In 1994 I was the first time on Chichi-Jima. That time I came as crew member of a Japanese yacht on the way from Guam to Tokyo. Since then I wanted to come back again. Now, 32 years later I came back as the skipper of my own boat, the sailing catamaran MaRe, on my way from Europe to Japan and back to Europe.

Arriving here was, after 5 years of sailing, also a return to Japan, my second home.

The welcome by the people here on this wonderful island was just great. Also getting to know some people a bit more because they even came on board for a cup of coffee and a chat, made me and my crew feeling special.

Also special thanks to the commodore of the local yacht club. He came by already shortly after we were docked. Gave us information and brought a long hose for freshwater, which is an important support for us.

On other days people just came by to have a chat.

It’s simply great to be here.