Hiroshi Kitada successfully crossed the finish line of the Transat yacht race on Wednesday, becoming the first Japanese sailor to do so, organizers said.
The 51-year-old Kitada was the final finisher when he arrived in New York from Plymouth, southwestern England, with his adventure taking 22 days, 18 hours and three minutes.
"I am very happy. I can't find the words to express how I truly feel," he told thetransat.com. "I did not understand why everyone was asking me why I chose to take part in this race to begin with. I realized how difficult it was after I started."
Kitada was seventh for the Class 40, the smallest boats taking part, after three skippers retired. Frenchman Francois Gabart won the race in the category, finishing in 17 days, 12 hours and 42 minutes.
"I am very proud of what I have been through," Kitada said.
"It was very hard, but I am glad that I did it. If I had to summarize the last three weeks of racing, the practice of martial arts comes to mind.
"It takes stamina and you have to learn to fight everything you come up against. I still need time to realize what I have done, I'm not even aware of it yet. The day is beautiful, there is sun, skyscrapers and I'm in New York."