Minoru Saito

(Shutendohji II – 50’) – 71 year-old who has completed his 7th single-handed circumnavigation . He started solo racing in the 1990-91 BOC Challenge and has been sailing almost continuously in solo world-circling races and voyages ever since. He estimates to have sailed 240,000 miles so far. This year he received the CCA Blue Water Medal for 2006. He has always sailed without sponsorship with a sparsely funded budget and with a long-running heart ailment. While seldom among the winners and sailing an ageing boat, his dogged persistence, cheerful attitude and indomitable spirit have been recognised and praised in yachting circles all over the world.