Epilogue

It’s just over 5 years since I first published Sailing in my Sarong and what a wonderful friendship tool it has been. The first year was frenetic with presentations, travelling to both boating and writing festivals in Australia and overseas. I am continually humbled as well as really pleased when people from all over the globe write to me, and sometimes make plans to meet us wherever we happen to be. Bill (Captain Underpants) takes it all quietly in his stride and I am thankful for his total support during all the activities associated with this book.

I would also like to thank the following people for their continued support of Sailing in my Sarong and our adventures – Shelley Wright, founding member of Women Who Sail Australia Facebook page, (as well as all the members I continue to meet and drink champagne with in different harbours and on line chats), Christian Brook of Boatbooks Australia, Phil Ross – Cruising Helmsman, Australian Wooden Boat Festival Tasmania,(2013), Nancy Bruning, Lee Maunder, Mark Maunder, and the many libraries around Australia who continue to have my book on their shelves.

Another dream came true in the form of my first solo art exhibition titled ‘Scribbling Barefoot’ in 2012. A big thank you to the beautiful, vivacious and creative women Maya and Annie who embraced me and my art at Rosebed st Gallery. Nothing beats the real thing. Whether they are books or paintings, I believe the real tangible object has a more intimate connection with the viewer than images on a screen. So far I have resisted an e-book. I continue to write regularly for our website and Facebook page which keeps me connected with everyone seeking adventures. Once bitten by the cruising bug, it never stops.

In 2012, I wrote :

Bill sheepishly announced to me that he had bought an old boat at a bargain price, that ‘needs a bit of work’ on ebay. This little boat wasn’t nearby. It was in the Caribbean. Crazy crazy crazy. My darling husband said it was to get me to the Mediterranean that summer.
“We can have a small boat in the Mediterranean and leave her there. In September we come back and sail Valiam to Patagonia. She’s much more suited to ocean passages in the southern hemisphere.”
We shall see. But anything is possible and if anyone can do anything, he can. Or should I say ‘We can.’ So that will be another story…..
And Lati, (a 31ft Kim Holman timber boat built in 1967) was rescued by us in the Caribbean. Looking forlorn and grubby she had been neglected for years. On first inspection Bill said white faced ‘We aren’t going anywhere in her..’ But after the initial shock, underneath the grime, rubbish and a few missing bits we went to work. After 3 months of sweat and tears in a horridly hot and dusty boatyard, and all our savings gone, Lati emerged like Cinderella. She is a really nice solid boat with lovely lines.
After only one day’s sea trial we set off across the North Atlantic for Portugal. 2600 miles and 25 long days of very little wind, we finally arrived in the Azores. A further 13 days later we arrived in Lagos, Portugal, still in the Atlantic, but the gateway to the Mediterranean. Mission accomplished. We fell in love with Portugal, especially the cheap wine and ‘sardinhas.’ That summer back in Australia, we were too exhausted to contemplate a huge eastward passage across the Pacific to Patagonia so we opted for a trip to Tasmania instead in our beloved fast and spacious Valiam. Patagonia will have to wait for us when we are ready.

In 2013, we flew back to our little rescued orphan boat in Portugal to spend 6 months sailing the Med. Without refrigeration and some of the other comforts, bigger boats have, we mastered Med mooring, squeezing into small spaces on town docks. Lati sails quite well and despite major engine repairs in exotic locations she got us to Greece. The Med is all about the different cultures, ancient ruins, delicious food and wine and making lots of friends along the way. A very special thank you to our Greek friends Christos and Christina whom we met on their yacht in Trizonia, Gulf of Corinthe who continued to look after us in Athens and Aegina. 2014 was our last Mediterranean summer cruising the Aegean visiting many islands including Turkey. So now I have the Mediterranean dream out of my system but it doesn’t mean we will never go back. Quite the opposite as we have lifelong friends in Greece to visit. We were somewhat sad when we sold Lati in 2015 and now she is a Norwegian yacht with an Australian owner.

With her Australian flag flying, we would often get asked ‘Did you sail all the way from Australia?’ We usually replied, ‘Yes, but in 2 boats….’

Lati’s story is quite remarkable and begs to be written,
so please be patient, it’s on it’s way.

Linda Frylink Anderson
17 February 2016
Email : valiam1@hotmail.com
Website : www.valiam.com.au
Facebook page : Sailing in my Sarong