There are still things for free in the sailing world

27. March 2023, Monday
6° 53' 22" N, 116° 51' 28" E


Is there anything for free in this world?                                                                                                                                                              Especially in the world of sailing?                                                                                                                                                                           Answer:  Yes! Marinas...at least one.                                                                                                                                                                               But first things first

.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After leaving Palawan a few weeks ago to cross the Sulu Sea towards Borneo, we were tested on the quality of our sea legs for the    first two days by bad weather and fairly strong winds and confusing seas. However, not only did Frel have difficulties with the            wind and the swell, but also our headsail began to disintegrate into its components. Sail down, spare sail up and course towards   Puerto Princessa.                                                                                                                                                                                                                Usually in the 7107 islands of the Philippines you can only get a very modest and overpriced range of yacht accessories and             repair facilities in Manila or Cebu, but we were lucky.

A sailing couple offered their services as sailmakers in Puerto Princessa in order to earn some money for the board cash.                     The only problem was where to spread out the big sail.                                                                                                                                                 The solution was quickly found in the form of an aircraft hangar that we could rent and our genoa now looks like new again.                      Provision a few glasses with friends and the journey continued towards Borneo. The sea had shed its foul temper and we               enjoyed sailing from anchorage to anchorage, avoiding navigating at night as much as possible. Actually, the silent sailing             through tropical nights is a dream, but in view of the unlit fishing boats and nets, the danger of ramming into one of these          obstacles is high. (Well, despite all the romance, it's also nice to be able to sleep through the night. ;)                                                                                                                                

We clear into Kudat/Sabah without any problems, are enthusiastic about the friendly officials from immigration, harbor                 master's office, quarantine and customs, but less about our anchorage between stinking fishing ships.                                                              Friends of ours are also n Kudat to overhaul their yacht in a shipyard. Near the shipyard there is a golf club with a FREE                         well-protected marina. So now it's time to take one of the rickety old taxis and off to the shipyard and the golf club to take a look             at this offer. We are thrilled and move Odin to this marina on the same day...without jetty, water and electricity. But whatever!

Odin is sheltered and we can now explore inland safe in the knowledge that our floating home is anchored and tethered safely.