Japanese man, 83, oldest to sail solo non-stop across Pacific Ocean

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kenichi Horie, dubbed “Japan’s most famous yachtsman”, has become the oldest person in the world to complete a solo, non-stop voyage across the Pacific Ocean, aged 83. His journey began at a yacht harbour in San Francisco on 27 March and Mr Horie returned home on Saturday as he crossed the Kii Strait off Japan’s western coast at around 2.39am local time – completing his journey in 69 days. Bowing deeply and acepting bouquets of roses, Mr Horie said: “Thank you for waiting!” This is not the first time Mr Horie has successfully completed a solo nonstop voyage across the world’s largest ocean. Describing the arduous journey, he said he “burned all my body and soul” to complete the voyage but that he’s ready for more, adding, “I will keep up my work to be a late bloomer.” Speaking at a news conference at the yacht harbor later on Sunday, Mr Horie called the accomplishment a dream come true.