Yugeshima

Position 34 d 15.464 N 133 d 12.216 E

We had a great party at the Sakaigahama Marina last night.  The local English teacher is part of the rally and she got her students to put on a a show with a song and a play.  The students range from 2 to about 10 years old and put on a great show.  After that a large spread for dinner and some music performances.  The highlight of these was a modern wadaiko group called Garyu from Hiroshima.  They have done a couple of albums and some major tours.  They blend traditional Japanese drums and flute with modern drums and music styles.  All of their actions are well choreographed and is mesmerizing to watch.

This morning we took the long trip of just under 11 nautical miles to Yugeshima, where the local maritime college adopted us, took us to lunch and a tour of their school.  The school has a maritime studies department, but they were doing testing today so the school asked for volunteers from the other departments to act as guides and interpreters.  Very warm welcome.  They are taking us to the local onsen today and of course another party tonight.  Tomorrow they are taking us on the Yuge Maru training ship.

The shrine on Yuge island is right on the beach

All the yachts rafted up in the harbor

Carrying the float for their harvest festival

She is one of the local students, 2nd level black belt in Karate