Let’s go sailing

Castingthe world in my hands off and sailing into the sunset has  been in the back of our mind for many years, but the (loose) plan really took shape in 2016. Finding Mr X, a Grand Soleil 39, crystallised our thoughts. Time to go!  After crossing the Atlantic in November 16, we spent 2 years in the Caribbean, going up and down the islands between Trinidad and Puerto Rico. We transited the Panama  Canal  in March 19.

Next, we explored French Polynesia and Tonga in summer 19. We arrived in New Zealand in November 19, and like the rest of the world, we came to a standstill in March 20. We made the most of the opportunity and explored both the North and South Island, on land and sea.

July 22, we finally left New Zealand aiming to spend time in Indonesia. After 2 unintended stops, one in New Caledonia, the other in Australia, we arrived in Tual, Maluku Province, Indonesia.  Loved Indonesia, A very special place, so we took our time.

The world is in our hands....

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Lombok – Indonesia – Dec 22

Medana Bay is home for a few weeks and despite the frustration of having to wait for parts and work to be done on Mr X,  it is also nice to be part of a community. The best bits: planting rice in Telebatu,  and the pink beach in the eastern corner of Lombok. And we loved our cycle rides in the vicinity. We could really get a feel of what ordinary life is like in this part of Lombok. We  spend the festive season in Gili Trawangan and Gili Air.

Lombok – Indonesia – Dec 22

Lombok – Indonesia – Nov 22

We finally limped into Medana Bay, the oil in the sail drive had to be changed every day as sea water was coming into the system. We suspect that a log had touched the shaft and we hoped it was only a seal to be replaced. We hauled out to find out.  As luck would have it, it was just the seal, but then other things like the throttle control went on the blink. We had to wait for a replacement to be delivered. So what was supposed to be a quick in and out ended up with being a few weeks on the hard. Luckily we fell in with a nice bunch of sailors and we had the bikes to explore the vicinity.

Lombok – Indonesia – Nov 22

Sumbawa – Indonesia – Nov 22

We need some supplies, a trip to the nearest big town is in order. The Port of Badas is where we decide to stop. And the trip to town does not disappoint. We are taken on board a cement truck to the nearest junction to the market and after a fun time in the market, we are very kindly taken back to the boat by the owner of the restaurant where we had lunch. Another few hops in deserted anchorages on Sumbawa before we are in view of our next island, Lombok.

Sumbawa – Indonesia – Nov 22

Sumbawa – Indonesia – Sept 22

Sumbawa - Indonesia - Sept 22

Sumbawa is another big island and our first stop is Wera, a small village full of surprises. The black beach at the front is frantic with boat building activities.  We can see many vessels of various sizes at different stages of construction. Unfortunately, very little English is spoken so difficult to get information about the process. The ladies are also very busy, it looks like every household has a loom and someone operating it. Fascinating to watch.

Sumbawa - Indonesia - Sept 22