Horrible Passage in rough conditions. Non stop squalls and difficult downwind sailing with gusting up to 30, swell and constant rain. Why do we even look at the forecast? Got approached by fishing boat but did our usual manoeuvre and just put both engines down and left them in our wake. Glad it’s time for a drink!

We can add another worst ever to the list. From the worst anchorage ( we all got seasick on anchor! First time for me getting seasick and we didn’t even move) to getting hit full force by strorm which arrived a day earlier than predicted. It was absolutely terrifying. 2 meter swell didn’t help. For a while we were just beating into it but then decided to turn around and go with the wind. Much less force on the boat but wrong direction for us. Good decisions and less scary apart from the worry that a wave might break on us. It was now more of a surfing feeling and much easier to handle. I am glad we got that experience under our belt. Also good to know that the captain and boat can handle it. Very relieved and exhausted arrival to another remote paradise found.

Beating into wind, waves and currents which slowed us down to 2 knots wasn’t pleasant but we just wanted to get there.

We are so happy we are finally here after months of boat work and hectic prepping to make one of the last weather windows across. Had a great sail and can’t wait to find some good waves

We thought we had couple of chill days up our sleeves but the wind only looked good one day this week so we just packed up and left straight away. Racing back to Phuket to collect some items before we head over to Indonesia before the season changes. The race is on.

The day has finally come to go back in the water. For some reason our wind Instruments didn’t work this morning but we were too desperate to splash, we decided to deal with it later. Plus it’s good practise to sail without instruments. Quick stop at Telaga Harbour to stock up, fuel up and check out of country. Next stop Koh Lipe.

Loved every second. The whole family was so much more relaxed with sailing and in tune with boat life. Thailand has so many plus points to satisfy a sailors heart and it’s such easy sailing and anchoring here compared to Indonesia. We are currently still hauled out and visiting family in New Zealand but there are many more adventures to come. Happy 2025 to everyone and let’s hope to meet you all in person with sundowners in our hands watching sunsets, remote beaches only a boat can reach, our bodies hurting from too much surf/sailing and our bellies sore from too much laughter. Can’t wait!

We were lucky enough to grab the first mooring buoy at Maya Bay and spectacular in the evening when everyone leaves but absolutely crazy busy in the daytime. We were so glad to leave. I wonder how many accidents happen with so many boats in one area. Closing the Bay for 2 years to safe the ecosystem, just reopening with restrictions hut allowing so many boats through. I didn’t want to use the salt water to rinse dishes, there was so much petrol swimming in it. Snorkelling allowed in one area but no swimming on the beach. The masses of tourists, us included, flocking to “the beach” but only feet in the water, now give me your money. It made me a little sad and embarrassed for us human beings and how we treat nature. Perfect example to teach our kids about capitalism and mass tourism. Arrived at Ko Lanta with no one around. It’s so quiet and beautiful, I can take a big breath.

So nice to finally have some good wind and clear water. Stats are out. Obvi didn’t sail over night but rather caught mooring and had a good sleep. Woke up to beautiful sunrise and so peaceful and quiet and the morning.

Shortest trip in history

Tracking didn’t work for some reason but figured out how to add it manually. Pretty easy short motor to new island. Sadly no sailing done as wind dead on nose or none at all.