60747    She had heard about Sekino, picturing him as some kind of bear-like muscleman before she met him.

60748    In fact, he was slender with a small frame.

60749    "I was surprised because he was the exact opposite of what I expected. We began dating before I knew it."

60750    They got married about seven years after they met.

60751    Even after they were married, Sekino continued to spend a total of over six months of the year in South America.

60752    "People often say my lifestyle is like a deep-sea fisherman or someone posted away from their family by their company. But I don't really think of it like that."

60753    He does not appear to be worried about it.

60754    "If there is something you want to do, then it's basically a good thing if you can do it."

60755    While they were traveling in Bolivia he told his wife about his plans for the Great Journey, which was three years before he embarked upon it, to which she replied, "It would be one thing if you were in your twenties, but don't you think it's a stupid thing to do when you're in your forties?"

60756    Yet she did not object to his plans.

60757    The year 1995.

60758    The time has come to write a new page in the history of the America's Cup as the 29th competition approaches.

60759    The hearts of the sailors race as they carry on 144 years of tradition; new life has been brought in by the first ever all-women's crew, and the 11 syndicates, comprising 6 countries, willing to go all the way to win the sole honor, the "One Hundred Guinea" Cup, have high expectations.

60760    You can feel the adrenaline coursing through those partaking in the competition as the time draws near.

60761    What performances are awaiting us now at the regatta's location on the quiet waters around San Diego in the United States?