Moving a boat to Japan! Licensing? Slips? Cost?

[beebopbogo]

Hey all,

I've been Googling all over trying to find information on whether it's worth it to move my Cal 39 to Japan when I move there in March, or to just keep the boat in Hawaii and visit her once in a while.

I'll be moving to Sendai, Japan, right next to Matsushima Harbor which seems like a good location for day sailing while I'm there. I'm expecting to live in Sendai for 4 or 5 years, so abandoning my baby in Hawaii during that time would be sad.

If anyone has information on available slips nearby, cost for licensing, registration, slip fees, club fees if required, and any hurdles I can expect, please let me know. I guess I'm focusing on local knowledge at this point.

So far I've found some info on licensing (only 2 available times per year to take the licensing exam in English!), but that's about it so far.

Thanks for the help!