Kaiwo Maru

A famous international visitor made a stop in Steveston this weekend. The Kaiwo Maru, a Japanese four-masted barque is back in Canada after nine-year break as part of the Ships to Shore festival.

Translated as the King of the Seas, Kaiwo Maru was built in 1989 by Sumitomo Heavy Industries in Yokohama, Japan. It is 110 metres long and 55 metres tall, and its four masts (fore, main, mizzen, and jigger) support 36 sails, all of which require a skilled crew to raise, control, and lower. In addition, the ship is equipped with two diesel engines that drive twin propellers for auxiliary propulsion, speeding along at 21 knots (41 km/h). Adorning the bowsprit is Konjo, a flute‑holding figurehead carved from a 300‑year‑old Japanese zelkova tree.

It is the second ship to bear the name; the original built in 1930 now serves as a museum ship in Imizu, Japan.

Operated by the Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers, the Kaiwo Maru can carry up to 199 crew and cadets when fully staffed. The cadets, made up of young Japanese men and women, are trained in nautical skills and seamanship. While the Kaiwo Maru primarily sails the waters around Japan, it will occasionally cross the ocean to participate in special events. After Steveston, it will set sail for Honolulu, Hawaii.

We were restricted to the upper outer deck of the Kaiwo Maru. Ascending a very steep staircase, we were greeted by the crew and cadets who were on hand to guide us and respond to our questions. More than a few commented on my ONE PIECE shirt (only fitting I wear something of the sort for visiting a sailing ship). This was also an opportunity to familiarize myself with my new refurbished AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF lens. Despite having some initial reservations over its capabilities, I think the photos turned out quite well.

Ships to Shore is a free, family-friendly event in Steveston’s Garry Point Park. Admission is required to board the outer deck of the Kaiwo Maru, but it is free to admire the vessel from the shore. The event has a number live entertainment options, food trucks, and activities for children. Ships to Shore continues on Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.