Where am I ? > Journals >December 2003 >
(NEDERLANDSTALIGE VERSIE BESCHIKBAAR)

December 2003

A lot still needs to be done to get Espiritu ready. Before we start our journey, she needs to be 100% perfect, to reduce potential risks. Besides our jobs, we do have a second one, called "Project Boat". But no worries, we still have got 7 months left before we leave!

We planned our sailing route in more detail with "Visual Passage Planner". This CD ROM is helpful determining the most favourable route, according to wind roses (which show the expected wind direction and force in a certain area and month). We enjoy being surrounded by laptop, sailing books, Lonely Planets and a glass of wine and we could spent evenings doing this.

To avoid problems, it seems that we shouldn't visit the Seychelles. Until reaching the Seychelles, we would be pushed forward comfortably by the tradewinds. But after that, sailing southward towards South Africa, we would most likely encounter strong winds and even storms. We have already experienced beating against strong wind, coming from Hong Kong. If not necessary, we'd rather avoid this type of weather.

Stefan's parents (Cocky and Ton) visited us again for Christmas and New Year. Stefan's sister Evelien was unfortunately not able to join them. This time not much sight seeing, which they did already last year. But we enjoyed a very nice Christmas Eve dinner at the Yacht Club and a WONDERFUL champagne brunch in the Botanical Gardens.

We sailed to Nongsa Point Marina at Batam and spent two nights in one of their chalets. Cocky and Ton enjoyed the sail very much but are still concerned about our adventurous plan. Very understandable, knowing what they've already been gone through with their son!! :-)

Poor Cocky sprained her ankle during a walk at Batam. She needed some rest now, so no walking and swimming for a while. In Singapore she bought a pair of crutches, which made moving a little easier for her. This is really too bad for her, since Cocky and Ton will continue their holidays in Thailand as from 2nd January.

New Years Eve we celebrated at Gatsby in Chijmes. The owner was happy to see us all again She still remembered us, having finished nearly their entire wine and champagne supply last year. It was a great evening, but again no fireworks.

[Natascha]