4月17日 日本時間午前7時 52日目天気曇り
北緯32度9分 東経145度10分
南東の風14ノット 波2 M
ヘディング338度 船速7ノット
【エオラスへのメッセージ】
今のところ、風も波も落ち着いていますが、気象予報士によると、強力な低気圧が近づいているようで、今夜から明日にかけて大しけになりそうです。荒れた波は、もうお腹いっぱいだと言いたいですが…、これも着岸時の感動を数倍にしてくれるために、与えられた試練、いやプレゼントだと思って頑張ります。皆さん、見守っていてください。
現在のところ、19日夜中に沖待ちし、20日早朝には、いわきサンマリーナに着岸できる見込みです。
一昨日、小名浜まで600マイルの地点に来ました。600マイルと言うと、エオラスを沈めたのがその距離です。
位置的には随分南なのですが、エオラスに次のようなメッセージを送らせてもらいました。
《エオラスへ》
2013年6月21日、僕たちはクジラとぶつかってしまい君を沈めてしまった。だけど、君は傷を最小限にし、浸水の速度をゆっくりにしてくれたんだよね。だから僕はこのようにして助かったんだ。本当は君の傷がどこにあるかをすぐに探して対処すれば、沈めなくて済んだのかもしれないのに、それだけが悔やまれる。また、ライフラフトに移って、最後まで君といなければいけなかったのに、ライフラフトが金属のボルトにぶつかっていて、このままだとライフラフトがパンクしてしまうことから、君と繋がっていたロープを切ってしまったんだ。それも申し訳ないと思っている。最後まで一緒にいたかったのに。だけど、今回このようにして、再チャレンジ出来ていることに感謝だ。君と過ごした大阪での3ヶ月間はとても楽しかった。多くのボランティアの人たちと君を整備し、皆笑顔で楽しい時間を過ごした。君も、太平洋の底から、小名浜に無事に着くように祈っておいてほしい。どうぞゆっくり休んでください。
本当にありがとうエオラス、ありがとう。
ヒロ
April 17th, 7 a.m., JST, Day 52, Weather: Clear
32.9 N 145.10 E, SE 14kts. wind
Wave hight: 2 meter, Course: 338, Boat speed: 7 kts.
[ My message to Aeolus ]
The winds and waves are calm for now, but a strong low pressure is approaching this way, and it is going to be very stormy, according to the weather forecast. We had enough of the rough seas, but we will give everything we have, to get over this. This is a gift from God for us to make ourselves stronger, or a gift to make our joy at the arrival many times bigger. Please pray for us.
Our current plan is heaving to off the Coast (to park the boat while at the sea) , during the evening of the 19th and arrive in Iwaki Sun Marina in the morning of the 20th.
We came to 600 NM off the Coast near Onahama, a day before yesterday. Speaking of 600 NM, that is about the area, Aeolus has sank, back then.
《 Dear Aeolus 》
We’d left you to sink after our collision with a whale. But still, you stayed strong for us, slowing down the speed of the flooding and giving us as much time as possible before you sank. Thanks to you, we were safely rescued. If only I’d been able to search the damage and fix you somehow, maybe we wouldn’t have had to leave you in the ocean; that is my only regret. Even when we got on the emergency raft, we were supposed to stay near you, stay with you until the end, but since the metal bolt might have had hit us and caused a rupture, reluctantly we decided to cut the rope and disconnect from you. I feel guilty sorry for that. I wanted to stay with you until the very end. But I am alive and feeling so fortunate to be able to re-challenge the voyage. Our three months together in Osaka was a great fun. We shared wonderful memories with lots of smiles by doing maintenance with all the volunteers. I hope you wish us a best from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
Have a peaceful time under the sea. Thank you, Aeolus.
With appreciation,
Hiro
Voyage of Inspiration 〜全盲ヨットマン、夢と希望の航海〜 
Hiro, I have been following you every night when I lay down to sleep. I read your posts and check your progress on the live tracking link. My prayers have been with you and Doug. I celebrate your success so far and your certain arrival at Iwaki Sun Marina. How wonderful it is to watch your DREAM be realized. May God continue to bless you and Doug. Your Friend, Dave
LikeLike
HIro – you and Doug are the “Dynamic Duo”. The great Pacific Ocean has challenged you in many ways on this trip and you have come out the victors. The prize is in sight – it appears from your blog you all will be given one last challenge before reaching your goal, but I am confident that, together you will win. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This has truly been a “Voyage of Inspiration” for everyone reading your blogs. As I said before, I will miss getting up every morning and reading them – a piece of my morning routine will gone,
You will be home in time to spend Easter with your families – there’s something just spiritually right about the timing.
Take care and be prepared for your last challenge. May the (gentle) winds be always at your back.
LikeLike
HIro – I meant to add, that your tribute to Aeolus was very poignant and heartfelt. I could feel your pain. You did what you had to in order to make this Voyage possible. It was all in God’s plan. Aeolus is resting peacefully at the bottom of the sea and, like everyone else, is wishing you well.
LikeLike
Hiro I check the blog all the time, you are the man . Both of you give it your best , that will be enough. Scott M
LikeLike
Hi Hiro and Doug, Congratulations on being days away from successfully completing your amazing voyage. We will continue to pray and manifest positive energy as you approach more challenges of the sea and all the fury it may bring your way. You WILL reach your port because you set sail, did not sit at anchor, did not drift (well may a few times beyond your control). Love and our very best wishes from Rockport, Bill and Courtney
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike