Today (Sunday) I arrived in Kudat, Malaysia. That is on the east side of the northern tip of Borneo. Left Wednesday morning with little winds and motored for four hours. Than the motor started to act up like it did a week ago, so maybe still the dirty fuel, or something else is up? Anyway, decided to turn it off.
Floated around for about an hour and then the wind showed up. The first night there were a number of thunderstorms which kept me busy reefing and doing sail adjustments. The next morning the wind turned to the SSW (south south west) which was enough for a close reach to make Kudat. This good wind stayed with me for the next 2 1/2 days and petered out last night. Floated around for most of the night, but at 5 I woke up from the wind generator’s whistle, which of course means there was wind. So back to hoisting sails. This wind died around and, with 32 miles to go that was time to crank up the engine. It was not willing at first, but it got going eventually.
Arrived at the anchorage around 2 o’clock. It is near the boat yard here. Was hoping that At and Dia (Angelique II) were still around, but they left about a week ago.
Tomorrow I need to check in with immigration, customs etc. Then I go talk to the yard because I hope to find a good diesel mechanic. Things are not running like they are supposed to. When folding the sail I found a new tear in the main sail, just next to a new repair, maybe the main is at the end of its life…. ouch. Anyway, will patch it up.
More pictures coming next time I check in. I am now in an internet cafe (which costs $0.75 an hour, same I just paid for a full plate of Nasi Goreng Chop Suey next door).
Interesting thing is, Malaysia is the first Moslim country on this trip, maybe also the last one (depends on the route I will follow). Seen a mosque (one of the first buildings visiable from sea) and many women with head scarfs (but not the full burka version here). Nice place so far, though more people say they speak English than actually do speak it.