lowell Sheppard May 24, 2022
I heard a seasoned sailor say recently that, sailors write their plans in sand at low tide. I have certainly discovered that to be true. Yesterday, I completed a loop ( about 1,500 kms) around Kyushu Island. It was not my initial goal.
By Lowell Sheppard March 8, 2022
It's been a year since I departed Yumenoshima Marina and I am back in Tokyo to mark the moment... I finally got around to reviewing all my notes and log, and the stats are listed below.
Kuroshio Current
By Lowell Sheppard November 8, 2021
I have never before revealed this publicly. It was only after releasing this video that my chronic mispronunciation and mis-spelling of "Kuroshio" current became evident. But, misspelled or not, the Kuroshio current, like my "disorder" is a very real impediment to my forward progress.
Show More
Share by: