6 days after the start of Vendée Globe2020-2021, the mainsail of DMG MORI Global One, the yacht of the TEAM, was severely damaged. However, Mr. Shiraishi repaired it alone and continued the race. Finally, he became the first Asian to complete the solo, non-stop, round-the-world race without assistance, also known as the Everest of the Seas. He was ranked 16th out of 33 participants.
During the round-the-world race, Mr. Shiraishi collected ocean microplastic samples at a total of 6 locations in the Northern/Southern Hemispheres. For researchers, it was a valuable opportunity to take samples from locations where commercial and research vessels could barely access. During the press conference, Mr. Shiraishi handed over the collected samples to Dr. Katsunori Fujikura, Director of The Marine Biodiversity and Environmental Assessment Research Center, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). JAMSTEC will use these samples for future researches.
The TEAM announced 3 new goals in the press conference:
- The TEAM will challenge Vendée Globe2024 with Mr. Shiraishi as the skipper.
- The TEAM will expand sailing culture in Japan.
- The TEAM will develop young skippers and engineers.