Wanderlust 3 Sailing Adventure: Indian Ocean: South of Indonesia & Bali

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Indian Ocean: South of Indonesia & Bali

I am in the Indian Ocean just south of Indonesia and BALI. Remember the movie "Road to BALI" with Bing and Bob Hope?

It is still 6000 miles to Durban South Africa and, for the last 4 days, there is no wind for sailing. I am motoring with sails up but I only have enough diesel for another day or so. By then I hope the wind picks up. On my weather charts it shows that I will get 12 - 15 knots in 2 days so I am getting out my big spinnaker and preparing. Right: sunrise - dead calm on the Indian Ocean.

I will make 3 stops at islands along the way, the first I didn't plan for but I need more fuel. That is Christmas Island. I don't know anything about it but you can look it up under 'google' and read about 'Christmas' and why they named it so.

The next is 600 miles further and is a recommended stop on this route because it is one of the most beautiful 'atolls'. It is called 'Cocos Keeling' probably named after some guy called Keeling. I will take photos there but I don't expect Internet connection until I get to the third island on my route called Mauritius. It is big and famous and I may rest a few days there before crossing the dangerous 'Arguls Current' along South Africa.

My big rest stop and good Internet will then be in Durban, S.A. I am now more than half way around the world, The rest is all downhill!

Mike Harker

s/v Wanderlust 3

Labels: Arguls Current, Bali, Christmas Island, Cocos Keeling, Indian Ocean, Indonesia, Mauritius, South Africa

1 Comments:

At October 10, 2007 12:36 PM , Wanderlust said...: Sent: Thu 10/4/2007 11:01 PM
To: Eric Macklin (Hunter Marine)
Cc: John Peterson; Greg Emerson; Eddie Breeden; Matt Hayes
Subject: Open Letter to Steve Pettengill

Eric,

We just finished our little talk with John Peterson in front of the Hunter dealers in Annapolis.

You stated that you were running very long and we needed to keep our conversation short.

I wanted to bring up two short items of 'Thank You'.

1) To Matt Hayes and Ed Penn for their generous support and co-operation while I was in Sydney.

When my boat needed proper care, they arranged it. And when I needed care, they invited me into their homes and made me feel welcome. Matt and Ed made it truly a joyous experience for me.

2) Steve Pettengill for the excellent work he does with laying out the sailing hardware and his continued testing of all the boats before the buying public even gets to see one. He tests then tests again until it is right and that alone gives me the confidence needed to cross oceans.

It is because of Steve and all around him at Hunter that a novice sailor like me can cross oceans in a Hunter without worry.

I was going to say to the dealers, if John had given me just a little more time, "That because of Steve Pettengill, It is possible for me and others like me to take a Hunter into 'Blue Water' and beyond knowing full well the boat can take it. I just have to point the boat where she needs to go, sit back and enjoy the ride."

I don't know much about Steve Pettengill and I have never been able to speak with him because I am in complete awe of his experience, but I am very satisfied that Steve is putting his vast experience into these boats for the benefit of all who sail them.

Thanks for allowing me to share the stage with him.

Mike Harker