On a certain day in September 2022, the boat I contracted around November of the previous year arrived in Japan. Upon requesting an immediate meeting with the boat, the personnel from the marina and boat sales department graciously accepted.
The boat is a Merry Fisher 895 Sport manufactured by the French company Jeanneau.
The location was a factory adjacent to a marina at an undisclosed location on the Miura Peninsula Japan. There, a dazzlingly beautiful boat equipped with radar, fish finder, and searchlight, with a teak deck, awaited me in a lifted state.
A beautiful name that suits this gorgeous boat has already been almost decided.
In the future, there will be engine installation, various adjustments, and it will be a few more weeks before the rigging is completed, so boarding will have to wait.
Both inside and outside the boat, various wiring and equipment were placed. When the rigging of the boat is completed, it will undoubtedly turn into a remarkably splendid boat, seemingly disproportionate to me.
In the future, I am filled with anxiety about whether Rikutsu-Kone-Taro can maintain and operate this boat safely.
But more than that, I am excited to imagine what adventures I will have on this boat.
Yes, it’s the feeling of the protagonist of the manga Dragon Ball, Son Goku, who says, “Oraa, Wakuwaku suzzo.”
Rikutsu-Kone-Taro himself has no interest in fishing at all, but he thinks it might be enjoyable if he had a friend who is good at fishing and cooking.
Since my boat is equipped with a so-called rocket launcher, where multiple fishing rods can be set up, it’s by no means unsuitable for fishing.
After that, cruising, onboard BBQ, and overnight stays on the boat. And then, I’d like to travel to unfamiliar places by sea with a small electric-assist bicycle and a paddleboard or kayak.
By the way, a few years ago, there was someone who completed a trip around Japan in a Nissan Sebrie.
I apologize for the uncertain information, but I think they ran within a range of probably 5 nautical miles, divided the journey into several parts, and circled around Japan.
Considering refueling points, anchorage points, and the preparation of daily necessities such as laundry, and taking into account natural phenomena such as weather and sea conditions, I think this required quite a bit of preparation.
Once I become proficient in boating, I’d like to try such an adventure.
Matsushima, Tsugaru Strait, Kanmon Strait, Goto Islands, Seto Inland Sea… I want to experience the seas on the Japan Sea side too. The dreams are expanding.
As you may know, the relationship between fishermen, recreational anglers, and pleasure boaters in Japan’s seas is not very favorable.
In addition, the Maritime Self-Defense Force, large transport ships, and service vessels are also present in the sea.
Certainly, it will be quite complicated.
The reason Rikutsu-Kone-Taro is not interested in fishing is because he wants to assert the clear difference in purpose towards the sea from fishermen and recreational fishing boats. He has no intention of causing trouble with them.
By the way, regardless of what anyone might say, Japan is a maritime nation. And Japan’s territorial waters belong to the Japanese people.
Japan’s territorial waters cover a significant area, ranking among the top in the world.
Moreover, the Pacific Ocean, the world’s largest ocean, is right nearby.
As Japanese people, it’s unthinkable for us not to enjoy the sea, according to Rikutsu Cone Taro.
In fact, who else would enjoy the sea if not the Japanese?
Anyway, looking forward to it.
Excitement and anticipation.
I hope to become a safe and enjoyable sailor, not causing trouble for fishermen or recreational fishing boats, and avoiding maritime accidents. I wish that the time spent on this boat and the knowledge and experience gained will add some meaning to Rikutsu-Kone-Taro’s life.
That’s why the investment of nearly all the cash and equivalent assets that ‘Rikutsu Cone Taro’ has accumulated over the past 40 years, akin to lighting a fire under his nails, to acquire this boat feels worthwhile.
So, for now, there’s only one concern – the retirement funds are genuinely worrisome.
That’s all for this time.
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