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Kenichi Horie Arrives in San Francisco to Prepare for Departure
In November we wrote that the famed Japanese singlehander Kenichi Horie, now 83, was planning to leave San Francisco in March to sail back to Japan. It’s already March, and Kenichi and his boat are here and getting ready to go.
© 2022 Kenichi Horie
Kenichi’s 18-ft boat, Suntory Mermaid III, was recently launched at KKMI in Sausalito and is now being readied to depart San Francisco on the morning of Saturday, March 26 — the first day of SailGP!
© 2022 Brad Webb
© 2022 KKMI
If you want to cast off and escort him out, his current plans are to pass under the Golden Gate Bridge at around 10 a.m. He’ll be setting sail for Japan, and you can set sail back into the Bay to watch Team Japan race in SailGP’s Season 2 Grand Final. We’ll look for you there!
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Unbelievable!!!! Eighty three years old, on an 18ft sloop, single-handing from San Fran to Japan! Tell me I am not dreaming.
Remember when he brought in the MERMAID…I bow before you Kenichi – a sailing warrior for sure! Best wishes for a safe voyage
Google his name to see pictures of the 19-foot wooden junk he first sailed across the Pacific in 1962. You can see that boat in the lobby of the SF Maritime Museum. The small fragility of the hull, mast and rudder were shocking the first time I saw them, but I have nothing but respect for his adventurous courage and several solo ocean crossing voyages!
Wow…what an adventure! A great inspiration!
I read his book in the 60’s when I was in my teens.
Visited Mermaid in all her plywood glory at SF. Maritime Museum
Many Many Times.
Japan to SF singlehanded is no Polynesian Milk Run.
I aint much for Heros, but this man is the Real Deal !
The original Mermaid is back in the lobby of the Maritime Museum. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10 – 4. Free Admission
Best wishes for a smooth voyage!
Kenichi….Safe Travels …Remember…
” Beyond All Things Is The Sea ” SENECA
He is a wonderful man and and inspiration. Someday I hope to meet him. I have sailed my 1956 Japanese 23′ wooden sloop “Kaze” in SFBay for 30 years and think of his connection to her.