All hands on deck, 0800 muster, sea watches posted, the crew worked through the intense Bali heat to heave up anchor, get the last of the provisions onboard and lash down or stow any moveable object on deck. Customs and immigration gave us the go ahead, stamping our passports and we hoisted the skiff.
Hoisting the skiff is a feeling like the airtight door being sealed closed on board a plane when you’re about to fly to a new destination. Cutting you off from the world outside the door, in our case, outside our hull, and focusing your brain on the journey ahead towards new ocean and land.
At 1400 the anchor was hoisted onto the foc’sl head and we motored off, getting through the canal and steering southwest in search of wind to fill our sails. This marks the beginning of Leg 3! We cannot believe it. At times it feels as though we’ve embarked on this adventure only a few weeks ago, at other times we get the sense that we’ve been together for quite some time; eight months to be exact. It’s amazing to think we are halfway around the world!
Bali was fantastic, for both the ship and the crew. In terms of the ship, we were able to paint topsides, send down the spanker gaff for maintenance and send down a number of sails: the spanker, both t’gallants, the main topmast staysail and the main t’gallant staysail, at the beginning of our stay. Prior to leaving, we bent on both t’gallants, main topmast staysail, main t’gallant staysail and the outer jib. The on-duty watches while in port were never dull, even at anchor sail training continues.
When the watches were stood down for a few days, the crew were able to explore the vast and diverse island of Bali. There is something for everyone in Bali, the Bali blend as they call it. It’s a healthy mix of old and new, hip, trendy with tradition at the centre. Bali is what you make it, a representation of life. If you desire peace, quiet and tranquility you can obtain that in Bali. If you’re an adventure seeker or a beach bum, those two are easily obtained. Each crew member was able to create their own vacation.
The biggest outlet that is enjoyable for those who love fine craftsmanship, decor and design, Bali was the place for them to shop! The shopping is rather impressive, fun and challenging. Many shipmates are taking or sending home treasures that will last a lifetime.
From: Bali, Indonesia
Towards: Rodrigues or Reunion
Date: Saturday, December 8th, 2018
Noon Position: Serangan Harbour
Course + Speed: S + 5 kts (at 1500)
Wind direction + Force: W + 3 (at 1500)
Swell Height + Direction: 3m + SxW (at 1500)
Weather: Sunny
Day’s Run: 0
Passage Log: 0
Distance to Port: 3064′
Voyage: 13775.8′
Sails Set: Fore and aft