Saturday, September 12, 2009

Malaysia and Borneo

This is a short update.
We have sailed every coast of Malaysia now and our best experiences have been in Borneo.
The Sail Malaysia - Passage to the East brought us over here in June.
After swanning around the Tioman Islands for a few weeks we sailed across the South China Sea. Sounds exotic.. but as usual we were having starter motor troubles.. so engine on and away we went with sails up.
Kuching (malay for Cats) was the first stop, where we anchored in the wonderful Santibong river with 40 other boats.
Wind against tide was the order of the day. The Captain would go into town two hours away and leaving the ordinary seaman to deal with a dragging 30 tonne boat twice. Thank god the engine started and and we had friendly neighbouring boat skippers, Geoff off Arnal and Will off Silent Wings to assist. Think they did not want to be mowed down.
From here we were able to do the Rainforest Festival. Fabulous bands.. I have all the CDs!!!!
Then we made our way up the coast through the river systems, seeing tribal villages and longhouses. Not so long ago these people were headhunters!!
They say the bride price in those days was 3 heads... now its 3 buffalos.. much more pricey and difficult.
Brunei was interesting. The Captain was in heaven.. golf on the Sultan's Course. The Ordinary seaman much preferred the yacht club and afternoon drinks.
Feeling the need to stock up with 16months booze we made for the dutyfree port of Labuan. A filthy harbour, but cheap booze. We are still tripping over cases of wine. It has to last all the back to Oz.
And finally KotaKinabalu. What a wonderful marina and town. On went the airconditioning and out came the golf clubs.
David had lots of boat jobs and Virginia had lots of shopping.
We had been on the rally for 3 months now and had made lots of friends, and so its was party time for Virginia's 60th. We had a pre party on Cat'chus for those people who were taking off to other adventures. On the day another party was at the KK yacht club.
We were very lucky to have friends who wanted to travel to KK from Oz to help celebrate. Roz and Gary Cronin, Kay and Grant Ferguson and Andy and Jenny Birtchnell. What a great few weeks we had. Golfing, sightseeing, drinking ..
And best of all the Ordinary Seaman was promoted to Able Seaman. Not sure that V wants this responsibility. But it was made easier with the diamond earrings!!!
And so time to move on again, our friends had left and we were leaving other boats sadly behind, Sundance, Arnak, Fourstar.
Off we set towards Indonesia, when trouble struck once more. Overheating and NO engine. Was the Captain pissed off!! Means the old girl had to sail, which we did - 80 nm into Kudat. A few weeks and a few dollars later and a lot of sweat and tears the head gasket was replaced.
We were forunate in our anchorage, surrounded by a golf course. Managed to squeeze the odd game in.
Now we are in Sandakan, on the east coast of Borneo. Anchored off a lovely yacht club.
The next stage of the Journey is Sulawesi. Check out the photos.. at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/sailpuravida

Thats all for now