In 1962, 23-year-old Kenichi Horie became what was thought to be the first person to sail solo across the Pacific. Leaving from Nishinomiya, Japan he arrived in San Francisco 94 days, and almost 5,400 miles, later. Horie took on the mighty Pacific by himself on the tiny 19-foot sailboat, "Mermaid." He landed without a passport and was promptly arrested. When Mayor George Christoper learned of his adventure, he issued Kenichi a 30-day visa and held a civic ceremony where he presented him with the key to the city. Kenichi Horie: adventurer, environmentalist, Giants fan. (Kenichi donated his boat, "Mermaid," to the city of San Francisco, where it is on display at the Maritime Museum at Aquatic Park. Admission is free. )
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