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Voyage Log 29th November

Position: 8º10.2N 98º20’.4E

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0.0 knots


Tim

It’s been a busy past few days! With the small break in sailing the boat has we’re spending the time giving her a good clean and sort out. The heat down below can be quite something but it’s all worth it when you start seeing some results. Everyone is amazingly helpful, we even got taken to see a Thai band that had come all the way from Bangkok to play. We stuck out as the only westerners.


Greg

Yesterday was the first day with the old crew gone. So nice to have space to move on the boat!! But might miss those guys…! Hah!
Ahhh and it’s so good; - Tim the new skipper has lots of GOOD music! No more Queen stuck on repeat for hours on end!
Tim and I stripped about half of the boat yesterday, making inventories of where everything is, and generally reorganising the boat. Was pretty hard work as it must have been getting close to the very high 30’s down below! Not nicee!!! But the second toilet is now totally accessible- the first time I have actually seen it since I have been on the boat! But there’s still quite a bit to be done!
That evening, Time met some guys in the Yacht Haven bar who suggested we went to this local Thai bar. We headed out there and it was pretty awesome!! We were probably the only white people in there, and there was a rock band from Bangkok playing who were pretty immense!!! Craig, one of the guys we went out with was a bit of a legend- stereotypical Aussi! So funny!
From a cultural point of view, I found out something new on the taxi ride home. On the sides of the roads there are various shrines positioned, and when one is passed, the driver is obliged to hoot his horn twice and put his hands together… whilst drving!
Today has been a bit of a lazy day though. But well deserved after the hard day’s work done yesterday! But work will definitely recommence tomorrow!

Voyage Log 26th November

Position: 8º10.2N 98º20’.4E

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0.0 knots

Quote of the day- “If you don't feel like being pleasant, courteous and kind, act that way and the feelings will come!”

Sam

Today skipper Tim arrived at about 10:30, so we spent the morning cleaning and detailing below before his arrival. The rest of the morning was spend handing over the boat until we had all lost 10lbs each due to the heat. We took a hire car to the south of the island with the rest of the crew, the best way to get to really see a place is to get lost! And boy did we! After ending up at one of the peninsulas we stopped off at a beautiful restaurant overhanging a cliff built into the trees where we watched the sunset. This was made even more exciting when we looked underneath this structure to see what was holding us up! A variety of twisted bits of wood slapped together like a child’s tree house! We have retired early tonight ready for Gordon and I to fly home tomorrow.

Gordon

Tim has arrived, this means only one more day with the dreaded cooker!! BLISS

John

Another day of sun, sea and great food on the island of Phuket. The morning was well spent restoring the GMIV to shipshape, just as Tim took over as skipper. We got a taste of Sam’s great driving skills, and he proved his worth navigating through lengths of pothole-ridden roads. After getting lost, we chanced upon this local eating place and had one of the most excellent meals for a mere S$4 each, beer and dessert included. Tonight’s likely to be windy and chilly, and tomorrow promises warm sunshine and more cool beers. To bed!

Voyage Log 25th November

Position: 8º10.2N 98º20’.4E

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0.0 knots

Quote of the day- “ Things aren’t always what they seem!”

Sam

We have been cleaning down the boat and emptying the cupboards ready for the arrival of the new skipper. I have now vacated the skippers bunk (Chichesters) ready for Tim when he arrives. I’ve been away now for almost two months and am getting very excited to see my beautiful wife and daughter “Ocean” in approximately 52 hours! Not that I’m counting! The boat is a little quiet as Elaine has checked into a Cabana with her boyfriend on the south of the island and Enrico has booked into a bungalow on the north west of Phuket. We ate out last night on this rickety old pier where a family live, they cater for passer byes normally local people, they don’t speak a word of English so it’s a point and see what you get! The food was exceptional, we ordered a heap of various dishes in lots of different Thai spices and for the total sum of £15 for 6 persons including all drinks. Due to the heat we were all fairly de-hydrated so you understand that we had to get some liquid back in to re-hydrate! Beer was the only option because you can’t drink the water out here!

Gordon

Woke to another scorcher in Thailand, view stunning, people very friendly and above all showers. After fueling and cleaning outside of the boat we went to the local tourist beach(trap) to do some shopping for clean clothes, well that’s my excuse!



Greg

In the evening of arriving in Phuket, we were all pretty famished, and this place called “Mama’s” was recommended to us. And it was brilliant! Food was good, cheap and more to the point, there was LOTS!
The following day we had a lie- in!!!! So so sooooo good!! Then we headed to Patong beach which was really nice. It seemed like a larger version of Kuta in Bali, minus the surf. Browsed around the local markets where there were loads of “authentic” quicksilver, billabong etc goodies! All at heavily discounted prices!
That evening, we met up with Elaine and her boyfriend John, who took us to a, how to say… interesting place! Where all the ladies were not quite female… haha was quite a laugh!




John

The island of Phuket has twice as many girls as guys, so it may seem, but to those of us who are more discerning, we’d better be, well… more discerning! The day went by smoothly, Sam sniffed out the best deals like a greyhound, Gordon engaged in friendly banter with the shopkeepers, and Greg was the subject of attention (did I say affection?) with many of the ‘locals’. How did it feel in the hand, Greg?

Voyage Log 24th November

Position: 8º10’.2N 098º20’.4E
Almost there!

Speed: 7.03 knots

Wind: 12 knots

Quote of the day- “There is a past that is gone forever, but there is a future which is still our own!”

Sam

We placed bets upon departing Singapore, if I was way out I certainly would not be writing about it in the log! A few people owe me a few beers, being as we were tied up within 2 hrs of my guess! Unfortunately we are all so tiered and ready for bed at 18:00 (LT) due to the body still being in shift mode. It was really nice to have had the sails up today for a good 4 hours. That’s the most sailing I have done in the past 2 months.

Gordon

Another hot day in Thailand, we arrived in the Yacht Haven at Phuket after sailing through stunning scenery. When we arrived we had to have a “cold one” to celebrate our arrival. This is the end of our sailing and believe it or not it will be nice to get home to the cold weather away from the cooker.

Elaine

Arrived Yacht Haven Marina late afternoon. We had a bit of a bet to see when we get in my estimate was way out. The biggest boat I brought here was 40ft so we took a bit longer than this trip, also I had not the luxury of a big fat engine.

Nice to be back in Phuket and what’s more arriving onboard Gipsy Moth. It’s been a quick trip, pity about the lack of wind, great company. Had a ball, thanks to all for giving me this opportunity.

Enrico

It was indeed a privilege to have shared this experience with such a great crew. I am totally dehydrated and as red as a lobster, but ready to do it again. The good ship Gipsy Moth is hands worthy of her pedigree.

Greg

Think I spoke too soon; on tonight’s watch Elaine and I had a masssive downpour and got soaked! Not nice!
But today has been another scorcha!! Lovely and warm! And guess what…? We actually did some sailing!!!!!!! Was an awesome sight! I still maintain that GM is by far the sexiest boat on the rally when she has all her sails up!
Arrived in Phuket a few hours ago. Passed some of the “ko” islands on the way in and they are absolutely stunning! Rather glad I will be spending a bit of time here!!

John
The blistering hot sun and lack of wind well justified when Carlsberg welcomed us with a green glint and some cool suds right upon docking. The outer islands of Phuket are breathtaking; these tropical islands rise majestically out of the water with such voracity that one imagines them as the semi-submerged back of a sea serpent. Arriving in Phuket is bittersweet; its good to be back on dry land with decent shelter from the heat, but the journey was so enjoyable that one has to lament its closure. On the bright side, a great many things have been discovered on this voyage, along with some awesome mates. Thanks guys!

Voyage Log 24th November

Position: 5º34’.6N 099º17’.9E
Approx. 20nm West of Langkawi

Speed: 6.6 knots

Wind: 0 knots “good for a water ski!”

Quote of the day- “Thoughts lead on to purposes, purposes go forth in action, actions for habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny!”

Sam

Why would anybody want to cruse up the Malacca straits? The pilot book talks about salt-water crocodiles up to 20nm offshore. The crew have spotted hundreds of jellyfish the size of dustbin lids, and during the day we are encountering massive amounts of floating debris from bits of rope and large bamboo to huge chunks of tree as large as our vessel. The water clarity/visibility is full of sediment from the rivers all up the coast. There are huge amounts of shipping movements, not to mention the large drift nets the fisherman leave out unlit up and down the coast line for us to run into!

On the positive side its great to have some decent music on board, the boys from Wales only listened Queen! On that note …. boys, how’s school? Owww!

Gordon
Another warm day in GMIV with the sun shining and the heater (cooker) pushing out the therms at a great rate, whoever thought of putting this heater on the boat should be out here now!!
What can we see, the sea and lots of fishing boats. The floating debris is something to behold and needs careful dodging..

Elaine

On motherwatch today, now I know how the rest feel cooking on board… it’s like a sauna. Think I lost litres of water just making bubble & squeak this afternoon. Funny how we decided on me cooking bubble & squeak and Greg cooking noodle stir fry. Still no wind and we’re probably about a day away from Phuket. This is turning out to be power boat trip! Well at least there’s Jack Johnson on tap …

Enrico

Some 70 miles off-shore, sadly reminded of what man is doing to the Ocean: 100m. depth, beautiful sparkling water carpeted by non-bio-degradable flotsam . I first went to sea some 50 years ago, insignificant fraction of time on the Earth’s time scale, but what a difference! Environment protection is today’s our key issue, and I believe we can make the difference individually by making others ware of it.

Greg

Oh the joys of being on mother watch on board Gypsy Moth…!!! Cooking on her may be the most unpleasant experience ever! Being below deck with temps of over 30 degrees, plus having the blast furnace of a cooker on top of that makes life uhh… interesting! Even typing at this computer half an hour after cooking ceased is still pretty unbearable!
Other than that today has been cool as always. Saw some pretty savage squalls on night watch with awesome lightening. Luckily for Elaine and I, the rain didn’t come on our shifts! Hahahahaa!!! Oh, and seeing large mother tree trunks float metres past you is always a laugh!

John

The Melacca Straits throws up some of the most amazing things. We’ve witnessed a full array of footwear, a floating forrest, and enough styrofoam food-boxes to feed an army.. Even the Gypsy Moth landed a flying fish on her deck this morning, when Sam failed to bring in anything!

Voyage Log 22rd November

Position: 2º04’.7N 102º14’.9E
Approx. 20 NM West of Parak

Speed: 6.6 knots

Wind: 10 knots from the NW

Quote of the day- “All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow!”

Sam

Today has been particularly hot, as we go further north the temperature is supposed to get colder! I have written 19 words and I’m dripping over the computer! The smell of garlic wafts past me as Gordon prepares tonight’s dinner “spaghetti in the nude” with more garlic than beef! In case you are all picturing Gordon in the nude, I meant spaghetti bolognaise! John is cutting out and passing around the watermelon left over from the last leg. Enrico is sprawled over the fordeck and Elaine is dancing on the helm with the tiller between her legs, while Greg is stood up keeping watch with his knee length shorts curled up so they look like a pair of swimming trunks.

Gordon
Our little welsh dragons have flown the nest and should be in the green green grass of home, if any parents want tips on how to get them out of bed, I run a consultancy service, it worked for me. They are all dying to get back to school the day after they get back, so don’t disappoint them.
It is a warm one in the Malacca Straits, we still haven’t seen Johnny Depp, so we are going on to see Leonerdo de Caprio.

Elaine

Showers on day two, what a luxury! Still wind is on the nose and less than 10 knts. The heat is slightly unbearable today especially when the ‘mummy’s making dinner. Just polished off dinner of Spagetti Bolognase, awaiting the custard and peaches now. Think I have got to start incorporating some proper meals like that in my future races, instead of just boil in the bags. Good food makes the difference.

Greg

Oh the joys of instant coffee!!! A necessity when waking up in the middle of the night for the evening’s watch! The shifts have beeen going pretty quickly, which has been sweet! Caught up now on all the lost hours of sleep and have been enjoying today’s sun. Has been a bit or a corker today.. ultimately hot! Ahhh and we were able to actually have almost normal showers today as the water maker was on to fill up the solar showers. Which were actually on board on the previous leg, which no one knew about! Brilliant…! The wind hasn’t reached that magical 15 knots so we haven’t even thought about putting any sails up, which is a shame.
It’s getting a bit too warm down here so will leave it at that before the PC gets soaked!

John

H.O.T. Who would have thought that a place surrounded with miles and miles of water could feel like the warmest place on earth. So we are along the Malacca straits, sweating it out as we traverse Northwest-wards toward Phuket. Earlier today we passed Selangor on our starboard, and soon we’ll be past Perak. We’re looking forward to sunset.. Relief from the blistering sun, and some much anticipated Gordan-o Pasta.

Voyage Log 21st November

Position: 2º04’.7N 102º14’.9E
Malaka Straits, Coast of Malaysia.

Speed: 7.7 knots

Wind: 6 knots

Quote of the day- “Why is there so much month left and the end of the money!”

Sam

We had the most wonderful send off from the Corum Team last night, they took us out for a banquette of sea food followed by a few cheeky beers! You couldn’t have asked for a nicer evening, a great mix of new and old friends. Despite being adamant I needed a good nights sleep, two of my closest friend took me off to a all night street stall for a couple of tea turik’s. (It’s tea stretched between two stainless pots!) Where we chatted until 2 am, ready for an early departure at 04:30 with our new crew!

We are currently sitting in the middle of an electrical storm, with the beautiful back drop of Malaka city. I am looking at the radar and can see a squall approaching, wind is creeping up its at 28 knots, I best get back in to by bunk then!

Gordon

A good time was had by all last night, as we said goodbye to the Corum team and Singapore. We left at sparrows to set sail (motor) for Phuket a lot of the land on the chart that was being reclaimed, had been and had a lot of industry already on it. It was good to have local knowledge on the boat. We are now going up the coast between the TSS and Malaysia and have been making good time. Come on Thailand.

Elaine
Was a nice feeling leaving RSYC this morning with Gipsy Moth (was a bit early!). Guess I am happy that Singapore has been a stopover for many international sailing events over the last couple of years and it gives me a fuzzy feeling. It’s been two years since I sailed this route whilst doing deliveries in Asia, the familiar sights and influx of shipping in the TSS, the fishing nets. Water Island is coming up on our port back dropped by quite nasty skies. Looks like we are going to get a little wet for a while…

Greg

Last night/ this morning, we were taken out to supper by the guys from Corum and had THE best night! After having an awesome sea food supper, we were taken to this cool little bar and we tried a Singapore Sling, which was pretty strong! And they served beers in HUGE half litre glasses! Soooo good! But that evening we had to say our good byes to the Welsh guys… all rather emotional, as they were a really good laugh. Nice guys! By the time we got back to the Yacht club, it was so late and we had only a few hours before having to wake up again to head for Thailand. So I caught up with friends and family. Ultimately suffered for it though this morning, as I was dead! But have just caught up the lost hours from the past few days. Now motor motor motor to Phuket… YEAAA….!



John

The morning was calm and we started off with dawn breaking on our backs. The tidal stream was in our favour for most of the afternoon, giving us a boost of a bout 2 knots. Right now the sea is calm and we look geared up for a spectacular sunset.. time to ready them camera!

Voyage Log 19th November

Position: 1º17’.58N 103º45’.72E
RSYC Marina Singapore

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0 knots

Quote of the day- “Hitch your wagon to a star!”

Sam

It is time for the crew to go and check into a nice air-conditioned building, They have been a pleasure to have on board, Although I couldn’t possibly tell them this without them giving me a hard time! So lets keep that to just us yea!!
They have not hesitated to try new strange foods, eating out in places most westerners wouldn’t dream of walking into, They have made the effort to try and learn the local customs and manors, whilst working hard and playing just as hard.

Gareth

Absent from place of duty, last seen running for comfort in a hotel.

Bryn

Last day today. What an experience! Taking part in this leg has changed our lives. It has given all of us a sense of independence. We have seen things that we wouldn’t have imagined of seeing at home. I am quite disappointed that we are leaving the Gipsy Moth as it will be very rear that we shall experience such an adventure again. It’s been good!

Iwan

My time on the gipsy moth has ended. It’s time for another crew to carry on where we left of and I just hope they have as much fun as we did. This trip has totally changed my view on life and my career decisions for the future. I have seen so many things I would have never experienced in my life, and I just hope I can continue to do things like this. Thank you Gipsy moth.


Rhodri

Sadly, this is my last day on the Gipsy Moth today. It has been an amazing experience for me, it has been something that has really made me think about my future, this is one experience I will not forget. I have seen and done stuff that I could only dream about before coming on this leg. It has been an excellent and superb experience being here, I am just hoping I will get the chance to do something like this again.

Voyage Log 18th November

Position: 1º17’.58N 103º45’.72E
RSYC Marina Singapore

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0 knots

Quote of the day- “I’ve never been drunk, but often overserved!”

Sam

Would some body please organise some dance classes for these boys for there return! It’s embarrassing! A group of close friends organised an evening out and I got the pleasure of seeing what must be a traditional northern dance, as the corner of the dance floor opened up for three young lively men!
Gorden and I spent the day showing people around the furnace! Hot was an under statement. The local newspaper (The Straits Times) printed an article to generate some interest and offered an open day all day today.


Gareth

In Absentia. Guest at dinner with Lord and Lady Rochester. (In other words…. He has checked into a hotel and has gone out to dinner with some old friends!)


Bryn

Today was all about charging our batteries! Last night we only had about 3 hours of sleep. We met up with some good friend of Sam’s, a couple named Aide a professional footballer and Ezreen his wife. They showed us around the area, and took us to a local night club. He pointed out many new things to us, including the term ‘lady boys’ transsexual men that had changed into women. Giving us an idea what to avoid!!

Iwan

I slept in many unusual places today, for example the computer room, beside the pool, on deck and nearly in the steam room. The reason being we had a late night last night, Aide brought us to a club in Singapore until 3am and we woke up at 6, not enough sleep! Bryn seemed to be very interested in the ladyboys last night and was considering it as a career.

Rhodri

It was a very hot day today at the marina. The boat was open to the public today, a lot of people visited in the morning and had a tour of the whole boat. We then relaxed in the afternoon, went to the steam room and had a dip in the pool. At night we went to a 24-hour prata shop, and then went on to the cinema. It has been a long relaxing day after a very late night yesterday.

Gordon

Open day on the Gipsymoth today, not a lot of people turned up compared to the open days in Australia. The interest here is not really sailing, although there are moves afoot to bring sailing more into the public eye, and hopefully we helped a little.

Greg

Back on board the beast!!! Would love to say its awesome to be back… but that would be a rather large lie! Gareth was actually kicked off, so I’m told! Just kidding the Crew are all being put up in a hotel as from tomorrow but Garrth went one day early, to meet some old friends. But oh lord I’ve missed this boat, nice to see they’ve fixed the air con… a.k.a the fans! YESS!

Voyage Log 17th November

Position: 1º17’.58N 103º45’.72E
RSYC Marina Singapore

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0 knots

Quote of the day- “If at first you don’t succeed, give it another go and another go and….!”

Sam

The boys awoke completely exhausted! I took them out with some very good friends of mine last night, They introduced them to lots of new foods and Malay drinks (non-alcoholic) after dragging them out of bed this morning they flopped into the pool before starting our day. The plan this evening was to go for a late night hoka centre meal, but the boys are already falling asleep!

Gareth

Corum, one of our main sponsors treated us to yet another delight here in Singapore, with a visit to the Zoological Gardens this morning. Not being a great fan of them I was a little uneasy about it, but my animosity was soon dispelled with the sensitive handling of animals that is the hallmark of the Zoo here. Not only is it the most natural environment I have come across, but there were constant references to issues of concern regarding the animal kingdom and their environment and the effect of pollution and global warming on their various habitats. Such a responsible attitude can only help educate the wider public about the urgency of the situation that faces all inhabitants of our planet. Well done Singapore Zoo.


Bryn

In the morning, for some reason, all the lads where extremely tired. But once we went to the zoo (which is said to be the best zoo in the world) we all had a new burst of energy. We saw all sorts of animals, from big leopards and tigers, to small frogs and insects. Later on in the day we all went wake boarding. We also had a go at bare foot skiing. Something extremely hard, and contains a lot of falling on your face!! Great day overall!

Iwan

Today we went to go to the cable Ski Park, we all got up on the boards and everyone was confident. I began to get too cocky and went for a big jump, the only word that can explain it is ‘wipeout!’ Totally unplanned I managed to do a back loop 180 to fakie ‘a scare crow’ the only thing was the landing was no where near. I landed flat on my face and knocked all the wind out of my lungs, i thought I broke all my ribs. But I got up again!

Rhodri

Was treated to a trip to the zoo this morning, where we had breakfast a couple of meters away from some Orangutans. We then visited a cable ski park, which is basically a water version of a ski lift. Participants can use any kind of boards or skis, even barefooted on the lake. It was amazing, but after 4 hours it was very tiring. We then visited a local food court where we had Pratas, which are similar to pancakes but thinner and contains any filling you like, and Bungdung a very sweet pink drink.

Gordon
Today 2 years ago Gipsymoth was lifted from her concrete tomb and her route to Singapore began.
We had a very interesting trip to the famous zoo and a trip to wakeboarding lake. I managed to a back flip, not on a wakeboard but on a chair. Gordon 1 chair 0.

Voyage Log 16th November

Position: 1º17’.58N 103º45’.72E
RSYC Marina Singapore

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0 knots

Quote of the day- “If you want to really get to know somewhere, go and get lost!”

Sam

After an exhausting six hours sitting in an air-conditioned building having to listening to briefings about the next few legs of the voyage, I was set free to meet two wonderfull groups of kids from Singapore. One group was from a local school and the other from the international school whom we showed around the boat. Tonight I’m taking the boys into town to try tea turret and some satay (local dish) in a hocker centre before taking them on to a cinema!


Gareth

We are the guests of the Republican Yacht Club of Singapore, formerly the Royal Yacht Club. The welcome is great and we have been given access to all the amenities including pool and steam room, which the boys like. Blue Water Rally hosted a party in our honour too last night.
Founded in 1826, with William Montgomerie as President, it was the quintissential British club of the Empire A hundred years later it became the Royal Singapore Yacht Club under the patronage of the then Prince of Wales. George V1 and Elizabeth 11 were patrons subsequently. Governors of the colony were regularly commodores.
In 1967 with the Independence of Singapore it was renamed the Republican club.
This year the club celebrates its 180th anniversary.
One fascinating historic footnote; during world war two and the Japanese occupation, many RSYC yachts were used by the fleeing British forces to escape!



Bryn

Today we welcomed school children to the Gipsy Moth IV. Last night we took part in the Blue Water Rally party, we where given free beer all night! Tonight we are going out to a local food court, then we are going to find a local cinema where we can watch the new film Borat.

Iwan

Last night we had a party in the republic of Singapore yacht club, not only did we have local entertainment and free Indian, Chinese and Indonesian food, but we also had free tiger beer all night long! Today we had some of Singapore’s higher schools join us on the boat. We gave them a tour around Gipsy moth the 1V, they all seemed to be very impressed, but they haven’t seen how she sails!

Rhodri

Today we had more work to do on the boat as we were giving a tour to two different schools. They were very impressed and interested in the boat’s history and origin. After that we went for a well-deserved swim and some food. At night we had a chance to relax as we went into town, and went to watch a movie in the cinema.

Gordon
Another warm day in Singapore with the cooker for added heat. We have been hoping to upload the movie clips today but the computer beat us again, we will try again tomorrow! I think I have lost another 14 St. today showing people around below. Father Christmas will not only be beardless, but may be skinny as well.

Voyage Log 15th November

Position: 1º17’.58N 103º45’.72E
RSYC Marina Singapore

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 0 knots

Quote of the day- “Food is for eating, drink is for drinking and it would be rude not to!”
Sam

We have met some incredibly nice genuine people since our arrival in Singapore. We have been met with open arms and the boys have become celebrities, you may have a problem when they arrive back in the UK……. Sorry Wales! If you wish to speak to them this will have to be done through their PA!
We have picked up a few more sailors for the next leg of the voyage. One of whom is Elaine Chua one of Asia’s top flight pro sailors, two of the three are from Singapore, this will be a fabulous opportunity for Asia’s media to follow their progress whilst giving the GMIV some great exposure. The boys got the oppertuity to thank Corum for there support, whom without they would not be here.


Gareth

Singapura is first mentioned in the 14th century as ‘ Seatown’. How appropriate since everything here has links with the sea, which envelops the city like a mantle.
A Sumatran prince mistook a tiger for a lion and thus today we have the name Singapura, Lion City.
Sir Stamford Raffles then founded a British East India base here in 1819, which in turn became the trading hub between east and west and the rest as they say is history!



Bryn

Now I know haw celebrities feel! We had the press following us around, taking photos of us onboard the Gipsy Moth IV. The Gipsy Moths main sponsors came to see us, we had to make a small speech in front of them all. We have been given Corum watches, each worth just over £4000. All through advertisement, because the Gipsy Moth IV being in Singapore, is tremendously popular and everyone wants to talk to us. We feel so welcome here!

Iwan

What an unusual day, this morning I had to prepare a speech for the Corum press conference, it was totally different actually doing it in front of 30 press, the club members and the British high commissioner. Each of us was given very expensive Corum watches to borrow for the week, so we all have to take great care of them. We then had a big photo shoot onboard later on. I have never done something so publicised as this before.


Rhodri

What a day!! We were treated like celebrities all day. We had a press conference in the morning where I had to say a couple of words. We were presented with very expensive Corum watches for the week. We were also given a wonderful trophy presented to us by the British High Commissioner. Afterwards we welcomed a lot of the press and VIP’s on board then had a photo shoot.



Gordon
Today was a busy day in downtown Singapore, Corum media day and a welcome party from the RSYC.
At the former Sam found out how slopping my shoulders really were. He had to give a talk on GM and he kept trying to get me to do it, but he did very well and didn’t need me.
The welcome party involved some of the local children dancing, some food and I believe some alcohol.

Voyage Log 14th November

Position: 1º17’.58N 103º45’.72E
RSYC Marina Singapore

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 10/15 knots

Quote of the day- “If you want your friends to remember you…… borrow something from them!!!”
Sam

So we managed to escape from Indonesia! And are now moored up in RSYC, we had a warm welcome with huge banners, a group of really nice people came down to welcome us. Now we begin the task of preparing the vessel for the media and press turning up tomorrow. The crew and myself have to do a presentation, followed by questions and answers on the voyage, life aboard and the history behind the campaign. I’ve got the boys out side on the dock weaving a traditional rope matt for the welcome aboard!


Gareth

I’ve had a refreshing gin and tonic at the Singapore Yacht club, which has restored my soul! There’s something quite exotic about an iced G&T in a tropical climate. My most demanding task today was keeping watch for our mate, Gordon as we crossed the Singapore strait at what I took to be peak time, but apparently it’s like that all the time! I was watching fore, aft, starboard and port simultaneously as huge ships bore down on us from all directions. Thankfully, there were no close encounters!


Bryn

At last! Singapore. The end of a long and unique journey for the Welsh crew. I have never seen as much ships in my life. It took us approximately 4 hours from Batam. We are now berthed at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, we have received a great welcome from the dock master and other Blue Water Rally members. The day was filled with plenty of relaxation in the Pool, Sauna, Gym and many more!

Iwan

Today we reached our final destination, Singapore yacht club. To get here we had to cross the busiest shipping port in the world, the Singapore Strait, the vast amount of ships was striking. We met up with our one of our main sponsors, Corum watches, we have just found our that we are doing a photo shoot. At the shoot each of us will be wearing four and a half thousand pound watches.

Rhodri

We have finally left Indonesia and entered the busiest port in the world, Singapore. We had to cross a two-lane traffic scheme full of tankers and containers to enter the port itself. Upon arrival, we set everything up, put the flags up, cleaned the inside and outside and did a bit of polishing. We have a very tight schedule tomorrow as we have a photo shoot with Corum watches at 8, where the whole crew will be given watches, ours worth £4,500 pounds sterling. We have also been invited to a party at the Royal Yacht Club at night.



Gordon
Left at sparrows and crossed the Singapore Strait. After crossing the English Channel it was a doddle, as it is so narrow the boats are line astern. When we arrived the work started, we had meetings with Corum about the days ahead where we can be of use to them. Out came the longs and the GM shirts, tomorrow starts with a photo shoot at 0700 and carries on all day. The good news, I get to wear a £10k watch!

Voyage Log 13th November

Position: 1º11’.8N 104º05’.8E

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 10/15 knots

Quote of the day- “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk!”

Sam

Today we have had a few problems, due to 3 crew changes and 2 skipper changes the paperwork is a little up the creek! The official crew list is nothing like what we have here. Also by coming into Indonesia by boat you get a 2 month visa, however by flying in you only get 30 days….. I flew in to join the boat as skipper 2 weeks before this new crew joined GMIV this meant my visa ran out 2 days ago! Ops! Out here nothing is a problem as long as you are prepared to pay! After getting friendly with the local head of customs he recommended we got away strait away on route to Singapore so as to avoid lots of government bribes and paper work! Out here they stand on the dock and watch you depart, so we slipped our lines headed out for an hour before returning, for the night. As long as we are away before the office opens tomorrow we should be fine!

As a our last meal in Indonesia I thought we should have one last local meal, so I did a deal with a security guard, hired his motor bike and went into the nearest town 15 minutes down the road. We had an enormous amount of mixed foods and dessert on board for the equivalent of £6

Gareth

Arrived in Nongsa point marina. The marina was built in 1994 and is very spacious and accommodating. The facilities are second to none with showers, pool, shop and bar and restaurant. Many of the Blue Water rally participants are here and meeting up was a pleasure after some days apart. We cross the Singapore straits to berth at that most welcoming of cities tomorrow morning, arriving a little before lunch.
Thereafter we take part in celebrations to mark not only the arrival of Gipsy Moth 1V, but the close association between the Lion City and Sir Francis Chichester.

Bryn

Relaxing day overall. This morning we left Bintan to Batam, our last island visit until we land at Singapore, tomorrow morning. Today we discovered that there is a Blue-water Rally boat from Conwy, which is quite close to where we live. Sadly I couldn’t find the yacht which was called Y Seren Wen. Tomorrow morning, we leave to Singapore, we are all very much looking forward.

Iwan

Today is our last day in Indonesia, it has been a great experience as I have seen a world I had never known was out there. But were also excited to leave also, because tomorrow we will be in the spectacular city of Singapore. Once again we had an early morning, 4am to be precise, to leave Bintan and find our way to Batam, a two-hour sail. We had HOT showers today, something we take for granted at home but now it’s a luxury.

Rhodri

A very early start today, we started from Bintan at 5, but reached Batam earlier than expected. The harbour where we are docked is very nice and classy, it contains a swimming pool and the first hot showers for a while. This day was a more relaxing one, as we will be heading for Singapore tomorrow morning.

Gordon
Morning started early! We had a following tide and got to Nongsa Point Marina early to meet the rest of the Blue Water Rally and be briefed on arrival in Singapore. We then booked out of Indonesia, which turned into comedy, but we will be in Singapore tomorrow. We have a flexible program for sponsors and Yacht Club in fact so flexible that we get told different itineraries, so we will wait till we get there and do what is needed.

Position: At Anchor in Mana Mana

1° 10’9 South, 104° 18’8 East

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 10/15 knots

Quote of the day- “Mornings are for getting up!”

Sam

What wonderful friends I have, An old lady that my wife and I knew had a family business selling coconuts, Unfortunately she lost two of her sons whilst they were out fishing in a small simpang when a storm hit 7 years ago. She always tells me that I have the hart of her son, every time I return to this island she greets me with such warmth. Today she sent her husband up a coconut tree to supply our crew with coconuts for our onward journey. One of the crew had heard that you could eat the top of the tree, so I asked her in bahassa Indonesia. She then went on to tell us how good it is for you, what I didn’t expect was for her to jump on a motor bike and drive for an hour to her home, where she had cut a tree down and brought the hart back for us to eat!
Gareth

Today I filmed my crew taking a test dive and wake-boarding. They were very competent, particularly when one considers that they undertook the dive without a swimming pool introductory session. I have some amazing footage of the wake boarding as I was perched precariously at the rear of the power boat, never knowing when I was going to be thrown out!
This evening we dined at a kelong; the seafood was delicious and so fresh. I shall be so sorry to leave this country of Indonesia which I have come to love very much. Within 2 days we shall be in Singapore, where I hope to meet up with Marc and Magdelene, at whose wedding in Kuching I was the best man in 1998. Nos da!

Bryn

What an brilliant day! We all had small objectives to do before leaving the boat this morning, while I repaired small scratches on the side of the hull, the other lads polished the brass on the deck. The boat needs to look good before we leave to Singapore. Once we where on land we took part in so many things. We went swimming in the local pool and the sea. We had the chance to go Diving underwater to see the reef, for the second time we went wake boarding. Such an improvement to the last time had a go. To finish the night off, in the evening, we had a meal in a local restaurant. Where it is tradition to eat the fishes eyeball. The texture was indescribable, something I wouldn’t do again soon!

Iwan

Today has been full of new exiting experiences. to begin with we had an early morning, we had to clean up mall the brass work on the yacht, not a very nice job. We went on land and saw some wild monkeys, as we were walking back to the beach a large monitor lizard it was around 6ft. Later on in the day we managed to pack in some water sports it was round 2 for the wakebording this time a lot it was much easier. We also managed to go for a dive and see the coral. Later on we went to a kelong for food and I tried a local delicacy, fish eye! Were off tomorrow and I rely don’t want to leave Mana Mana the people here are so friendly and we have already made some good friends.

Rhodri

What a day, packed with events. In the morning we polished all the deck ready for Singapore. We then went for breakfast and visited a small local shopping centre. In the afternoon we did a lot of water sports, we firstly went scuba diving on the reef by the resort where we anchored. Then It was take 2 on the wake board, this time it was much easier, I could get up quicker and perform turns, it was an incredible experience. It’s going to be a sad day tomorrow as we leave the resort, the local people, and its accommodations for the sea. We should be arriving in Batam, the next stop, in three hours from when we start..which is at 5!!

Gordon

Another hard day by the beach. Day started with the ritual cleaning of the boat followed by breakfast and then on to the beach. It was good to see how the boys had improved at Wake boarding in only 2 days. Off to Batam in the morning and then clear Indonesia and a short trip to Singapore.

1° 10’9 South, 104° 18’8 East

Speed: 0.0 knots

Wind: 10/15 knots

Quote of the day- “Happiness consists in activity – it is a running stream, not a stagnant pool!”

Sam

We spent a session this morning on the boat carrying out duties before the sun got to hot. When I say on the boat, half the crew were under the boat at 06:00 to give her a clean. After we went ashore for breakfast the crew wanted to slouch around and catch up on some sleep, so I took this opportunity to teach some of the locals guys how to windsurf. Its amazing how much they appreciate just a little bit of coaching and one on one tuition.

Gareth

We are on the beautiful island of Bintan in the Singapore Straits. It is still Indonesian territory but with a smattering of Singaporese culture for whom the developing tourist industry is catering for. So far all is tasteful. One bonus of course is that for the first time in 10 days I can have a cold beer and more especially one of my all time favourites-Tiger beer from Singapore!



Iwan

Today has been a chill day. To begin with we had a very late night last night, we went to a club in a resort, we had a great time! One thing that, wasn’t ‘chilled’ was that we had an early wake up call at 06.00 to be precise, then we were ordered to jump in to the sea and clean the whole 51ft of the Gipsy Moths hull, by hand.

Bryn
A day of rest. Something that we have been waiting for, for long time. We washed the boat this morning underneath the hull, from any slime from the seawater. Then went to the resort of Mana Mana for breakfast, and we didn’t come back. It is such a relaxing environment. They are so welcoming here.

Rhodri

A day of relaxing after a long and eventful night. Had a great time at the resort’s laser quest shooting game, where Iwan Bryn Sam and I took part in. There was more fun to follow as the four of us then moved to the resort’s club. Last night was a great laugh. Tonight we went to the resort again, there was food being served and a beach party going on, it was amazing.

Gordon
Started day with reveille at 0600hrs, much to our younger members consternation, but cleaning on and under the boat must be done. Followed by a full English breakfast and then on the beach. It’s hell but someone’s got to do it.

Voyage Log 10th November


Position: At Anchor in Mana Mana
1° 10’9 South, 104° 18’8 East
Speed: 0.0 knots
Wind: 7.0 knots

Quote of the day- “Try, try, and try again!”

Sam

Today I learned about inaccuracies, inaccuracies in the charts were using when they showed reefs where there are no reefs, and showed us 1nm inland! Fortunately were in a very familiar area, The other inaccuracy was in the forecast! When we were warned it was predicted to be 40/45 knots from the North East! Hummm! After looking at the synoptic chart it was correct……….1,500 nm away in the Philippines and dissipating!! Unfortunately by the time I got this information it was to late to inform the rest of the boats on the rally who were now hi tailing it out of Indonesia for the cover of Singapore.


Gareth

Ever seen a boat going through a volcanic intrusion? Well today our skilful skipper assisted by his most adept mate took us through some stunning isolated volcanic rocks rising out of the sea, as we cruised along the beautiful north coast of Bintan. On the coast itself lie some of the most tasteful developments I have seen in the world. I wish the Europeans would copy these on our coasts!

Iwan

Today’s experiences have been totally different from any other day on the Gipsy Moth! The things I take for granted at home are the things that I appreciate most. For example we had a full nights sleep, also I had fish and chips and an ice-cold beer. It was great. We managed to visit Sam’s old work place, it was a water sports resort in Mana Mana, I think I found paradise. It was amazing!!!!!!!!! We managed to have a go on the wake boards, what an experience.

Bryn
Today has been full of experiences, this morning we woke up between Kelongs (fishing traps to catch small white bate and squid). Later on we had the opportunity to go wake boarding. It looks much easier on TV! For the first time we were aloud to drink a cold drink full of ice, the most refreshing thing all week! I haven’t had that feeling for ages.

Rhodri

We woke up this morning anchored off the shore of Bintan, we went for a quick snorkel and then made our way up the coast. We reached Mana Mana resort where we had the best time. This time is paradise!!! I had a pizza and a cold beer, which has been a dream for the last week. In the afternoon our skipper Sam took us out to wake board, it was a struggle at start but once I you got the hang of it, it was an absolutely fantastic feeling and experience.
Gordon
It rained today so showers were arranged on the foredeck. We finally arrived at Bintan and stopped in Mana Mana where Sam used to work. I managed to talk to the Blue Water on the SSB, that’s a bonus!

Voyage Log 9th November


Position: Passing the Southern tip of Bintan
1° 07’2 South, 104° 52’3 East
Speed: 7.9 knots
Wind: 10/15 knots

Quote of the day- “We are what we believe and all that we are springs from our own thoughts... !”

Sam

This ancient naval tradition otherwise known as “crossing the line” is performed on vessels that crosses the equator. This ceremony has a rich varied history and is nearly as old as seafaring itself.
The idea was designed to test the novices in the crew to see whether they could endure their first passage. Those who have crossed the equator before are known as “Shellbacks” and those whom have not are known as slimy “Pollywogs”.
In Greek mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea. In Etruscan and Roman mythology, Poseidon was known as Nethuns and Neptunus, respectively. Sailors prayed to Poseidon for a safe voyage, sometimes drowning horses as a sacrifice. In his benign aspect, Poseidon created new islands and offered calm seas. When offended or ignored, he struck the ground with his trident and caused chaotic springs, earthquakes, drownings and shipwrecks.

Gareth

We crossed the equator yesterday albeit in an unconventional way! We attempted a very skilful synchronised swimming group, which as some of you will remember was all the rage in the seventies, with each us from Wales holding one corner of Y Ddraig Goch or Welsh Dragon aloft above the waves. We could justifiably have incurred the wrath of that mythological dragon of the deep-Leviathan in doing so!
Anyway, back to the equator. It is a human construct that encompasses the whole globe and in doing so is a symbol of our fragile unity through testing times both for mankind and the planet itself. When I mentioned to people, some in the travel industry I might add, that we were visiting Indonesia I was met with warnings and concerns about our safety.
How misplaced these have turned out to be. We were met with great welcome, warmth and interest. What we have in common as peoples outweighs divisions, just as the equator runs through lakes, seas, mountains, deserts, jungles and all manner of terrain in its course around the world.

Iwan

Land ahoy!!!!!! The hours are passing by quicker and quicker as we near the islands of Bintan. Another relief is that there are no more night shifts, this means no more Mr Cowell waking me up in the early hours of the morning. Sam and myself are mothers today and I think I’m going to cook my speciality, pasta! We had the privilege to swim over the equator yesterday, it was an experience of a lifetime. As we swam the four of us proudly escorted the Welsh flag through the calm water, a first for the Welsh flag Maybe?

Bryn

Yet another hot day on the Gipsy Moth, Finally we should be able to see land within the next few hours. It has been a long couple of days at sea. One thing I have learned is that people’s tolerance has been tested at small confined spaces. But it has been a great couple of days here. I shall be looking forward to be able to have more than 4 hours sleep a night!

Rhodri

Another long and hot day at sea. I have also learned about the tradition of crossing the equator as we have not crossed it before we are ‘Pollywogs’, therefore swam across. Our destination is nearing as we will arrive in Bintan sometime tomorrow. We will be anchoring just outside tonight, as we will need to scrub the inside and outside of the boat ready for its welcome at Singapore.

Gordon

It is still hot, we are still motoring, and there is still no land.
As we crossed the Equator last night it was deemed right that the new boys should walk across whilst the shellbacks sailed (motored) across. The new boys could not reach the bottom only, 50 metres, so we let them swim.
I now have a new man on my hit list, the Aussie electrician who fitted the Radar screen at my head height above the chart table. I managed to save the chart from getting too many new port hand marks and as the people that know me will understand, losing a little blood is not a bad thing! Luckily my head is harder than Mr. Simrads radar, so no permanent damage was done to either.

Voyage Log 8th November


Position: Entering the South China Sea
0° 32’4 South, 106° 32’4 East
Speed: 5.9 knots
Wind: Absolutely nufink!

Quote of the day- “Water is the softest thing on earth.
Yet it's silken gentleness will easily wear away the hardest stone!”

Sam

The sea doesn’t get any flatter, The most pain full part of the trip so far is watching the fish all jumping and waiving there little fins. In there hundreds, I have not seen this much wild life on the entire trip, squalls of tuna and they all know our fishing reel is totally nakered! Gordon and I have both had it to pieces and to no avail!

It’s also great fun to watch the banter between (Sir) Gareth and the three Students as they mess around teasing each other. You couldn’t get a better combination of teacher and student!

Gareth

‘ Calm seas and prosperous voyage’

It must be the heat but I can’t for the life of me remember the poet or the composer who set it so wonderfully to music; was it Tennyson poetically and Vaughan Williams or Parry in terms of music?? Sorry folks, can you remind me?
Anyway, it is as the title suggests a wish for calm seas and a prosperous voyage, no surprise there I hear you say. The allusion though is deeper and very apt to our voyage now on entering the South China Sea. I have been ‘mother’ today, along with my long suffering student Bryn, which means we have to do the catering for all on board as well as do the cleaning. So I reflected on the role and immediately it came to me that a prosperous voyage is not a reference to monetary wealth alone, but to the camaraderie and human fellowship to be found amongst people brought together on a 51 ft yacht for a common purpose and destination. We certainly feel as we will be friends for a long time after we have left the pearly shores of the South China Sea.


Iwan

The placidity of today’s sea has enabled us to notice on all the wild life around us, we have seen sea snakes, schools of dolphins and a vast amount of tuna. The we have now been motoring for 4 days non stop and the sound of the engine actually helps me go to sleep. We have been filling the water tanks today with the water maker and everybody has been gifted with the chance for a long needed shower, especially Bryn he hums!

Bryn

It has been a very pleasurable day today, Mr Cowell’s lunch time dinner didn’t go down to well, after burning the first lot, the chick peas were not cooked enough and had the texture of small stones in your mouth. If you can book us into a dentist when we get back, to repair the damage that was done. So now I have taken it upon my shoulders to cook dinner tonight! So if you don’t hear from the crew after tonight, you know why! Tonight we shall be passing the equator so we intend to swim across it to celebrate!

Rhodri

Another long day at sea, nothing to be seen except a couple of sea snakes and more dolphins. We are nearing the equator with each hour we travel and should cross it in a bit. We are also nearing our next destination, the island of Bintan. With all calculations made we should be arriving sometime tomorrow


Gordon

Still hot, still motoring, still no land. Nearest land 50m straight down!!

Voyage Log 7th November


Position: Entering the South China Sea
2° 13’5 South, 108° 38’.3 East
Speed: 5.9 knots
Wind: Nada, Squit, N/A, there ain’t any!

Quote of the day- “Time moves not like a river from here to there: we do that.
Time moves in waves - it ebbs and flows. There is a time for everything!”

Sam

We have now cleared the Java Sea in to the South China Sea through the Selat Karimata this is the narrowest channel between Kalimantan and Indonesia with a width of 40 nm.
Not that I had any concerns, but this particular strip is renowned for its piracy and its quite nice to be looking at this area behind us as we head out into open water.
Just before we slipped from Bali I went to the marina office to pay the bill and made a last minute on the spot decision to purchase some more jerry cans and fuel from the local fishing port around the corner. I am so glad that I did this as by this stage without the extra 150 litres we would be seriously wallowing, and the boys would be taking it in turns kicking there little feet out the back!

Gareth

Kings, poets and philosophers as well as mariners throughout history have testified to the power of the tempest. What the mariner in his simple way stood in awe before took on a deeper significance for the former. How many events in the bible for example are associated with storms; we need only think of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, the swallowing of Jona by the whale in the midst of a storm. The tempest was often a manifestation of God’s intervention in this world and in human affairs. Shakespeare echoes this theme beautifully in his play ‘The Tempest’.
Last night was not my first experience of a tropical storm but it certainly was at sea, and it was no less terrifying or ‘electrifying’. Not terrifying in terms of fear, in fact I was strangely calm throughout and at times I was exhilirated by its effects. Storms somehow enable us to connect with the elements from whence we all evolved, they encapsulate three billion years of earth’s history and our inheritors of that evolution. How awesome is that-hope you get one soon!!

Iwan

The Gipsy Moth voyage has drastically changed my views on my career options in the near future it has opened a whole New World to me. As a lot of friends of mine are going to university I thought that was my only path. My skipper Sam has explained to me the different careers in the maritime world, careers that I had never heard of. I am going to use this experience not only as holiday experience I am going to use it as a stepping stone into the world of maritime.

Bryn

The taste of a new experience! For the first time in my life we were caught in a storm last night. Surprisingly I was cold! The first time I had felt like this since I have been here. It was the first time I had to put a waterproof on as well. A lightning bolt landed pretty closed to the port beam, right behind where Mr Cowell was siting and he had the effect of jumping out of his seat. We have just been for a dip in the sea, just what was needed in this immense heat.

Rhodri

It was my turn today to be the ‘mother’, in other words I was in charge of cooking each meal, the washing up and cleaning the boat. After eating the two chickens that we had brought on board with us, we used the left over to make soup. Its being a very hot day today, as there has not been any wind at all. It was a change from the storm that finally caught up with us at 3am last night, when I happened to be on watch, I was soaked. It got very cold during the storm, the wind picked up to speeds of 25 knots, and there was also thunder and lightening.

Gordon
Still hot, motoring in the South China Sea, lots of water, not much sealife and the occasional boat. Sam assures me there is land out there and I believe cos’ he is my hero.

Voyage Log 6th November

Position: Middle of the Java Sea
5° 15’4 South, 111° 59’.5 East
Speed: 6.91 knots
Wind: Variable 6 knots, rocking and bobbing like a caulk.

Quote of the day- “The best way out of difficulty is through it!”

Sam

Today was a tuff day, swell, no wind being sloshed around, doors flying open, the heat you can’t get away from and I’m mother today and tonight is curry night…….chicken curry night…..The only chicken we have, is walking around in a cage at the back of the boat! Or was!

Gareth

Come the fateful day! Our moral rectitude was on trial today. We are all meat eaters on board and yet we have great moral prevarication when it comes to tracing the not so pleasant origin of the source of that culinary delight.
The chickens were to have their date with destiny, but it seemed more of a problem for us than for them. Now that speaks volumes. Perhaps we in the west, and yes even in wild Wales, are now so far removed from ‘the soil’ that we never confront the issues of day to day relating to life. Here in Indonesia they have no choice. Their daily existence is intertwined completely with life ,suffering and death. The tension as to who was to do the dastardly deed had been brewing all morning, and the only resolution as to who was to be the executioner was to place names into a hat and decide that way. A lot of soul searching is how I would sum up today!



Iwan
Today has been a very long day, but is only the start of our long journey to Bintan. I have been trying to stay in the shade all day today and have been avoiding going up on deck, as I burnt badly yesterday. Sam and I Are ‘mothers’ today and the main dish is the famous chickens. We had to kill them today, saying ‘we’ I mean Gordon and Sam as it where their names who came out of the hat. Well I’m of to go on watch now, ill write soon.

Bryn

Today was the day was all about the chickens! We debated who should kill them for about 20 minutes, then came to the conclusion of taking someone’s name out of a hat. We only planned to kill one bird today, but as they were very small, we used both of them. So tonight we shall be eating a chicken curry. It looked as if a spell of rain was going to hit us in the evening, with large dark clouds coming upon us. In the end nothing happened and it just passed over us peacefully. Overall a very long day!

Rhodri

It has been an even hotter day today, everyone has been trying to shade form the sun. I am suffering a bit from sunburn, but it’s nothing a couple of days won’t heal. We have spent all of today on the boat resulting in a very long day. The only stop we did was for about 5 minutes to cool off. The weather looks like its going to turn, a heavy shower is heading this way and will contact us in approximately half an hour, it is time to take everything below.

Gordon
Today Sam and I invited Henrietta to dinner. But due to past life as Racing Chicken, we had to invite her friend as well. Sam and I were given the job of explaining to the chickens there position in tonights meal. We proved today that chicken does not come in polystyrene dishes and plastic which was an eyeopener to the younger members of the crew. I hope they will enjoy the curry as Sam has slaved over a hot stove, in a hot boat, in a hot climate, although he has one request for chips. He is now cooking them as well, it’s a good job I am not mother!! It’s like going to Wales and asking for Haggis.

Voyage Log 5th November

Position: Middle of the Java Sea
5° 15’4 South, 111° 59’.5 East
Speed: 6.8 knots
Wind: North East 6 knots.

Quote of the day- “We grow only when we push ourselves beyond what we already know!”

Sam

Just a short thank you, for supplying me with such great crew! It’s really hard these days to find young people who are keen to work hard, they don’t need to be asked to clean, tidy up, put sails up and down they just get on with it!
Despite a few of the guys being fussy eaters they are all trying the local foods eating in the sorts of places most western people wouldn’t dream of eating in.
On top of that they are really getting stuck in to the activities on route, after seeing hammerhead sharks brought in to the nearby fish market, and 4 people taken just last week they still go snorkelling!! Just kidding it was only 3 people!

Gareth

I awoke to a wonderful opportunity, the crew had deserted the boat, apart from me and Gordon the mate. Now I could put into effect my master plan of hijacking GM1V and turning her into an offshore gambling joint!!! Sadly the others returned too early laden with fuel. Damn!
Well the great delight was the dug out canoe with which our guide returned with the others behind in a larger local boat. It was a classic bronze age ( by our definition) dug out canoe, something akin to what our ancestors in the Menai Straits and the Solent would have paddled away quite merrily in 3,000 years ago. Anyway, I had a go and I loved the stability and gracious movement that accompanied it. I’m going to copy it and open a franchise!! Look out Dickie’s of Bangor!
We later visited a coral reef for fun but also as part of a study we are undertaking for Bangor University School of Ocean Sciences. We noticed coral bombing having taken place and also coral bleaching, a symptom of global warming at shallow depths. At a deeper location the coral was growing profusely.



Iwan

Today I have yet again had a new experience under my belt. We went snorkelling off shore on a coral reef. It was an unbelievable experience the colours of the fish and the reef were colours I had never had the privilege of seeing before. i also had a go0 min a canoe, the canoe was carved out of a tree. the man who helped us with our fuel was the only man who spoke english in his village, the man told me he didnt care about money, he only cares about his frends. i refused our money for his healp all he wanted was a bar of sope! so we gave it to him.

Bryn

Hot is the best word for it! Iwan, Figo and I have burned from the sun, after going swimming to see the reef. We are currently putting plenty of after sun on at the moment! We arrived at the island of Bawean to early so we had to slow down, we are currently 8 hours ahead of schedule allowing us to relax a little. Mr Cowell and I are the cooks tonight, we are frying a fish coated in garlic and butter, along with a large tub of vegetables. Going for the healthy option today!

Rhodri

It was an incredibly hot day today, a lot of members suffering with sunburn. We started our day by collecting diesel from a small island called Bawean, we were greeted by a local fisherman. He took us ashore, to the market and to the nearest filling station on his motorcycle. This island like Madura had also not seen western people. On leaving towards our next stop, Bintan we stopped for a short while to do some snorkelling. The reef we dived on was beautiful and full of life. Iwan and myself, swam to a tiny island nearby, it was amazing, there was fish and crabs to be seen everywhere. The moment I started to write this a dozen of dolphins were playing about by the ship’s bow, they were so close you could touch them, it was a real treat to see them.

Gordon

It’s hot, very hot and I think I wilted.

Voyage Log 4th November

Position: Middle of the Java Sea
6° 34.6’ South, 113° 40.4’ East
Speed: 6.8 knots
Wind: North East 6 knots.

Quote of the day- “All journeys have a purpose, to get to another place. There are places everywhere and the differences are less than you might think……. Some places are no more than state of mind!”

Sam

We went ashore in our little tender this morning just as hundreds of colourful local wooden fishing boats departed. They were loaded with friends and nets headed out to earn their catch, this whole village pull together to catch, prepare and box up fish which is collected and sold off to neighbouring islands for both trade and money. It opened my eyes, us westerners the more we earn the more we become independent and selfish, self absorbed in our own materialistic world.

Gareth

Having arrived at the village of Jurangan as the sun was going down, nothing could have prepared us for the delight and profundity of the following day. Our welcome from the villagers exceeded generosity and hospitality.
Both the elementary and primary schools were a powerhouse of hope for the future of the youth of Indonesia. The staff and the children exuded optimism and enthusiasm in bagfulls with regard to education and self improvement, and despite financial constraints of great magnitude were able to deliver and experience a wholesome and rich curriculum.
I would love to teach here!

Iwan

Today has been the highlight of my trip, up to now. We stopped in a little village Madura. The people I met today were truthfully the most welcoming friendliest community. The villagers had hardly any possessions or wealth, but saying that I didn’t see a frown all day! The people of Madura seemed to watch each other backs, every body knew everybody. The two young men that volunteered to show us their village and their way of life, spoke very well English, better then the English teachers in the schools, the reason the spoke so well English is that the were sent to work in Bali as young men. Kutut one of the young men had been able to pay for his fathers house, we visited the house and were given a worm welcome, Kutut was so proud of what he paid for and his father was proud of his son.

Bryn

Great day overall! This morning I had to retrieve a halyard that was caught three quarters the way up the mast. In town, it amazed me when it only cost about a pound for 8 drinks! I was also impressed by the authority elderly people had over the young people. The first thing that caught my eye in the school was that the teachers all had cigarettes in their hand when they were teaching children from ages 6 to 12.

Rhodri
Had a fantastic day today, it was a real eye-opener. We went to see the children at a school on the island of Madura, many of them were so excited as they had not ever seen white skinede people before. This was the same all through the island as even older people came up to us to shake our hands, it was very touching. We were probebly the first westerners to visit this area.


Gordon
A good day was had by one and all. We boosted the tourist industry in a local village and visited the local schools. Everyone at school were very smart in their uniforms (first three days of school week one uniform, second three days a different one). Even the teachers had a smart military style uniform, I was impressed! We then boosted the economy further by buying soft drinks and having a meal in the village. As I am on mother watch I fully approved.

Voyage Log 3rd November

Position: East Coast of Madura on a small anchorage
5° 52.2’ South, 112° 37.6’ East
Speed: 0
Wind: South East 6 knots.

Quote of the day- “Every body is trying to accomplish something big, not realising that life is made up of little things!”

Sam

Highlight today was without a doubt our new friends laying two eggs, one of which was crushed, the other I grabbed before they had a chance to destroy it! I’ve watched my mother collecting all the off cuts of vegetables for her chickens, and I find myself doing the same here, its so satisfying not throwing food away and putting it into something your going to eat later! We are currently sitting at anchor next to a small “Campong” village over a cold VB beer left on board from the last Ozi crew. Cheers!

Gareth
Just a brief note to Dewi. The ‘draig goch’ is flying on the Gipsy Moth!

Iwan
Mr Cowell was the first to ‘PUKE’. We saw dolphins early this morning it was a magnificent site as they swam and dived through the water beside Gipsy Moth IV. We all went for a dive noon today in over 200m of water it was an epic experience to say the least. It’s been a long day today as I have been ‘mother’ with Sam, the sipper, and we have also been on watch for 2 hours on and 4 hours off it’ been a long day.


Bryn

At 12pm we went for swim in the open sea, there was about 200m of water beneath us. The water was crystal clear. We got to see what the Gipsy Moth 4 looked like from beneath the sea! We are currently anchored down at Madura bay. Sam told us that we will have to retrieve a halyard that has gone up the mast, so one of us will have to climb the rig. Mr Cowell was ill during the day. I was sleeping at the time, I seem to be sleeping more here than I do at home!

Rhodri

Today was a long day we sailed all through the night and throughout the day from Bali. We have now anchored nearby a small island called Madura. We were taking part in a 2 hour watch system, which worked very well and efficiently, I slept on deck as I did not want to miss anything, especially my shift. We decided to stop for an hour or so in the middle of nowhere and undertook a research for the Plymouth University, they want to test the water over here each day. The highlight of the day was going snorkelling after the research, our skipper Sam found some jelly that we filmed, we also took a lot of under water photos and footage.


Gordon

Highlight of the day:- the fresh rations laid two egg. I crawled round the lockers finding bits to repair items on the boat and Sam cooked a wonderful meal in an idyllic bay.

Voyage Log 30th October

Position: East Coast of Bali
8° 34.2’ South, 115° 28.6’ East
Speed: 7 knots
Wind: South East 6 knots.

Quote of the day- “A hen a day keeps hunger away!”

Sam

It’s nice to be at sea again, its great to arrive somewhere but even better to get away! As we motor-sail up the eastern side of Bali a small swell is forming and with these light winds good old gypsy moth is a rokin! All the crew’s faces have turned white and they don’t want to come below. Due to this whole program being about experiencing what Sir Frances Chichester had to go through, and of course life aboard this good ship, I can’t bring myself to help them cook, clean and wash up, they need to go through this, seasick or not seasick they have a job to do, we all take turns and today is not my day!

Gareth

Had an interesting day! Woke up with an aftershock! And no not the drink! Just an adjustment to the heat here, just like anglesey in July. As I write, I too have that funny rolling effect which is rendering me a little seasick at mo, but there we go, the tuna pasta was still too delicious to refuse. I think the lads have had an education today, second to none and they are all the richer for it, as we all are. Their visits today are well documented!


Iwan

Not feeling to well at the moment, I’m writing this log on deck during my first 2 hour night watch. The reason I’m ill is because of the rolling swell and the smell of the chickens on the aft deck. Today was a real big eye opener, we saw so much poverty, small kids where approaching begging for money. Trying to pick pocket in this crowded market and locals were slapping them and shouting at them to leave, it was an experience I haven’t come across before, the sheer volume of food that were available was unbelievable, they sold everything!



Bryn

Today’s atmosphere was very different to the town we visited yesterday, when we arrived at Posar, there was a large aroma of different smells combined that took a moment to get used to. The first market we arrived in contained more food, like all sorts of meat, we nothing goes to waste here, we purchased two chickens to feed our hunger when we are out at sea, (I’m not looking forward to killing them). We left berth at around 1pm, otherwise we would have missed our chance and would have been sailing against a tide of 5 knots. Sam has created a system of having 2 crewmembers on watch at all times, for at least two hours. Allowing each crewmember the period of four hours off and two hours on.

Rhodri

Currently on deck, feeling a little sea sick and I am unable to go down below deck to type so am writing it out to be typed latter. We went top a local market (Pasar) today and realised how cheep things are out hear, we managed to get most things about 65% cheaper than the first asking price! We spotted some of the local deliquesces being sold such as chicken feet and chicken heads used in soups and fish heads which are supposed to be the best bit to eat! The Crew have also two extra members called “Henriateher” and “Chickeather” purchased in the market as fresh provisions later!

Gordon
Another day in downtown Indonesia we went shopping for provisions, and a cage to keep them in. I can just imagine what an Island taxi driver would say if you turned up with two live chickens!!
We left when we got back and are motoring to our first stop in another 24 hrs. Well goto go as it has now gone dark and I will be on watch soon.

Voyage Log 30th October

Position: Benoa Marina, Bali
8° 44.5’ South, 116° 12.8’ East

Quote of the day- “I am not young enough to know everything!”

Sam

The arrival of new crew! White as a ghost I here the locals say! As they walk out of the arrival gate. What a fabulous bunch of people, they seem up for almost anything. Despite some being fussy eaters they have eaten out in two local ”Warongs” since they arrived and have tried completely new dishes! The boat has been fully loaded with food and we plan to leave tomorrow afternoon after a trip to the town centre, we have to purchase some fishing Lear’s and a live chicken in a cage to supply us with a fresh meal half way up on the next leg! Will let you know how we get on tomorrow.


Gareth

Hi, this is Gareth, leader of crew Cymru. What a full day it has been and I’m speaking as an onlooker and film editor. The crew undertook 3 hours surfing at Kuta beach to get over the claustrophobia of an 18 hour flight.. They adapted well to the heat here of 33 degrees and are raring to go with regard to the voyage to Singapore tomorrow. Late this afternoon they visited the markets at Kuta beach and negotiated themselves some respectable bargains.


Bryn

Hi, today has been all about getting used to the local climate. We took part in surfing for the very first time, surfing needed a large amount of stamina, as this was a new experience to us all, the lads have been complaining that our nipples are stinging when touched, because they were constantly being presses against the surf board. I am trying to get used to the local costs. We discovered that the local workers only earn about £1 -£2 a day,


Rhodri

Hi, today was a very long and eventful day, as well as taking care of the food that was on board, we visited Kuta Beach. While we were there we took part in a 3 hour long surfing session, which was an amazing first experience! We were also challenged to a 4 against 4 football match on the beach with some of the locals, which Me, Iwan, Bryn and Sam accepted. We unfortunately lost! We then went out to the town, and eat at one of the local food court.


Iwan

Helo! Its Iwan here we have had a long and exiting day. After we went to a big shop to get the supplies we all went to the beach for a surf. All the lads where inexperienced but we all managed to catch a couple of waves, but also were thrown all over the place, which sometimes was more fun. Were all sleeping up on deck tonight not only because of the heat but that Gordon kept us up half of the night. Today they dared me to eat one of the small chillies that where in Warong, it was boiling to say the least.

Gordon

Despite the boys hiding my Zimmer frame, I got to the computer. To tell you about my exciting day. Last night the boys made use of the earplugs I supplied and tonight they are moving out for a quiet night. The excitement of shopping and watching the Football international got to me and now I have to go to bed.