Wednesday May 28, 2014: 1540 SGT

Phew.. after many days we are now closing in on Singapore.

Just now we are approaching Batam, which is about 10NM from Singapore. We need to check here in Indonesia , before going on. . Been many things happen which I will update on the blog once I get some sleep and my brain rests a little. Most good.. but..

This morning we were boarded by an Indonesian Customs vessel. This was odd as we were outside the 12 NM legal zone, but obviously I was compliant. The sea started rolling as the they pulled alongside to lash to and somehow the bow of Suzie swung across and hit the customs vessel. My anchor took the full force, snapped the chain and the anchor disappeared into about 30m. Non-salvagable.

The customs process went smoothly. Invariably, despite having many pieces of Indonesian paperwork, I did not have the piece they needed after clearing customs in Bali. The Indonesian crew however were exceeding polite and after a few phone calls to Customs in Bali (Benoa) all was sorted. This will be my enduring memory of Indonesia. A country drowning in paperwork - but never a non friendly person without common sense met. Not once.

We�'d plan to anchor at an island near Batam that Tony from Waitane II knew for tonight and then head into Nongsa Marina for a few days of R&R before checking out of Indonesia. That cant happen now without my anchor. Instead we will push onto the marina.

I hope to arrive before midnight. We are motoring to there, with next to no wind the last 3 days.

Sophie and Leni are both doing very well as crew, and I believe are enjoying the trip.. journey tribulations aside.

As I said , further update later after some shut eye.

Wednesday , May 21 0919 SGT

Just departed Pulau Bewean, a pleasant unspoilt island though the anchorage became pretty rolly last night.

Underway now to near island of Belitung. With current wind , expect no earlier than 3 + full days of sailing. Assuming supplies are good we will rest there and then on to Singapore.

It is likely there will be no more connectivity until Singapore. So there may be no further update for 6-10 days

Tuesday May 20, 0630 SGT

3 days and 240 NM... quite slow sailing.. wind not strong. Will take a rest with Waitane II here on anchor for a day.

Expecting light winds on next leg (340NM) to Pulau Beitlung also.

All well. Sofie and Leni doing well.