I Made It (just about)!
We're now into the month of March and 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!
It has been a goal of mine for the last couple of years to sail to the Amami Islands, the longest and most ambitious journey of my sailing career. Twice I had tried and failed, the first time due to a broken autohelm, the second time due to dangerous volcanic ash.
On my third attempt, just setting out involved overcoming some misgivings I'd been having both about myself and my boat Wahine. And the journey was not smooth sailing by any means. I had to get through potentially dangerous tidal channels, deal with the unexpected failure of my alternator, and divert after 130 nautical miles into the port of Nichinan in southern Kyushu to install a new one.
And worse was to come - one of the most life-threatening experiences I've ever had on board Wahine! The engine failed in a storm, I was battling 3-4m waves, and I literally had to surf a wave into a tiny harbor on a remote island that even most Japanese have never heard of (population anywhere between 59 and 70 people, depending on who you ask!)
If you'd like to see more about my latest adventure, I'm posting a video account of the journey over on my Pacific Solo channel on YouTube.
Meanwhile, over at the Never Too Late Academy, we have published Module 5 of the How to Fund Your Dream course. This module covers the topic of publishing a book, something I've already done several times in the past, which I am now in the middle of doing for the ninth time! This module, like the rest of the course, is available to all NTLA subscribers.
Go well,
Lowell
Pacific Solo is really a misnomer. I have only gotten this far because of the community that has formed around the Pacific Solo idea. I am humbled, not only by the sea but, by the generosity and love of others.
Below are the various ways you can support Pacific Solo, both financially and just good ol' moral support.
