Furuno is proud to announce its sponsorship of the "HIRO’s CHOICE" project, supporting Mitsuhiro Iwamoto (“Hiro”), a blind Japanese sailor based in the USA, in his 2027 trans-Pacific voyage. This initiative aims to set a world-first solo, non-stop passage across the Pacific under these conditions.
Hiro is set to sail from San Diego, USA, to his hometown of Kumamoto, Japan in the spring of 2027.
As a company shaped by the ocean, Furuno believes that backing challenges at sea is both a responsibility and a privilege, a commitment that strongly resonates with Hiro’s courage to overcome adversity to create new possibilities, and a spirit that underpins the company’s decision to support the project.
To assist Hiro in overcoming the challenges of solo sailing without sight, Furuno is providing navigation equipment, including Radar and GPS devices, which will be installed on his 28-foot yacht, the Bristol Channel Cutter. In addition, in collaboration with its subsidiary, Furuno Softech Co., Ltd., the company is developing a voice-based mobile app called “Leena,” named after Hiro’s daughter.
The app transforms key navigation data including wind and boat speed, wind direction, and heading into real-time audio. This innovation embodies Furuno’s mission to make the invisible visible, and to act as a trusted companion for Hiro during his journey.
Official website for Hiro's solo non-stop transpacific crossing project, HIRO’s CHOICE
Furuno’s technologies as Hiro’s second vision
Leena: a newly developed app transforming navigation data into audible information
By converting essential sailing data including speed, direction, and location into real-time audio, the app empowers Hiro to receive navigation information without visual input and provide awareness of potential obstacles around him.
Audible information provided by the Leena app:
- Wind direction
- Wind speed
- Vessel location
- Heading
Additionally, the app is being developed to potentially provide spoken messages for other navigation-related data, such as Radar-detected target distance and direction.
See how Hiro experiences the audio app
Radar and other technology acting as Hiro’s eyes
Hiro’s vessel is equipped with navigational instruments that include a wind transducer, Satellite Compass, Radar, and other essential devices. These technologies serve as his “eyes,” detecting obstacles and ensuring safe passage.
Navigation data via onboard networks and satellite communication
To enable seamless collaboration with land-based support teams, Hiro’s vessel is outfitted with the navigation software TimeZero, developed by MaxSea, a Furuno group company. Using satellite communication, onboard navigation data will be shared in real-time, facilitating effective coordination with the shore support center throughout his journey.
Mitsuhiro Iwamoto
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The world’s first blind ocean adventurer
Born: December 27, 1966
Hometown: Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Despite losing his eyesight at the age of 16, Hiro shifted his mindset from searching for reasons why things couldn’t be done to finding ways to make them possible, paving the way for a life of achievements. In 2019, he completed a non-stop trans-Pacific crossing with Doug Smith, becoming the first blind sailor to achieve this feat and gaining global attention.
Hiro gives lectures and training worldwide on building resilience, fostering mental strength, and encouraging proactive thinking. Through lessons from his sailing adventures, he inspires people and organizations to realize their true potential by seeing beyond limitations.
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Furuno remains dedicated to supporting individuals who overcome challenges that pave the way for the future, guided by our business vision: “Achieve better safety, security and comfort to bring about a society and sea navigation that considers the needs of people and the environment.”