Kaisei (ship)
| File:Stskaisei.jpg | |
| Type: | Brigantine |
| Hull: | Steel |
| Built: | 1987, Gdańsk, Poland |
| Homeport: | St. John's, Antigua |
| Builder: | Interster Elbląg Shipyard, Gdańsk |
| Sparred Length: | 151 ft (46 m) |
| Beam: | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Draft: | 13 ft (4 m) |
| Displacement: | 180 long tons (183 t) |
| Sail Area: | 8,500 sq ft (790 m²) |
The STS Kaisei (海星), meaning “Ocean Planet” in the Japanese language, is a fast and capable steel hulled brigantine designed by Zygmunt Choreń and built in Gdańsk, Poland in 1987.
Originally commissioned by the Polish Yachting Association as the Zew, she was acquired by the Sail Training Association of Japan (STAJ) and delivered to Japan via the Panama Canal in 1993 following a 16 month maiden voyage under the United Nations flag in which she saw 100-knot (190 km/h) winds off the coast of Scotland and participated in the American Tall Ship Celebration in 1992.
Under the Japanese flag, she visited 14 countries and traveled extensively throughout the Pacific in her mission to promote the global community and bring countries and cultures together through the international language of the sea.
She has been acquired by Ocean Voyages in Sausalito, CA, who hopes to continue her in her mission of global understanding, initially operating out of Southern California with trips Central America and West to the South Pacific. Though she has made some appearances at tall ship events, Ocean Voyages has not been able to set up a viable program using the vessel.