FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. announced that it will support Horie Kenichi's (堀江謙一) attempt to make a solo, nonstop Pacific crossing aboard the Suntory Mermaid IV in spring 2027 by providing marine electronics and safety equipment.
FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. announced that it will provide marine electronics and safety equipment to support Horie Kenichi's (堀江謙一) planned solo, nonstop Pacific crossing aboard the Suntory Mermaid IV in spring 2027. The equipment to be provided includes a multifunction display and other products. The aim is to support the safety and success of Horie Kenichi's (堀江謙一) challenge through technology.
Horie Kenichi (堀江謙一) set the record in 2022 as the world's oldest person to make a solo, nonstop Pacific crossing. If the upcoming voyage succeeds, he will set a new record at the age of 88. Horie Kenichi (堀江謙一) has spent many years active at sea and has completed numerous adventures.
The main equipment to be installed and provided by FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. includes a TZMAP-series multifunction display, FI-70 instrument, FI-5001 wind direction and speed sensor, DST-810PSF smart sensor, GP340 GPS receiver, HT649 HK two-way VHF radio, Tron 60AIS HK satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon, and Iridium Extreme satellite phone. The vessel is 9.20 m long, with a draft of 2.00 m and a keel weight of 1.18 t.
The voyage is scheduled to depart in March 2027 and conclude at a port in Nishinomiya at the end of May. Horie Kenichi's (堀江謙一) past voyages include his first crossing aboard Mermaid in 1962, as well as multiple circumnavigations and long-distance crossings.