2002 Japan Tasar Nationals     (link to pictures)

Inage, near Tokyo.
2002/11/02-03

It is a long way from Holland to join the Japanese Tasar National
championships.  It is worth the effort. Here is why:

After travelling for more than 15 hours, it is very nice to be met at the airport by Noriko Tanaka. From there, she took me to the race area. I arrived a day early, hoping to be able to explore the sailing area. Unfortunately, there was very little wind and a lot of rain. Not really the kind of weather to go out sailing for fun. The forecast was for a dry weekend, with winds increasing as the day progressed.

On Saturday as more and more boats arrived from all corners of Japan, it was nice to see all my friends again after a long time. A lot of new faces were present, which makes the championships more interesting as you do not know these new opponents. After meeting my crew and boat owner, we started rigging our boat and went out to wait for the wind to increase to a sailable strength. After a long wait, it finally settled down and we were able to sail two of the three races planned for that day. After race two, the wind dropped and it was no use to stay afloat any longer.

The new sailors in the Japanese Tasar class were fast. They showed interesting skills and I am sure they will most likely attend the worlds next year. I am sure they will do well there.

The evening party was great. All different kinds of food were presented and were eaten with a vigorous appetite we all created on the water. There was plenty food for all of us and it was accompanied by plenty beer all evening long. Fortunately the hotel were most competitors stayed was close to the restaurant. It was not too far to walk back and for sure far safer than driving in our condition. Each fleet presented their competitors and it is great to see the fleets have increased in size. The Tasar clas is developing well in Japan. It surely fills the gap that a lot of sailors are looking for in Japan. The fact that the boat is car toppable is one strong feature in Japan. Just to own a boat trailer is expensive. Travelling on the express ways with a boat trailer makes it even more expensive. It is just one of the many reasons why the class is doing so well over here. I am also happy to see young sailors amongst the newcomers. They are doing well. Most of them have sailed 470 in their university time. As they are no longer able to sail these boats, the Tasar is just the boat they can afford to sail competitively.

Sunday the sun was out in force, the wind was not. We had to wait for a few hours before finally the wind started to fill in. As the afternoon progressed, the wind increased more and more and the last race was sailed in heavy air, making it difficult for some of the competitors to stay upright.
It was also amazing to see that all the Super Grand Master all were still sailing, with only one unable to complete the last race. Their kicker had broken on the run and as a result they capsized. The waves were high, which made it difficult to get the boat to its normal position. After finishing our race, I saw them turned turtle and nothing happened. When passing them on our way home, my crew asked them if they needed help. Yes, they could do with some assistance. I changed with one of them and managed to get the boat up and we sailed the boat back into the harbour.

The prize giving ceremony was attended by all competitors. It is seen as a part of the championships where all competitors are present. After the ceremony some goodies are given away by doing the "Jenken" (paper-scissors-rock) It is fun to do this. After saying goodbye to my friends, hoping to see them all again next year and/or in Victoria.

During the following week I have been busy for my work. The following Sunday a two race handicap series was sailed at Hayama. It is the venue for next year’s championships. It is fantastic to sail with Mt. Fuji at the background. As we all drifted towards the start line, the wind was staying away for a long time. It finally settled and we could start the 96 competitors fleet. At the first mark, George Motoyoshi was the leading Tasar with myself close behind him in 4th and 5th place in the handicap fleet. Of course the faster boats eventually overtook us, but the end result was a 5th place for George and a 9th for myself. As the wind was late, this was the only race sailed for the Zushi Marina cup. The first prize was for a fireball with a ticket to Hawai!!! At the prize giving, again there was plenty food and drink for all of us. There was an increadable amount of prizes to be won by a lottery. The event was sponsored by many companies, giving away all these great prizes, including another ticket to Hawai!!!

During this weekend I was a guest of George Motoyoshi. I spent a lovely time with George and his family, enjoying great meals at their home. The championship weekend was made possible for me to compete by Noriko Tanaka and Sumiko Ishimaru. Aligato for your help in arranging me a crew with a boat. And of course thanks to Kano san for sailing with me during the championships and to Masaya Kobayashi for the Zushi race.

The following Monday it was time for me to leave Japan and return to my normal life of hard work in and around the port of Rotterdam. It is cold and miserable over here. Japan is a great place to sail races. It is a pity it is so far away for me...

Constantine Udo
Tasar 298 in Holland.

Posted 2002-12-19

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