Goody: Okinawa to Keelung and Hsinchu Harbors, Taiwan

Departing Ginowan Marina, Okinawa

s/v Goody is a 1990 Tayana Pilot 48 cruising yacht. The vessel was outfitted for comfortable cruising and has upgraded equipment, including in-mast mainsail furling and a bow thruster. The vessel was acquired by Andie and Albert Huang (brothers) in Okinawa and was delivered to Taiwan with the help of Greg Martin as skipper in November 2012.   Departing Ginowan Marina on 2 November, the 330 NM voyage with the owners was completed in about 65 hours, arriving in Keelung on 4 November. 

After a two week pause to make repairs and wait for a better weather opportunity, the vessel and crew departed Keelung on 23 November arrived in Hsinchu Harbor, on the west coast of Taiwan on 25 November.

Underway to Taiwan

Significant details about the voyage: Good wind (18-20 kts) out of the north for the start of the voyage from Okinawa to Keelung. Started sailing with full sails and then partially furled mainsail at night. On the second day we had a problem with the mainsail and had to complete the remainder of the voyage under power. 

Arrival in Keelung

The direct voyage track from Okinawa to Keelung, brought the crew within site of the disputed Senkaku Islands. Closest point of approach (CPA) to the islands was during the day and no significant patrol or vessel activity was noticed. Arriving in Keelung just before sunset on 4 November, the seas were rough but the crew handled the vessel with ease. 

Departing Keelung

After resting and exploring Taiwan on land, the voyage was resumed on 23 November with the owner's family. The voyage was done under power because of the variable winds. Very strong currents were encountered at the northern cape of Taiwan and once passed the vessel dodged numerous fishing traps that seemed to be outside of the charted zone. A problem with the propeller shaft caused a delay but the crew was able to repair underway and enter the narrow channel of Hsinchu harbor at night without incident.