We're currently on passage to Kumai, which is in Kulimintan, part of Borneo, and it's all a bit of an obstacle race. The first part of the journey was to the island of Raas, a fast crossing in strong wind. The main obstacles here are pesky floats which are dotted everywhere to attract fish. They are wooden platforms about 6ft by 6ft sometimes with a wooden palm cross on them. Later versions had small flags with bits of wood attached. The small flags are lower than the waves so you seldom get much chance of seeing them until it is almost too late. We anchored at Raas in flat water amongst numerous local fishing boats with the wind howling through at over 30 knots.

However, the next morning the wind was much lighter, and it was mostly motorsailing. Ships are a bit like London buses, for a time you see none, and then they suddenly all converge on you. Three large ships and us all seemed to like exactly the same bit of sea. We called them on the radio and all was fine. This rule seemed to apply again. We hooked a massive fish, probably a tuna. It dived and even our largest reel could not really hold it. We sat not moving planning our next move. Oh dear, a tanker bearing down on us. At 6 knots it would clear us, stationary no. So sadly half a reel of line and my best lure had to be sacrificed.

Next incident at 2 am an external alternator regulator failed leaving us with no source of electrical power. Luckily Michael was able to sort that out quite speedily and power was restored so no lost freezer etc.

Final incident - our genoa started developing tears - the effect of a lot of use and solar damage. So on arrival in Kalimintan - this had to be repaired as well.

Night watches on ocean crossings are surprisingly relaxing things, if the weather is good. In Indonesia they require maximum concentration. Brightly lit squid boats compete with unlit fishing boats. If the fisherman spots you he suddenly puts on a light, then to save batteries will switch it off again. Leaving you to wonder - did you see a light - is it close, is it far, where are the nets etc etc. We managed to make it to Borneo without catching any fishing nets, and are now waiting to go orangutan hunting.

The photo is of a colourful hazard