07 Feb To Japan, again! 2023 Starr Voyage
We are preparing to take Starr on what will most likely be our last significant passage.
I’m turning 80 next month and Sharry is three years into being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Sharry and I have been holding hands for 60 years.
Sharry paddling her OC-1 off Diamond Head over the summer
While we are both grieving the loss of her memory, we also want to keep living our lives the best that we can.
We are told that the best thing for Sharry is to get vigorous exercise and have social contact and cognitive stimulation.
Sharry is most at peace when the boat is on extended voyages. She loves being on night watch looking at the stars. To top that off, Japan is her favorite cruising ground.
We plan on departing Honolulu tomorrow for the 3300nm run to Guam and then another 1200nm to Okinawa. The last few months have been filled with testing and maintenance!
Testing the diesel-powered emergency pump
Why might a nearly-new watermaker membrane produce bad water? A crack…better to find out in Honolulu than half-way across the Pacific.
The plan is to cruise up the west coast of Japan and be in Hokkaido by the end of May. Once in Hokkaido we will look for a weather window to run to Attu in the Aleutians. From there we explore the Aleutian Islands and cruise Prince William Sound., South East Alaska down through BC to Seattle.
Crewing with us will be Celeste Mausolf, Sam Landsman as co-captain , and Clay Hutchinson from the Kaneohe Yacht Club here on Oahu. Clay crewed in 2019 on the Hawaii to Unalaska island run and again on the 2019 Seattle to Hawaii voyage.
Clay on the 2019 Seattle to Honolulu run. We hope not to repeat the flooded-swimstep experience!
Advantech/Freeman never could make our hatches waterproof, so we modified them with inflatable gaskets. They will get a good test on the coming trip.
We expect to cover about 14,000nm and plan on Starr being back in Hawaii late October.
This passage will be significantly different because we have Starlink satellite system and we hope to be on line through most of the voyage.
Out with the old (Seatel satellite TV) and in with the new (Starlink)! One of the Starlink antennas is hidden in the old Seatel dome, the other is on the aft deck.
This is a first for me to share the captains’ duties. Sam has been on Starr for the past 9 months and is a great addition to the crew, he is really fun to work with and a whiz in dealing with the ever challenging electronics.
Sam working on replacing a failed seawater fitting
Sam doing some boat yoga
Sam hopes to get some good drone pictures along the way
Celeste has been with us for almost a year and is a great pal for Sharry and has been a nurse for 35 years . She lives on a boat with Joe, her significant other. This will be Celeste’s first ocean passage and I know she will do just fine.
Celeste traveled with us to Seattle.
She learned to drive the dinghy in Hanalei Bay
Celeste and Sharry working out on Starr
We head out tomorrow, Wednesday the 8th, and expect robust easterlies with gusts in the 30’s. You can track our progress by clicking here.
Joseph Alan Wertz
Posted at 18:54h, 07 FebruaryHave FUN Youse kids! TYVM for sharing.
Atle Moe
Posted at 20:28h, 07 FebruarySafe travels and here is to a “boring crossing” which is what we pray for every time we cast off. All the best, Atle from Florida.
Cindy and Dick Metler
Posted at 20:52h, 07 FebruaryHave a wonderful voyage!!! We’ll be following along so keep the blog up to date. And speaking of dates, we’ll hold our breakfast at the Bay rendezvous until you return. We are off to Baja by van on the 20th.
Safe travels
Cindy and Dick
Ginger Marshall
Posted at 21:46h, 07 FebruaryHow exciting, Don & Sharry! Good for you to take life as you get it and continue to make it a thrill! We will be watching you and hold you in our thoughts for a safe journey 🙂
Ginger & Gary, LivLife
michael s. castleton
Posted at 21:54h, 07 FebruaryStarr is a beautiful Vessel. Wish you a safe voyage and Godspeed.
Doug Cole
Posted at 22:43h, 07 FebruaryDon,
Will be eager to follow your progress. Have a wonderful trip.
Doug
Donna J Lee
Posted at 22:57h, 07 FebruaryBon voyage! Thanks for the great post and update.
Joe and Elayne Golberg
Posted at 01:02h, 08 FebruaryBob Voyage Don, Sherri and the Starr crew. We send our love and wishes for a pleasant and safe passage.
Joe and Elayne Golberg
Posted at 01:02h, 08 FebruaryOops, Bon Voyage!
Mike Gaylord
Posted at 01:11h, 08 FebruarySmooth seas…
Judy Vandever
Posted at 01:15h, 08 FebruaryHave a great journey! You deserve it.
Duke
Posted at 03:48h, 08 FebruaryTruly the best news! Fair winds and following please! We will watch. We have good ideas for Hokkaido. Luv ya, Duke
mike harrington
Posted at 04:27h, 08 FebruaryHave a great trip!
Lori Lloyd
Posted at 05:27h, 08 FebruaryAloha ’oe Don and Sharry, until we meet again have a safe and happy voyage! XXOO Lori
Jan and Tom White
Posted at 16:46h, 08 FebruaryCheers to both of you and your crew. We wish Sharry a wonderful trip.
Dave Heaps
Posted at 21:59h, 08 FebruaryMayfair skies and smooth seas be the major part of your voyage. It is great to see you continue for the time being the many great passages of star. Bon voyage. Dave and Sharon Heaps.
Paul Fredrickson
Posted at 22:00h, 08 FebruarySafe passage, go with God and thank you for your friendship
John Douglas
Posted at 22:18h, 08 FebruaryHi Don Hi Sharry!
Japan!
Hurrah and Bon Voyage!
Rendezvous in Southeast Alaska!
All the best my friends.
John
Hal Wyman
Posted at 01:36h, 09 FebruaryBon Voyage, you all.
Douglas MacQuarrie
Posted at 03:39h, 09 FebruaryPutting the intention out there that, That this trip, is beyond your expectations… 🙏
Steve James
Posted at 13:31h, 09 FebruaryDon and Sharry, have a great cruise and know you remain an inspiration.
Peter Powell
Posted at 16:57h, 09 FebruaryDon,
Once again, I’m living vicariously thru you and Sherry!! Love your stories and pictures! Let me know how the StarLink does!
Peter
Don
Posted at 19:52h, 09 FebruaryWe are 204 nm out and just completed a 1/2 hr FaceTime with Sharry’s doctor. we were dropped once but back on in seconds.
Where is your big cat at this time?.
Don
Bev Desmarais
Posted at 21:27h, 12 FebruaryWow! I didn’t know I had such adventurous cousins! Bev from Vancouver; daughter of Walt Johnson, Son of Anna Alfredia Johnson ,Sister of Olga. We were boaters too but never ocean voyage like this. Just local waters Seattle up to Desolation Sound. I was actually at your wedding and happy you have had a long and wonderful life and here’s to many more!. I will be looking forward to following your Journey. Have a safe and wonderful trip!
Victor Hernandez
Posted at 21:48h, 17 FebruaryWishing you and interesting and no excitement passage. My biggest lesson in life:
Normal Excellent.
Boring Good.
Excitement BAD!
Dean
Posted at 02:07h, 18 FebruaryThanks for taking us along with you