Octogenarian Kenichi Horie (JA1AFI), who aims to become the oldest solo voyager to cross the Pacific, passed Hawaii on April 17, a week ahead of schedule and apparently in good shape and spirit.

Although Horie carries a satellite phone, communicating with others through a ham radio remains one of his favourite pastimes.

“March 31: I spotted a tanker on the sea’s horizon this morning for the first time since I set out. The vessel was traveling eastward. Tomorrow, I am going to use the ham radio.”

— Kenichi Horie (JA1AFI)

Amateur radio fans across Japan tried to communicate with Horie on 1st April 2022, with some setting up large antennas. But they could not reach him due to the poor conditions for radio wave transmission. The following day, some could.

Kenichi Horie (JA1AFI) - https://www.qrz.com/db/JA1AFI