Tokyo: Masatomo Suzuki, a 40-year-old Japanese offshore sailor, is preparing to compete in the 2028 Vendee Globe, a solo, nonstop, unassisted round-the-world yacht race. If successful, Suzuki will become the second Japanese sailor to complete the prestigious event.

According to Philippines News Agency, Suzuki is set to participate in a solo transatlantic race in November, a crucial qualifier for the Vendee Globe. Hailing from Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, Suzuki has been captivated by yachts since childhood, inspired by the idea of navigating the seas using only a skipper and wind power. His sailing career includes completing a solo transatlantic race in 2019 and participating in the Globe40 double-handed around-the-world race in 2022-23, where he and his partner overcame challenges, including damage to their sailboat, to complete the race in approximately nine and a half months.

The Vendee Globe is a formidable challenge, often referred to as "the Everest of the Seas," requiring sailors to navigate approximately 48,000 kilometers from France over two to three months while facing extreme conditions. Kojiro Shiraishi remains the only Japanese sailor to have completed the race. Suzuki views the Vendee Globe as "the ultimate journey a human being can undertake on Earth" and aims to inspire future generations by showcasing the excitement and joy of embracing challenges.

To pursue this dream, Suzuki has invested significantly, purchasing an 18-meter-long yacht for over 100 million yen. He funded this by selling his house and securing support from over 20 sponsors across Japan. Additionally, Suzuki requires more than 70 million yen annually for operational costs, which he plans to cover through crowdfunding.

Suzuki remains determined to qualify for the Vendee Globe by completing the upcoming solo transatlantic race in November. "I'm convinced I can do it if I take it step by step," he expressed confidently.