This is a story about my second trip to Oshima, just three days after the first one, where I reflected on and implemented improvements based on the experiences of my initial visit at the end of last year (December 2022).
The major lesson from the previous trip was the lack of measures for maintaining stability on the rocking boat. Failing to address this issue not only affected the handling of the boat but also resulted in significant fatigue.
I decided to start by wearing shoes with good traction on the floor around the control seat, especially when using autopilot and not holding the steering wheel. These shoes, worn during departure and arrival, served both inside and outside the cabin.
Additionally, I identified several easy-to-grip areas around the control seat and developed a mental plan for maintaining stability, such as gripping here when the boat sways this way and there when it sways that way.
To minimize the impact of the boat’s movement, I learned to bend my body to avoid hitting my head on the ceiling when it sways upward and to prepare for a landing with a straight posture and a slight bend in the knees when it sways downward, reducing strain on the spine and knees.
I also took measures to secure items inside the cabin from shaking during the journey, ensuring that cameras, bags, and other items were secured before departure.
The second issue was the approach to Namiura Harbor. Choosing a route around the south of Oshima in the previous trip proved time-consuming due to high waves and limited speed. This time, I opted for an eastern approach, allowing for a more straightforward course from Home Marina to Namiura Harbor, minimizing fuel consumption and allowing me to focus on the watch.
The third issue involved precise navigation near the breakwater at Namiura Harbor, requiring a change from autopilot to separate control of the left and right engines about 40-60 meters before reaching the breakwater. This change, coupled with visual and GPS confirmation of the breakwater positions, was crucial.
The fourth lesson was to stop the boat in a safe location upon entering the harbor, adjust fender heights for proper docking, and position bow and stern ropes for easy tossing from the control seat to the shore.
Thanks to these improvements, the overall situation unfolded more smoothly than the previous Oshima trip. I safely arrived, docked and moored alone (see photo 1), completed necessary tasks, and departed promptly for Tokyo Bay.
Like the previous trip, I ensured a full tank of fuel and water before departure, and ample food supplies were on board. Furthermore, I had more time than the previous trip.
The return journey followed a mostly straight course, reversing the route. Departing from Namiura Harbor, I headed east, gradually adjusting the course towards Tokyo Bay while maintaining a sufficient distance from the island.
In rough seas near Oshima, speed was limited, but as I headed north, the sea became calmer, allowing for increased speed. With a combination of GPS, radar, and autopilot, I could navigate at a reasonable ground speed as long as there were no radar echoes in the current direction.
The photos illustrate the calm sea conditions (photo 2), and when conditions permitted, I could take a moment to observe the surroundings inside the boat (photo 3). The slanted front glass made driving easy, avoiding interior reflections, and the wide windows provided a 360-degree view, making navigation convenient.
The first Oshima trip was on December 30, 2022, and this second trip occurred on January 2, 2023. The fact that the boat was not frequently used during the year-end and New Year period likely contributed to the smooth journeys.
As Oshima gradually receded in the distance (photo 4), I quietly promised to return. If time allows, I hope to embark on a third Oshima trip soon. However, considering the continued learning process and the lessons from this voyage, the next trip will happen once I am confident in addressing those aspects.
Having completed two successful Oshima trips within a short span—once at the end of 2022 and early 2023—I find it immensely satisfying as a novice boater. I look forward to further studying and approaching boating with meticulous attention to ensure safety and enjoyment.
That concludes this recount of my experiences.
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