Sunday 1 May 2016

Today is Mayday in most of the world, but not Queensland. They celebrate it tomorrow to have another official day of screwing off. Come on guys, isn't that like celebrating Christmas on the last Monday in December? What about Cinco de Mayo?

We're zigzagging up the east coast looking for clear water. With visibility at 3 meters, yesterday afternoon at Pulau Tinggi was best snorkeling since Rok Nok in Thailand. You could actually see your toes and a fish. Today at Aur/Dayang promises best diving in peninsular Malaysia - maybe 3 fish and a patch of coral? OK, that was a bit harsh, but with over-fishing, bombing and runoff it's been pretty grim for the last several months.

Southwest monsoon not expected for a couple of weeks yet, so away from coastal, afternoon sea breeze, not much sailing. As well, heat, humidity and a big chunk of hot, radiating metal amidships often makes sleeping a challenge. Jan doesn't like fans. We're warm weather sailors, but this tends to be a bit much of a good thing.

The Muslims we've met here are invariably lovely, gentle people, but their religion like Judiasm is very strict: numerous dietary restrictions, praying 5 times a day and, this is a biggie, no alcohol. Wow, how do guys ever get a woman into bed? They must have to be nice. Is that crazy or what?

Jack