Form Up, Move Out
31 July 2015 | Pulau Walir
Friday 31 July 2015
Didn't get away from Debut yesterday as hoped. Officials sprang another required form on us, then wouldn't give out the form that we got Wednesday to other crews without yet another form (temporary import for boat which nobody has) that we don't have either. While rest of crew worked on Panda generator which had sprung a raw water exhaust leak crusting one side with salt, distaff contingent spent 4 hours ashore trying to get satisfaction, but like Mick, couldn't. No worries as boats remaining will bring all additional forms (not sure, but think we're at 5 or 6) to Banda, next scheduled stop, or Namrole, one after that. Was it mentioned that a rally is the easy way to cruise Indonesia?
After finally catching up with 11 hour sleep despite amplified wailing ashore at 0500, left this morning with several boats bound for either Walir (our intermediate stop for diving) or Banda Neira. Had a very good broad reach in 18 to 22 knots, initially zigzagging through numerous islands west of Debut, dodging scattered reef and pearl farm buoys, then detouring around 2 mile string of almost invisible fish traps directly across otherwise open route. One guesses night sailing here is going to be a might sporty. Made great time and now in a lagoon with 5 other boats anticipating sundowners with entire contingent on Always Saturday (Ron & Nancy). Crew from Champaign Charlie (Shayne & Lisa) explored diving possibilities while we engaged in our specialty, vegging.
Jack