Japanese yachtsman sets off on 8th round-the-world trip

YOKOHAMA, Sept. 28 Kyodo - A 74-year-old Japanese yachtsman set off on his eighth round-the-world voyage on Sunday in an attempt to break his own record for the oldest person to complete a solo nonstop round-the-world trip, which he set in 2005 at the age of 71.

Minoru Saito's yacht, ''Shutendoji III,'' left Yokohama port in a westward
voyage, with fellow yachtsman and supporters seeing him off.
Saito, who will turn 75 during the trip, plans to return to the port next May.
Saito had sailed around the world eastward in his past seven voyages, but chose
a westward trip this time, which is expected to be more challenging as he has
to sail in headwinds and against tide currents.
''Life's a challenge at any age. I brought along medicine for high-blood
pressure for eight months, and I'll return safely,'' Saito said as he set out
on the voyage.
==Kyodo