Kenichi Horie has proven time and time again that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. At the age of 23, the 83-year-old Japanese seafarer became the oldest person to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean, 60 years after becoming the first person to do it.
“I didn’t imagine I’d be sailing at 83,” he said, “but I’m still healthy and didn’t want to pass up this opportunity.” “I’d like to keep trying since challenges are interesting.” Horie set out from San Francisco on March 27 on his Suntory Mermaid III, a customized 19-foot-long aluminum boat.
He spent 69 days at sea, remembering to phone his family every day to let them know he was safe. He explains, “I’m always fine, always in shape.” “There will be no feasting or drinking.”
Horie eventually landed at Cape Hinomisaki in western Japan on June 4 after many days at sea. Although most people would find crossing the world’s largest body of water alone intimidating, Horie has been doing so since he was 23. In 1962, he said of his first voyage, “I had the confidence that I would make it—I just wanted to take on the challenge.” Horie had no money or a passport when he landed in San Francisco at the end of his first voyage, and he was soon arrested. However, as the public learned about his story, he was released and given a visa by Major George Christopher in recognition of his bravery. The Mermaid, his first ship, is still on display at the National Maritime Museum in California.
Since then, the daring explorer has made further excursions from Japan to California (and vice versa) in a variety of vessels, including one made of beer kegs and whisky barrels and another made of aluminum cans. He claims that he will keep sailing for as long as he is able. “Don’t just let your dreams fade away,” Horie urges. “Set a goal and work toward it, and a lovely life will be yours.”
Kenichi Horie, an 83-year-old Japanese man, has set a new record for the oldest person to solo sail across the Pacific Ocean.
Japanese adventurer Kenichi Horie, 83, has become the oldest person to complete a solo nonstop voyage across the Pacific
— Retro Tech Noir (@RetroTechNoir) June 6, 2022
He departed from San Francisco & arrived in #Japan 69 days and 5,500 miles later
Keniche said he was still 'in the middle of my youth and not finished yet'! pic.twitter.com/upQdWeI3yT
He set out from San Francisco and arrived at Cape Hinomisaki in western Japan after 69 days at sea.
An 83-year-old Japanese adventurer returned home Saturday after successfully completing his solo, nonstop voyage across the Pacific, becoming the oldest person to reach the milestone.
— Tibor M. Kalman (@kalmantibs) June 4, 2022
“I just crossed the finish line. I’m tired,” Kenichi Horie wrote, after reaching Japan. 👏🏼🏆⛵️ pic.twitter.com/jWMGekJ6qp
h/t: [The Guardian]
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