Monday 30 May 2016

Previously hinted that a forced sobriety might occur as word is that the 2 island groups being visited are very traditional and probably Muslim. This was a wee bit of prevarication. After some time in Langkawi and Tioman, duty-free ports where gin for example costs $7.50 a liter and they practically give beer away, sufficient ships stores were accumulated to get over the hump.

Another potential complication is that both Vietnam and Malaysia would prefer ownership and there have been incidents. Don't know how recent. Few cruising boats come, but the place is beautiful and would otherwise likely be quite popular. It's a convenient stop on the way from the East Coast and Singapore to Borneo plus water is clear, coral hasn't been bombed and snorkeling/diving are excellent.

Errata: Committed minor faux pas by assuming an actual memory instead of looking up information. Should know better. Island location is Siantan, not Siapan. Locals might ordinarily take offense, but probably have 3 or 4 different names for it themselves and anyway Indonesians tend to be very easy going. This tolerance doesn't however extend to flaggage as they insist that their courtesy flag be larger than the visiting yacht's country ensign. Since onboard US and Canadian flags are around 3 x 5 feet and courtesy flag is 12 x 18 inches colors have been struck and we go incognito. Although failure to observe international regulation is somewhat delinquent, flying two country ensigns doesn't cause much angst so why should this. Alfred E Neuman is a role model.

Jack