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8 December 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

This morning mariner Tomoki Tomo Oku from 日本航海協会 Nippon Voyaging Association that I'd met yesterday texted me: "Christian, you will be passing my house on the way to Nobeoka. Why don't you stop by to talk navigation"?

That was too good an offer to pass up and two hours later I was at Tomo's where we crawled over charts spread across the floor.

He also introduced me to the Japanese equivalent of Navionics called "new pec smart", which has all the detail needed for a small craft.

Finally he invited me to a Line group (Line is kinda the Japanese Facebook) for yachtsmen in Japan and through that I can obtain detailed charts of each port along our route, big and small.

Fantastic! This time yesterday I had no clue how to solve the Japanese navigation aid challenge, and now I've got more info and connections than I could have ever hoped for 👍🙏😎😃.

Tomo also took me to see a work in progress dug out canoe he has been working on for a long time. "With time, anything is possible", he said with a smile, padding the huge log gently with his hand. The log itself is driftwood, probably from Thailand or Malaysia.

Then we went to have a look at two local marinas and he introduced me to his friend who runs a successful fish processing factory, i.e. he knows all the fishermen. Another great contact. For safety reasons it's good to know the fishermen 😉.

Then off to Nobeoka to meet Honma Shuji. We went to call on the Secretary General of the Nobeoka Xu Fu Association, Mr. Mori who owns a kimono tailor shop and Mr Mori Yami, Secretary of the Xu Fu Association.

Together we went to see the Xu Fu site at the foot of a small mountain, that used to be right on the sea, but now is about 2km inland due to land reclamation.

Then off to the city hall to meet with the tourist and promotion board. The city hall had even arranged for an English interpreter, Naomi Sato-Jung from the International Exchange Promotion Office, who did a great job translating. Local diver Tatsuei Takasashi had also been invited as well as Xu Fu tea grower Kouzou Kamenaga. We were 11 in total.

Great meeting, where we discussed cooperation and how to leverage media exposure for our common benefit.

After the meeting Xu Fu Association Secretary General Mr. Mori treated Honma-san and me to dinner, where we had sashimi and beer. A great end to a great day full of progress 👍.

Can't wait to get back here next year 🙃

#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchina
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This morning mariner Tomoki Tomo Oku from 日本航海協会 Nippon Voyaging Association that Id met yesterday texted me: Christian, you will be passing my house on the way to Nobeoka. Why dont you stop by to talk navigation?That was too good an offer to pass up and two hours later I was at Tomos where we crawled over charts spread across the floor.He also introduced me to the Japanese equivalent of Navionics called new pec smart, which has all the detail needed for a small craft.Finally he invited me to a Line group (Line is kinda the Japanese Facebook) for yachtsmen in Japan and through that I can obtain detailed charts of each port along our route, big and small.Fantastic! This time yesterday I had no clue how to solve the Japanese navigation aid challenge, and now Ive got more info and connections than I could have ever hoped for 👍🙏😎😃.Tomo also took me to see a work in progress dug out canoe he has been working on for a long time. With time, anything is possible, he said with a smile, padding the huge log gently with his hand. The log itself is driftwood, probably from Thailand or Malaysia.Then we went to have a look at two local marinas and he introduced me to his friend who runs a successful fish processing factory, i.e. he knows all the fishermen. Another great contact. For safety reasons its good to know the fishermen 😉.Then off to Nobeoka to meet Honma Shuji. We went to call on the Secretary General of the Nobeoka Xu Fu Association, Mr. Mori who owns a kimono tailor shop and Mr Mori Yami, Secretary of the Xu Fu Association.Together we went to see the Xu Fu site at the foot of a small mountain, that used to be right on the sea, but now is about 2km inland due to land reclamation.Then off to the city hall to meet with the tourist and promotion board. The city hall had even arranged for  an English interpreter, Naomi Sato-Jung from the International Exchange Promotion Office, who did a great job translating. Local diver Tatsuei Takasashi had also been invited as well as Xu Fu tea grower Kouzou Kamenaga. We were 11 in total.Great meeting, where we discussed cooperation and how to leverage media exposure for our common benefit.After the meeting Xu Fu Association Secretary General Mr. Mori treated Honma-san and me to dinner, where we had sashimi and beer. A great end to a great day full of progress 👍.Cant wait to get back here next year 🙃#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchinaImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Great cooperation and interest!

Such a lovely energy here 🫶

7 December 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

Today I met up with Honma-san for the first time. He is a TV documentary producer and a key Xu Fu contact. Like me, he's been interested in Xu Fu since 2000.

He showed me the proposed Xu Fu sight in Miyazaki. The connection is very low. It is based on Daoism where Xu Fu is referred to as 方士 and since there is a place in Miyazaki called 芳士 (same, except the grass radical on top), then someone suggested that Xu Fu must have visited Miyazaki.

Not a very convincing argument, and not widely supported by Xu Fu researchers. Miyazaki is not going to be one of our official stops on the row.

We the spent some time discussing media coverage in Japan and making brainstormed ideas for making a documentary about the row.

In the evening Honma-san had arranged an open evening at a Cafe in town. Four people showed up. One person in particular had a lot of helpful expertise and knowledge.

Tomoki OKU is President of the Nippon Voyaging Association and knows yachtsmen up and down the country. He has also done a coastal trip in Japan in an Polynesien outrigger, sailed on the Hawaiian traditional catemarsn "Hokule'a", skippered the Japanese training tall ship "Nippon Maru" and he is working as a pilot locally.

Super guy to have met, who can help with contracts to potential Japanese rowers and he knows the local waters like the back of his hand 👌👍

#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchina
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Today I met up with Honma-san for the first time. He is a TV documentary producer and a key Xu Fu contact. Like me, hes been interested in Xu Fu since 2000.He showed me the proposed Xu Fu sight in Miyazaki. The connection is very low. It is based on Daoism where Xu Fu is referred to as 方士 and since there is a place in Miyazaki called 芳士 (same, except the grass radical on top), then someone suggested that Xu Fu must have visited Miyazaki.Not a very convincing argument, and not widely supported by Xu Fu researchers. Miyazaki is not going to be one of our official stops on the row.We the spent some time discussing media coverage in Japan and making brainstormed ideas for making a documentary about the row.In the evening Honma-san had arranged an open evening at a Cafe in town. Four people showed up. One person in particular had a lot of helpful expertise and knowledge.Tomoki OKU is President of the Nippon Voyaging Association and knows yachtsmen up and down the country. He has also done a coastal trip in Japan in an Polynesien outrigger, sailed on the Hawaiian traditional catemarsn Hokulea, skippered the Japanese training tall ship Nippon Maru and he is working as a pilot locally.Super guy to have met, who can help with contracts to potential Japanese rowers and he knows the local waters like the back of his hand 👌👍#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchinaImage attachmentImage attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

You are incredible. I am rooting for you and this rowing journey!

It was great to meet you! I wish you success in your adventure.

7 December 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

As part of my road trip I've also been able to check out my Navionics navigational chart.

I think I need something better.

The good thing is that there are a lot more harbours that what Navionics thinks. In the end Google Maps with satellite view seems the best.

#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchina
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As part of my road trip Ive also been able to check out my Navionics navigational chart.I think I need something better.The good thing is that there are a lot more harbours that what Navionics thinks. In the end Google Maps with satellite view seems the best.#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchinaImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Interesting

Trouble is that like most electronic charts they are 'drawn' from surveys by the local authority. In much of Asia, because of the low leisure boat usage the charts have the detail required for commercial shipping only. I found this when I helped Navionics source China charts for the Navionics software back in he early 2000's. They lacked the fine detail vessels of a deeper draft wouldn't require> Way different from the west where there are large number of much shallower draft leisure vessels which would need the 'in close' details. I confirmed this by comparing the paper charts of "The Navigation Guarantee Department of the People's Liberation Navy" with what I could actually see when, for example, looking at some of the coastline of the Zhoushan Islands. Navionics (or C-Map for that matter) to not do the surveying themselves and this is no different for either Vector or Raster electronic charts.

Retracing Chinese visits to America pre-Columbus

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8 December 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

This morning mariner Tomoki Tomo Oku from 日本航海協会 Nippon Voyaging Association that I'd met yesterday texted me: "Christian, you will be passing my house on the way to Nobeoka. Why don't you stop by to talk navigation"?

That was too good an offer to pass up and two hours later I was at Tomo's where we crawled over charts spread across the floor.

He also introduced me to the Japanese equivalent of Navionics called "new pec smart", which has all the detail needed for a small craft.

Finally he invited me to a Line group (Line is kinda the Japanese Facebook) for yachtsmen in Japan and through that I can obtain detailed charts of each port along our route, big and small.

Fantastic! This time yesterday I had no clue how to solve the Japanese navigation aid challenge, and now I've got more info and connections than I could have ever hoped for 👍🙏😎😃.

Tomo also took me to see a work in progress dug out canoe he has been working on for a long time. "With time, anything is possible", he said with a smile, padding the huge log gently with his hand. The log itself is driftwood, probably from Thailand or Malaysia.

Then we went to have a look at two local marinas and he introduced me to his friend who runs a successful fish processing factory, i.e. he knows all the fishermen. Another great contact. For safety reasons it's good to know the fishermen 😉.

Then off to Nobeoka to meet Honma Shuji. We went to call on the Secretary General of the Nobeoka Xu Fu Association, Mr. Mori who owns a kimono tailor shop and Mr Mori Yami, Secretary of the Xu Fu Association.

Together we went to see the Xu Fu site at the foot of a small mountain, that used to be right on the sea, but now is about 2km inland due to land reclamation.

Then off to the city hall to meet with the tourist and promotion board. The city hall had even arranged for an English interpreter, Naomi Sato-Jung from the International Exchange Promotion Office, who did a great job translating. Local diver Tatsuei Takasashi had also been invited as well as Xu Fu tea grower Kouzou Kamenaga. We were 11 in total.

Great meeting, where we discussed cooperation and how to leverage media exposure for our common benefit.

After the meeting Xu Fu Association Secretary General Mr. Mori treated Honma-san and me to dinner, where we had sashimi and beer. A great end to a great day full of progress 👍.

Can't wait to get back here next year 🙃

#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchina
... See MoreSee Less

This morning mariner Tomoki Tomo Oku from 日本航海協会 Nippon Voyaging Association that Id met yesterday texted me: Christian, you will be passing my house on the way to Nobeoka. Why dont you stop by to talk navigation?That was too good an offer to pass up and two hours later I was at Tomos where we crawled over charts spread across the floor.He also introduced me to the Japanese equivalent of Navionics called new pec smart, which has all the detail needed for a small craft.Finally he invited me to a Line group (Line is kinda the Japanese Facebook) for yachtsmen in Japan and through that I can obtain detailed charts of each port along our route, big and small.Fantastic! This time yesterday I had no clue how to solve the Japanese navigation aid challenge, and now Ive got more info and connections than I could have ever hoped for 👍🙏😎😃.Tomo also took me to see a work in progress dug out canoe he has been working on for a long time. With time, anything is possible, he said with a smile, padding the huge log gently with his hand. The log itself is driftwood, probably from Thailand or Malaysia.Then we went to have a look at two local marinas and he introduced me to his friend who runs a successful fish processing factory, i.e. he knows all the fishermen. Another great contact. For safety reasons its good to know the fishermen 😉.Then off to Nobeoka to meet Honma Shuji. We went to call on the Secretary General of the Nobeoka Xu Fu Association, Mr. Mori who owns a kimono tailor shop and Mr Mori Yami, Secretary of the Xu Fu Association.Together we went to see the Xu Fu site at the foot of a small mountain, that used to be right on the sea, but now is about 2km inland due to land reclamation.Then off to the city hall to meet with the tourist and promotion board. The city hall had even arranged for  an English interpreter, Naomi Sato-Jung from the International Exchange Promotion Office, who did a great job translating. Local diver Tatsuei Takasashi had also been invited as well as Xu Fu tea grower Kouzou Kamenaga. We were 11 in total.Great meeting, where we discussed cooperation and how to leverage media exposure for our common benefit.After the meeting Xu Fu Association Secretary General Mr. Mori treated Honma-san and me to dinner, where we had sashimi and beer. A great end to a great day full of progress 👍.Cant wait to get back here next year 🙃#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchinaImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Great cooperation and interest!

Such a lovely energy here 🫶

7 December 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

Today I met up with Honma-san for the first time. He is a TV documentary producer and a key Xu Fu contact. Like me, he's been interested in Xu Fu since 2000.

He showed me the proposed Xu Fu sight in Miyazaki. The connection is very low. It is based on Daoism where Xu Fu is referred to as 方士 and since there is a place in Miyazaki called 芳士 (same, except the grass radical on top), then someone suggested that Xu Fu must have visited Miyazaki.

Not a very convincing argument, and not widely supported by Xu Fu researchers. Miyazaki is not going to be one of our official stops on the row.

We the spent some time discussing media coverage in Japan and making brainstormed ideas for making a documentary about the row.

In the evening Honma-san had arranged an open evening at a Cafe in town. Four people showed up. One person in particular had a lot of helpful expertise and knowledge.

Tomoki OKU is President of the Nippon Voyaging Association and knows yachtsmen up and down the country. He has also done a coastal trip in Japan in an Polynesien outrigger, sailed on the Hawaiian traditional catemarsn "Hokule'a", skippered the Japanese training tall ship "Nippon Maru" and he is working as a pilot locally.

Super guy to have met, who can help with contracts to potential Japanese rowers and he knows the local waters like the back of his hand 👌👍

#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchina
... See MoreSee Less

Today I met up with Honma-san for the first time. He is a TV documentary producer and a key Xu Fu contact. Like me, hes been interested in Xu Fu since 2000.He showed me the proposed Xu Fu sight in Miyazaki. The connection is very low. It is based on Daoism where Xu Fu is referred to as 方士 and since there is a place in Miyazaki called 芳士 (same, except the grass radical on top), then someone suggested that Xu Fu must have visited Miyazaki.Not a very convincing argument, and not widely supported by Xu Fu researchers. Miyazaki is not going to be one of our official stops on the row.We the spent some time discussing media coverage in Japan and making brainstormed ideas for making a documentary about the row.In the evening Honma-san had arranged an open evening at a Cafe in town. Four people showed up. One person in particular had a lot of helpful expertise and knowledge.Tomoki OKU is President of the Nippon Voyaging Association and knows yachtsmen up and down the country. He has also done a coastal trip in Japan in an Polynesien outrigger, sailed on the Hawaiian traditional catemarsn Hokulea, skippered the Japanese training tall ship Nippon Maru and he is working as a pilot locally.Super guy to have met, who can help with contracts to potential Japanese rowers and he knows the local waters like the back of his hand 👌👍#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchinaImage attachmentImage attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

You are incredible. I am rooting for you and this rowing journey!

It was great to meet you! I wish you success in your adventure.

7 December 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

As part of my road trip I've also been able to check out my Navionics navigational chart.

I think I need something better.

The good thing is that there are a lot more harbours that what Navionics thinks. In the end Google Maps with satellite view seems the best.

#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchina
... See MoreSee Less

As part of my road trip Ive also been able to check out my Navionics navigational chart.I think I need something better.The good thing is that there are a lot more harbours that what Navionics thinks. In the end Google Maps with satellite view seems the best.#chinesevikings #xufu #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #anythingispossible #crossculture #yantuproject #chinesehistory #oceanrowing #explorersclub #engagewithchinaImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Interesting

Trouble is that like most electronic charts they are 'drawn' from surveys by the local authority. In much of Asia, because of the low leisure boat usage the charts have the detail required for commercial shipping only. I found this when I helped Navionics source China charts for the Navionics software back in he early 2000's. They lacked the fine detail vessels of a deeper draft wouldn't require> Way different from the west where there are large number of much shallower draft leisure vessels which would need the 'in close' details. I confirmed this by comparing the paper charts of "The Navigation Guarantee Department of the People's Liberation Navy" with what I could actually see when, for example, looking at some of the coastline of the Zhoushan Islands. Navionics (or C-Map for that matter) to not do the surveying themselves and this is no different for either Vector or Raster electronic charts.

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Stage 1 - China to Japan - The New Xu Fu Voyage East
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PROJECT DELAYED UNTIL 2024 😕

The New Xu Fu Project East.

We should have left China for Korea yesterday, but we did not manage to get permission to row out of China despite our best efforts and lots of first rate support from various embassies and individuals.

We needed a special permit to row out of China, as China is not open to international yachting, but current China-Korea-Japan relations made our request too difficult 🤷‍♂️.

We will now spend the rest of 2023 to see if we can get a firm commitment that we can leave in May 2024.

If we are unable to obtain this commitment before the end of the year, we will put the boat in a container early next year and ship it to Korea or Japan and start the voyage from there instead.

This will dilute the significance of the row, but at least we get under way and will be able to fundraiser for a project, which we can guarantee will happen 👍.

I am dissapointed, but not surprised.

We want to do something, which has not been done in China before, so of course all parties need time to evaluate and digest the whole thing. Hopefully, by year end, we will have a breakthrough 🙏🤞.

Meanwhile, we are investigating what we can row domestically in China this year. It would be nice to do some kind of a row this year.

The boat "Yantu 2" has been put in storage with Sun Haibin's friend in Zhoushan.

#xufudongdu
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1 April 2023
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

NEW XU FU VOYAGE EAST

I had the pleasure of spending a great evening with Zhai Mo ( 翟墨 ) who is the first and only Mainland Chinese to have commenced/finished a circumnavigation in Mainland China. He did it single-handed out of Rizhao👍. Single-handed or not, not many Mainland Chinese have sailed around the world, so to meet Zhai Mo was a real privilege🙃. He lives on his 80ft aluminum ketch currently moored at the Bund in Shanghai. First sailing yacht I've seen with a real bathtop 🛁

Apart from swapping adventure stories, scheeming about adventures we can cooperate on, and drinking far too much baijiu (a very strong Chinese liquor somewhat similar to the Danish snaps, but on speed) we also discussed the issue of Sun Haibin and me getting the permit to row out of China 27 May.

Zhao Mi can leave China and come back on his private yacht, but it wasn't easy for him to get to that, either.

Read more about Zhai Mo's latest voyage along then Northwest Passage: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/…

#徐福 #Xufu #yantuproject #FuSang #扶桑 #合作可以更多 #ANYTHINGISPOSSIBLE #TogetherWeAchieveMore #crosscultural #adventure #engagewithchina #xufudongdu
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NEW XU FU VOYAGE EASTI had the pleasure of spending a great evening with Zhai Mo ( 翟墨 ) who is the first and only Mainland Chinese to have commenced/finished a circumnavigation in Mainland China. He did it single-handed out of Rizhao👍. Single-handed or not, not many Mainland Chinese have sailed around the world, so to meet Zhai Mo was a real privilege🙃. He lives on his 80ft aluminum ketch currently moored at the Bund in Shanghai. First sailing yacht Ive seen with a real bathtop 🛁Apart from swapping adventure stories, scheeming about adventures we can cooperate on, and drinking far too much baijiu (a very strong Chinese liquor somewhat similar to the Danish snaps, but on speed) we also discussed the issue of Sun Haibin and me getting the permit to row out of China 27 May.Zhao Mi can leave China and come back on his private yacht, but it wasnt easy for him to get to that, either.Read more about Zhai Mos latest voyage along then Northwest Passage: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2022/07/25/for-chinese-navigator--a-sort-of-homecoming#徐福 #Xufu #yantuproject #FuSang #扶桑 #合作可以更多 #ANYTHINGISPOSSIBLE #TogetherWeAchieveMore #crosscultural #adventure #engagewithchina #xufudongduImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

I suppose, not tobe outdone, you are going to try and outfit Yantu with a bathtub.😁

Great stories and best of luck regarding permits.

80"😲😲

13 November 2022
Christian Havrehed - Yantu Project

DID THE CHINESE, LIKE THE VIKINGS, VISIT AMERICA PRE-COLUMBUS : RESEARCH TRIP JAPAN

I'm sitting on airside in Narita airport waiting to board my flight for Hong Kong where I have a number of meeting about the 2023 China-Korea-Japan row following in the wake of XuFu, the sorcerer who was sent by the First Emperor of China in 210BC to retrieve the elixir of immortality from the Gods in the Eastern Seas.

I've had a fantastic 14 days in Japan, travelling the length of the country and meeting lots of interesting people, laymen, artists and academics alike, associated with XuFu and the Ainu.

The trip has yielded more knowledge and relationships than I ever deared hope for, and this is due to the huge help from Kaori Uchiyama and Yousuke without whom I would only have been able to do 20% of what we've achieved. So a huge thank you 🙏🙏🙏

I've got a ton of research to digest and relationships to develop both for next year's row as well as the following years when we continue from Hokkaido to Kamchatka and on to Alaska.

Throughout the trip I've met with overwhelming interest in the project and people have got really fired up about it.

We now need to translate these relationships into letters of support for the row that we can use to support our application to get permission to depart from China by rowing boat. China is not open for private international recreational yachting (and rowing boats), so it's difficult both to ship the rowboat to China and get permission to leave by sea in it.

But if this (and previous) projects have taught me anything then it is : Anything is possible! 加油 💪

#徐福东渡 #yantuproject #jofuku #徐福 #Seobok #TogetherWeAchieveMore #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #Adventure #FuSang #Xufu #china #history
#xufudongdu
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DID THE CHINESE, LIKE THE VIKINGS, VISIT AMERICA PRE-COLUMBUS : RESEARCH TRIP JAPANIm sitting on airside in Narita airport waiting to board my flight for Hong Kong where I have a number of meeting about the 2023 China-Korea-Japan row following in the wake of XuFu, the sorcerer who was sent by the First Emperor of China in 210BC to retrieve the elixir of immortality from the Gods in the Eastern Seas.Ive had a fantastic 14 days in Japan, travelling the length of the country and meeting lots of interesting people, laymen, artists and academics alike, associated with XuFu and the Ainu.The trip has yielded more knowledge and relationships than I ever deared hope for, and this is due to the huge help from Kaori Uchiyama and Yousuke without whom I would only have been able to do 20% of what weve achieved. So a huge thank you 🙏🙏🙏Ive got a ton of research to digest and relationships to develop both for next years row as well as the following years when we continue from Hokkaido to Kamchatka and on  to Alaska.Throughout the trip Ive met with overwhelming interest in the project and people have got really fired up about it.We now need to translate these relationships into letters of support for the row that we can use to support our application to get permission to depart from China by rowing boat. China is not open for private international recreational yachting (and rowing boats), so its difficult both to ship the rowboat to China and get permission to leave by sea in it.But if this (and previous) projects have taught me anything then it is : Anything is possible! 加油 💪#徐福东渡 #yantuproject #jofuku #徐福 #Seobok #TogetherWeAchieveMore #chineseinamericaprecolumbus #Adventure #FuSang #Xufu #china #history
#xufudongduImage attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

There are ’sturgeon-nose canoes’ of indigenous design that are only found in eastern Russia-China (Amur River / HeiLong Jiang) and British Columbia Canada and Western Washington State USA, giving credence to Bering Strait landbridge communication between Asia and NorAm during the last ice age.The DNA analysis doesn’t tend to support pre-Columbian nautical contact does it?

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Past Projects

Global Canal Rowing Action

1 of 100 global rows in support of climate action, presented at COP27, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

UN Goals 6 12 13 17
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ROW ROUND DENMARK FOR CLEAN SEAS at COP28 - Climate Change Conference - Dubai

The Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas finished two months ago. It took Lars Gabe and me 35 days to cover the 1,256km distance and achieve a "world first" of rowing around Denmark in a rowboat. Along the way we worked with different local environmental NGOs and arranged 9 beach clean ups, where we together with 136 volunteers removed 899kg of trash from Denmark’s beaches and harbours. We also gave lectures about the importance of clean seas to close to 500 people.

After Sun Haibin and I became the first individuals from China and Denmark to row across the Atlantic in 2001, we published a book in China with a quote from Wang Shi 王石, fellow adventurer and Chairman of Vanke, on the back cover: 一次对生命之力的感知和阅读。面对生命之舟,前行是我们的选择 (Reflections on a unique encounter with the forces of life. Confronted with life’s boat [journey], moving forward is our choice).

Who could have guessed that 20 years later, at COP28 in Glasgow, Wang Shi would launch his Deep Dive Global Canal Rowing Action initiative, with the goal of rowing 100 canals around the globe to raise awareness about the importance of Zero Carbon, Zero Waste and Clean Water? And what are the chances that he would be rowing the Kieler Kanal at the end of June at the same time we started our row around Denmark and that we as a result would get back in touch?

A few days ago, using the boat from our row round Denmark, I rowed the canals of Copenhagen Harbour together with Peng Li, a representative of Wang Shi, and Zheng Wen, the Director of the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen row will now become one of the 100 canal rows, to be featured at COP27 in El-Sheikh. Pretty cool 😉

A fitting end to the Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas project, which had originally also been conceptualised to promote Sino-Danish understanding by me rowing again with Sun Haibin, but since COVID prevented him from coming to Denmark, this part of the project was unfulfilled. Until now.

Ensuring earth remains liveable for future generations is paramount and can only be achieved by working togehter. We have plenty of tools at our disposal to seek common ground and make positive differences. ESG Investing and the EU Taxonomy will increasingly force companies to align with UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The extent to which companies undertake actual CSR initiatives or merely fill out ESG reporting templates will decide the level of Greenwashing that takes place and the fate of our planet. If you are interested in initiating actual CSR initiatives and could use some inspiration, at a hands-on and/or strategic level, feel free to get in touch.

Like and follow this page to stay updated on the next adventure: Did the Chinese, like the Vikings, visit America before Columbus? And please share this page if you like the stuff I am doing.

Thank you all for helping make Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas a success 🙂

Christian Havrehed

#rowrounddenmarkforcleanseas #TogetherWeAchieveMore #合作可以更多 #LifeBelowWater #PartnershipsForTheGoals #anythingispossible Engage with China #InternationalUnderstanding #yantuproject
UN Sustainable Development Platform
Vadehavssmedjen Tønder Roklub Ren Strand Fanø Esbjerg Roklub Strandet Westwind Surfshop Klitmøller Hanstholm Havn Frederikshavn Roklub Visit Læsø Aalborg Dame Roklub REN Grenaa Grenaa Roklub Egå Rosport Os Om Havet Helsingør Roklub Nordic Ocean Watch Denmark Danske Studenters Roklub Rudbjerg Forenede Boldklub Nakskov Roklub Folkebevægelsen mod affald i naturen Sønderborg Roklub Kollund Roklub Aabenraa Ro- og kajakklub Slesvig Roklub Klintholm Havn, Storstrom, Denmark VIKING Life-Saving Equipment TotalEnergies Lauritzen Fonden Dansk Forening for Rosport Roinfo.dk Havmiljøvogter Levende Hav Havkajakroerne Dråben i havet - Gør en forskel Ocean Rowing Society Rendsburger Ruderverein e.V. Atlantic Pacific: Lifeboats where there are none Tøndermarsken #globalcanalrowcph
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ROW ROUND DENMARK FOR CLEAN SEAS at COP28 - Climate Change Conference - DubaiThe Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas finished two months ago. It took Lars Gabe and me 35 days to cover the 1,256km distance and achieve a world first of rowing around Denmark in a rowboat. Along the way we worked with different local environmental NGOs and arranged 9 beach clean ups, where we together with 136 volunteers removed 899kg of trash from Denmark’s beaches and harbours. We also gave lectures about the importance of clean seas to close to 500 people.After Sun Haibin and I became the first individuals from China and Denmark to row across the Atlantic in 2001, we published a book in China with a quote from Wang Shi 王石, fellow adventurer and Chairman of Vanke, on the back cover: 一次对生命之力的感知和阅读。面对生命之舟,前行是我们的选择 (Reflections on a unique encounter with the forces of life. Confronted with life’s boat [journey], moving forward is our choice).Who could have guessed that 20 years later, at COP28 in Glasgow, Wang Shi would launch his Deep Dive Global Canal Rowing Action initiative, with the goal of rowing 100 canals around the globe to raise awareness about the importance of Zero Carbon, Zero Waste and Clean Water? And what are the chances that he would be rowing the Kieler Kanal at the end of June at the same time we started our row around Denmark and that we as a result would get back in touch?A few days ago, using the boat from our row round Denmark, I rowed the canals of Copenhagen Harbour together with Peng Li, a representative of Wang Shi, and Zheng Wen, the Director of the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen. The Copenhagen row will now become one of the 100 canal rows, to be featured at COP27 in El-Sheikh. Pretty cool ;-)A fitting end to the Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas project, which had originally also been conceptualised to promote Sino-Danish understanding by me rowing again with Sun Haibin, but since COVID prevented him from coming to Denmark, this part of the project was unfulfilled. Until now.Ensuring earth remains liveable for future generations is paramount and can only be achieved by working togehter. We have plenty of tools at our disposal to seek common ground and make positive differences. ESG Investing and the EU Taxonomy will increasingly force companies to align with UNs Sustainable Development Goals. The extent to which companies undertake actual CSR initiatives or merely fill out ESG reporting templates will decide the level of Greenwashing that takes place and the fate of our planet. If you are interested in initiating actual CSR initiatives and could use some inspiration, at a hands-on and/or strategic level, feel free to get in touch.Like and follow this page to stay updated on the next adventure: Did the Chinese, like the Vikings, visit America before Columbus? And please share this page if you like the stuff I am doing.Thank you all for helping make Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas a success :-)Christian Havrehed#rowrounddenmarkforcleanseas #TogetherWeAchieveMore #合作可以更多 #LifeBelowWater #PartnershipsForTheGoals #anythingispossible Engage with China #InternationalUnderstanding #yantuproject
UN Sustainable Development Platform
Vadehavssmedjen Tønder Roklub Ren Strand Fanø Esbjerg Roklub Strandet Westwind Surfshop Klitmøller Hanstholm Havn Frederikshavn Roklub Visit Læsø Aalborg Dame Roklub REN Grenaa Grenaa Roklub Egå Rosport Os Om Havet Helsingør Roklub Nordic Ocean Watch Denmark Danske Studenters Roklub Rudbjerg Forenede Boldklub Nakskov Roklub Folkebevægelsen mod affald i naturen Sønderborg Roklub Kollund Roklub Aabenraa Ro- og kajakklub Slesvig Roklub Klintholm Havn, Storstrom, Denmark VIKING Life-Saving Equipment TotalEnergies Lauritzen Fonden Dansk Forening for Rosport Roinfo.dk Havmiljøvogter Levende Hav  Havkajakroerne Dråben i havet - Gør en forskel Ocean Rowing Society Rendsburger Ruderverein e.V. Atlantic Pacific: Lifeboats where there are none Tøndermarsken #globalcanalrowcph

ROW ROUND DENMARK FOR CLEAN SEAS, START 27 JUNE

Excellent day yesterday rowing 30km to participate in the dragon boat races in Copenhagen Harbor, put on by Copenhagen Rowing Club and China Cultural Center in Copenhagen. On the way back we rowed past Christiansborg, the Danish Parliament. Great day with lots of people on the water.

Lots of interest in the boat with many people hailing us from shore and boats wanting to know what we are doing, so we need to put "Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas" in Danish aka "Danmark rundt i robåd for et renere hav" on the side of. "Yantu 2" is starting to look sharp 👍🙃

#rowrounddenmarkforcleanseas #danmarkrundtirobådforetrenerehav #yantuproject #TogetherWeAchieveMore #anythingispossible #retracingchinesevisitstoamericaprecolumbus #globalcanalrowcph
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Det ser da ud til at båden flytter sig meget godt Lars Gabe😉

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Row Round Denmark for Clean Seas

Community engagement project to remove a ton of trash from the sea

UN Goals 12 14 17
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Check out the new and unfortunately last interview with the bubble:

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For the graduation ceremony of the cohort of 2021, two of the bubble students, Ninô and Erin wrote a song and made a video collage. ... See MoreSee Less

22 May 2021
The Ranum Bubble for Stranded UWC Students

The Bubble journey has now come to an end. The Bubble graduated from UWC Changshu China and we will now go our own ways and become wonderful adults. These past two years have been very tough for each and every single one of us, we’ve all faced very difficult challenges but It has been an incredible journey and we are extremely thankful for the opportunity that has been given to us. Thank you so much, we hope to see you again soon! ... See MoreSee Less

The Bubble journey has now come to an end. The Bubble graduated from UWC Changshu China and we will now go our own ways and become wonderful adults. These past two years have been very tough for each and every single one of us, we’ve all faced very difficult challenges but It has been an incredible journey and we are extremely thankful for the opportunity that has been given to us. Thank you so much, we hope to see you again soon!Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment

7 CommentsComment on Facebook

Que lindo ver a Sofy obtener su titulo de Bachiller Internacional y cumpliendo el inicio de un gran sueño estudiar en otros paises y felicitarle por aprovechar estagran oportunidad que sus papitos le dieron para ellos tambien muchas felicidades

Me sumo a la alegría que embarga a Uds. como padres y un felicitación sincera a la graduada, el camino a la excelencia apenas ha empezado.

Wow! You made it!!!!! Congrats to all of you

Omar Chamorro un abrazo para tu familia. A Sofi felicitaciones. Llegará mucho más allá es una niña brillante.

Felicitaciones a Sofy por demostrar todas sus grandes capacidades y a los Papitos por apoyar en ese gran sueño. Que viva la Graduada 👏

Bendiciones, éxitos y Felicitaciones a Sofi, igualmente a sus Padres!!! VIVA LA GRADUADA!! 🥂🍾🥂

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Congratulations to the Ranum Bubble for Stranded UWC Students graduates. Well done. You've earned it 💐👍 ... See MoreSee Less

Congratulations to the Ranum Bubble for Stranded UWC Students graduates. Well done. Youve earned it 💐👍Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

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This is incredible! What an amazing effort from all the students and the people who helped them! Mariana Stilwell D'Avillez Arrobas Christian Havrehed

THE LINK TO THE LIVE STREAM

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Transforming "Pito" into "Yantu 2"

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ROW ROUND DENMARK FOR CLEAN SEAS, START 27 JUNE

This weekend we did capsize drills to see whether Yantu 2 is still self righting after I've lowered the aft cabin to reduce windage.

During capsize drill 1 on Saturday Yantu 2 was definitely not self righting. We had not shut the hatch on top of the aft cabin completely, so as soon as she inverted she started taking in water - fast. A complete nightmare to say the least. As the cabin filled she laid lower and lower in the water making it impossible for her to turn back round without the crane. Once we got her right way up and opened the cabin there were about a qubic meter of water in there. Everything was drenched - all the electronics and the batteries were submerged. Some frantic baling took place and we spent the rest of the afternoon drying out the boat and the electronics. Unbelievable the cabinet I'd built for the electrical installation was bone dry inside and the batteries were only half submerged in their well and did not short circuit, so in the end everything worked. But what a close call and yes, we do feel pretty stupid, followed by sincerely grateful that we've not had to pay a high price for our dumb mistake 🙏

Today we did another capsize drill after checking a few hundred times that all the hatches really were firmly shut. This capzise worked well as can be seen in the video. With a little bit of assistance Yantu 2 swung back up beautifully. So a good end to a nightmare beginning.

#rowrounddenmarkforcleanseas
#danmarkrundtirobådforetrenerehav
#yantuproject #TogetherWeAchieveMore #anythingispossible #pitotoyantu2
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ROW ROUND DENMARK FOR CLEAN SEAS, START 27 JUNE

A busy few days with the boat on the hard stand changing stickers, getting the right charts for the plotter, fixing the nav light, and installing the water maker. The water maker can make or break an ocean row. We don't really need it for rowing round Denmark, but it is a nice piece of kit to show people along the way and let them taste the water.

It was a real b**ch to put in, because it's bigger than the hole for the hatch and space is extremely tight in the locker. Took me two full days, most of it looking into the locker thinking "if I do this and this, then..." over and over until everything worked out. And it works! Taste of the water up there with Evian 👍🙃. Now just need to tighten a few slightly leaking connections and we are all good.

Also added 140kg of sand center, down low and shifted ballast around to try and make traction better in cross winds. Kinda works, but it's still an ocean rowing boat and not designed for coastal rowing.

Good thing I lowered the aft cabin to reduce windage, but the big joker now is whether Yantu 2 is still selfrightening, given the air volume in the cabin has been reduced significantly ... Capsize drills coming up...

#rowrounddenmarkforcleanseas
#danmarkrundtirobådforetrenerehav #yantuproject #anythingispossible #TogetherWeAchieveMore #pitotoyantu2
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ROW ROUND DENMARK FOR CLEAN SEAS, START 27 JUNEA busy few days with the boat on the hard stand changing stickers, getting the right charts for the plotter, fixing the nav light, and installing the water maker. The water maker can make or break an ocean row. We dont really need it for rowing round Denmark, but it is a nice piece of kit to show people along the way and let them taste the water.It was a real b**ch to put in, because its bigger than the hole for the hatch and space is extremely tight in the locker. Took me two full days, most of it looking into the locker  thinking if I do this and this, then... over and over until everything worked out. And it works! Taste of the water up there with Evian 👍🙃. Now just need to tighten a few slightly leaking connections and we are all good.Also added 140kg of sand center, down low and shifted ballast around to try and make traction better in cross winds. Kinda works, but its still an ocean rowing boat and not designed for coastal rowing.Good thing I lowered the aft cabin to reduce windage, but the big joker now is whether Yantu 2 is still selfrightening, given the air volume in the cabin has been reduced significantly ... Capsize drills coming up...#rowrounddenmarkforcleanseas
#danmarkrundtirobådforetrenerehav #yantuproject #anythingispossible #TogetherWeAchieveMore #pitotoyantu2Image attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

No April's Fool. Yesterday I went to see how the boat had hybrinated over winter. "Very comfortably", it said. A big thank you to my friends Ettie and Christian for providing storage space for the winter 👍🙏

Reiner Modest, the dealer for Concept 2 in Denmark, came to see me at the boat to take measurements for new oars. Reiner is 72 years old and looks younger than me 😳. He started rowing 61 years ago and is still going strong 💪. He has both rowed and coached at the Olympics several times, so he knows his stuff. I'm very pleased to have such competence help out. I would not have been comfortable doing the measurements by myself.

For me yesterday was a real throwback to Hong Kong in 2001 when I was preparing to row across the Atlantic. Back then Hong Kong National rowing coach Chris Perry helped me get the right oars. He also attempted to teach me rudemental rowing techniques, but after a while he concluded that some challenges are simply too big 😂🤣

The truth is I still cannot row anything that can capsize and my rowing lingo is lacking, but that did not prevent me from rowing an ocean.

Having got the oar measurements done, I drove the boat to a marine electrician where the re-coded AIS will be fitted and the boats new name will become visible. Looking forward 🙃

#pitotoyantu2
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No Aprils Fool. Yesterday I went to see how the boat had hybrinated over winter. Very comfortably, it said. A big thank you to my friends Ettie and Christian for providing storage space for the winter 👍🙏Reiner Modest, the dealer for Concept 2 in Denmark, came to see me at the boat to take measurements for new oars. Reiner is 72 years old and looks younger than me 😳. He started rowing 61 years ago and is still going strong 💪. He has both rowed and coached at the Olympics several times, so he knows his stuff. Im very pleased to have such competence help out. I would not have been comfortable doing the measurements by myself.For me yesterday was a real throwback to Hong Kong in 2001 when I was preparing to row across the Atlantic. Back then Hong Kong National rowing coach Chris Perry helped me get the right oars. He also attempted to teach  me rudemental rowing techniques, but after a while he concluded that some challenges are simply too big 😂🤣The truth is I still cannot row anything that can capsize and my rowing lingo is lacking, but that did not prevent me from rowing an ocean.Having got the oar measurements done, I drove the boat to a marine electrician where the re-coded AIS will be fitted and the boats new name will become visible. Looking forward 🙃#pitotoyantu2Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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Reverse Viking row for Mental Health

England to Denmark row with UK Marines in support of students’ mental health during COVID lockdowns

UN Goals 3 4 17
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Swim-Run-Swim to get a Lifeboat

880 km coast to coast solo run in the Pyrenees to fundraise a lifeboat for Mozambique

UN Goals 4 8 17
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Exploring China by Sailboat

… to make documentaries for Danish TV

Sustainability-4-17

Trans-Atlantic Row with Chinese ex-Soldier

5,084 km ocean row to test the limits of Sino-Western cross-cultural cooperation and fundraise for Chinese students

UN Goals 4 10 17