Interview with Mr. Hokazono, who is active in the sailing world!

When it comes to observing the course and tactics of the racers during an actual race, it’s impossible to see with the naked eye. For a thorough review, the coach needs to see everything from their perspective; otherwise, it's hard to provide detailed feedback. That's why I felt the necessity for a good pair of binoculars. I saw Mrs. Kajimoto (Wakako Kajimoto: Member of Japan Sail GP) using TS-X 1440, known as the “King of Binoculars,” and knew this was the one I needed.

Before the race, I use TS-X1440 to see the wind direction far behind the racers and give feedback to them. During the race, I observe the conditions of the boats and racers. The iQFoil class I watch has speeds of about 40-50 km/h, and without powerful image stabilization like that of the TS-X 1440, it’s impossible to keep up with their movements and anticipate their actions.

Originally, I did not know about them. When I was looking for small binoculars just to watch birds, I came across the TS-X 1440. However, I was somewhat skeptical about whether it would actually be useful at sea because the ocean can be quite wavy. But once I used TS-X1440, I was surprised by how well they worked without any exaggeration (laughs).

You can see what you want to see!
Seriously (laughs).

In my industry, I highly recommend three key features:
Image stabilization, waterproof, and flotation capabilities. During races, because they float, I don't hang them around my neck but instead place them inside the boat. This eliminates the need to worry about placing them somewhere they won't fall, making them extremely user-friendly.

As for the waterproof feature, it's incredibly important when used in environments where it is exposed to seawater. There's no need to protect the binoculars from sudden splashes of water, so complete waterproofing makes them extremely convenient. I primarily use these binoculars when watching races, so I use them for about two weeks out of the month.

Sailing and Binoculars are an excellent combination. Having binoculars can enhance safety, reduce various tasks, and be utilized for strategy. Recently, when an athlete encountered trouble, I was able to see the athlete's head even when they were down, confirming their safety without having to rush over immediately. Many international coaches also use binoculars, and in the recent competition, everyone in my category was using binoculars, with some even using the TS-X 1440.

As we head towards the next world championship, I plan to use the TS-X 1440 to review the athletes' techniques and racing strategies, aiming to improve their skills and ensure safety.