Mr. Hirotsugu Kimura, who had been challenging himself to sail around the world by yacht, had his port arrival ceremony at Shin Nishinomiya Yacht Harbor, and it was packed with people.
(Info provided by Iroha @ Nishitsu SP)
Here it is↓
Hirotsugu Kimura(木村啓嗣) set off from Nishinomiyahama in October 2023. Then, 231 days later, on June 8, he became the youngest Japanese person (age 24) to complete a solo, nonstop, unassisted crossing of the Pacific by yacht!
GPS image from: A sustainable challenge aiming to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world! ｜Hamada Co., Ltd. SDGs
Solo, nonstop, and unassisted means sailing without stopping at any port and without replenishing food or fuel. You can see the whole route on GPS.
The day after he achieved the record. At the return ceremony on June 9, Mr. Kimura came running from his yacht toward the venue.
The way he ran so lightly really showed that he’s the youngest, didn’t it?
A solo, nonstop, unassisted voyage around the world. And since he updated the youngest Japanese record for the first time in 30 years, this many members of the media gathered at Nishinomiyahama.
Mr. Kimura with samurai-style hair. Apparently, his hair had grown out so much that he felt he couldn’t show it as it was, so he had it cut this morning.
Oh! The legendary yachtsman Kenichi Horie is here too!
Kenichi Horie, the oldest person in the world(83 at the time, now 85) to make a solo, nonstop crossing of the Pacific, and Mr. Kimura, the youngest(24), were standing side by side!
Mr. Horie commented to 24-year-old Mr. Kimura, “Next, you still have the role of setting the world record for the oldest.” The venue burst into laughter at that remark. That’s at least 60 years from now, you know.
Still, both of them sailed around the world from here in Nishinomiyahama and came back again to this same Nishinomiyahama. It kind of makes you happy.
Everyone in the yachting world looked so happy, saying, “A young person really did it!” They were truly celebrating with gratitude and excitement. Young people must be essential for bringing energy to the yachting world.
The press conference afterward. It really has that classic press conference atmosphere, doesn’t it?
In front of these intimidating cameras.
Even while saying, “I’m nervous,” he answered the reporters’ questions one after another. It really made me think that people who take on incredible challenges are amazing.
Of course, Nishitsu also asked a question!! “What’s the first restaurant you want to visit in Nishinomiya?”
His answer↓
He said he wants to go to the Italian restaurant “Caccina” near Koroen Station! It’s one of Mr. Kimura’s regular spots.
When we asked, “Which menu item do you want to eat the most?”
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