Hokko / Tannowa host the 2014 Kansai Airport to Hokko Marina Double Handed yacht race. I first sailed this race in 2008. That year I was racing aboard “Spindrift” a Takai 301 monohull. At the end of the race all finishers were given a brass plaque to commemorate completion of the race and that brass plaque still holds an important place in my yacht racing memorabilia.
This year is the 9th running of the race and I am pleased to be available to join in. On this occasion I will venture out together with a young fellow named Noda and we will be racing aboard “Roschana”a 40 foot Adams 11.9 Mod.
It will be very interesting to see how many applicants sign up this year to support this Double Handed Yacht Race. The major sponsor Maruraku has offered some very tempting prize money to those who take winner positions. Here in Japan the offer of prize money is very rare and to the best of my knowledge this is the only Double Handed yacht race with such prizes.
It is also pleasing to see that the Hokko Yacht Club is taking this opportunity to announce the running of the next Melbourne to Osaka race. Well done to all the organisers. Many Thanks indeed.
Mark Smith.