Saturday, October 25, 2014

Yuki Kaze: Okinawa to Keelung and Xinda Harbors, Taiwan

Mimi with her new yacht in Ginowan Marina, Okinawa
s/v Yuki Kaze is a 1976 Van de Stadt 30 racing/ cruising yacht. The vessel was outfitted for cruising and has all conventional gear and equipment. The vessel was acquired by Mimi Huang in Okinawa and was delivered to Taiwan with the help of Greg Martin as skipper in May 2012. Departing Ginowan Marina in the morning of 15 May, the 330 NM voyage was completed in about 70 hours, arriving in Keelung on 18 May. After about a two week pause to wait for a better weather opportunity, the vessel and crew departed Keelung on 20 May, cruised over the north cape and along the west coast of Taiwan for day and half, arriving in Xinda Harbor in the early morning on 22 May.

Captain Greg taking a coffee break
Significant details about the voyage: Practically no wind on the voyage from Okinawa to Keelung, so it was necessary to motor the entire way, consuming about 140 liters of fuel with the Yanmar 3GM30 diesel engine. 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 at night and the vessel was approached and challenged by the Japan Coast Guard, who upon seeing the Japan JCI registration numbers allowed the vessel and crew to proceed.


Gotta always have paper charts
Communication was kept with friends and relatives on land via Iridium satellite phone and the voyage was followed by Greg's former students at Kadena Middle School, who helped solve math problems related to ETA and fuel consumption as a school project. Upon arrival in Keelung the vessel and crew were met by Mimi's friends and family who were the most hospitable hosts to Greg and showed him a great time in the country.
Pink sky sunsets at sea off the west coast of Taiwan
After about a week break, the voyage along the west coast of Taiwan continued without incident, again with no wind and motoring most of the way. Arriving in Xinda Harbor, s/v Yuki Kaze and crew again checked in with Taiwan Coast Guard and docked at Mimi's family's boatyard where the vessel got a complete re-fit in preparation for more adventures in Taiwan.