At 76 years old, Minoru Saito has sailed solo around the world seven times and is about to complete his eighth.
What makes this one even more challenging is that he's doing it the "wrong" way.
Minoru Saito takes a break at Keehi Boat Harbor from a trip that began in Yokohama, Japan, in October 2008. It's a much needed one as his 56-foot steel hulled sailboat is in dire need of repairs.
"This boat big problem, many problem," said Saito.
The water pump in the main engine isn't working so it overheats. The main sail is ripped in a couple of places. It's a trip that's been loaded with problems from the start because instead of heading east, Saito went the opposite way. Heading west means he's going against prevailing winds, currents and the waves.
"This time always against wind against current, big waves coming and this boat many times knocked down," he said.
Only a few sailors have successfully circumnavigated the world using that route. Some have described the challenge as climbing Mount Everest without using extra oxygen. Saito is already recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest person to sail around the world non-stop. He did it five years ago when he was 71. When he gets back to Yokohama in about four weeks, he'll likely be the oldest person to sail solo around the world. But he'll need to hurry.
"Because probably starting typhoon season next month okay?" he said. "Therefore have to go back to Japan before typhoon coming."
Saito is obviously very comfortable out at sea. But there are a few things that he really misses from home.
"Hot springs, ofuro bathroom and a nice tempura, sashimi," he said.
Saito says this will likely be his last trip around the world.
