N 27° 05.926
E 142° 12.018

Since the very early morning the wind is lower than forecasted.

The main reason is the wind protection from the remnants of the caldera surrounding the harbor area’s 3 sides. But it’s also in the typhoon forcast reasoning indicated that on streaming dry air weakens the typhoon.

A comparison of the forecasted trajectory of the Sinkalu over since the 13. Apr shows that it remains stable, meaning it’s not coming closer.

Now, between 0900 and 1100 the wind is forcasted as fastest. MaRe’s wind indicator shows now winds of 20-24 KN with gusts up to just above 30 KN.

N 27° 05.932
E 142° 12.016

It is 0430 and I did my second check outside. The first one I did at 0130.

The lines we used are working fine, fenders as well. Especially the fenders I attached to the wall of the pier seem to work as intended. Good at least so far.

Currently only gusts reach around 20 KN. According to the forecast we should have already around 25 KN of wind. This could have several reasons:
– Sinkalu is late, moving slower then forcasted
– It stays further away
– It weakened
At 0700 I’ll do my next forcast analysis.

N 27° 05.932
E 142° 12.016

From the South is a typhoon approaching, which is supposed to turn NE just south of the Ogasawara Islands. But we still will get strong winds in the harbor.

My previously considered escape route towards Yokohama is blocked by a pretty strong low system moving SW, creating 5-7 m waves. Not navigatable.

After analyzing 4 weather models and the typhoon forcast of the JTWC (Joint Typhoon Warning Center) yesterday morning I can asume that the typhoon turns really NE sufficiently south of Ogasawara.

From now on I’ll do this analysis daily until the 18th.

Still, I have to expect 30-40 KN of wind in the harbor. No fun. So I’ll prepare the boat for these strong winds today.

Keep fingers crossed.

N 27° 05.929
E 142° 12.013

At 1520 we were docked at the visitor pier in Futami harbor.

Someone triggered a lady who speaks English and she brought her son along who helped us with the lines at land. Typical Japan.

Shortly after all official lined up at the dock and came one after the other on board to do their duties. Very helpful with answers of what needs to be filled in. Typical friendly Japanese guys.

For immigration we needed to go to their office, which was open for us even on Sunday. Now we are fully cleared in and got already documents for our departure.

I am feeling at home, and for Tobi it’s a cultural shock after all what we experienced on the many islands of the South Pacific.

Tobi fixes a quick dinner and then each of us goes to bed…

Tomorrow is another day.