Thursday 28 January 2010

Happenings 2020 Number 17



Thailand Revisited








We returned to Malaysia on 1st. December, from where, ten days later “Envy” threw off her lines and sailed up to Phuket, Thailand for Christmas and the next 3 months.


Returning to Rebak


But all of a sudden things went terribly wrong. On day three in Chalong, Phuket while doing engine room maintenance, at anchor, Bruce accidentally broke off a thru-hull ball valve and sea water was flooding into the boat.

Fortunately friends were anchored nearby and, as Bruce sat there covering the hole with his hands, Audrey summoned help and we managed to smother the opening with quick drying marine putty, after which Bruce dived under the hull and jammed a wooden bung into the hole. The heartbeat rate was fairly racing there for a while!!

We were able to motor-sail up in strong headwinds to Phuket’s Boat Lagoon Marina where “Envy” now safely sits in a cradle on the hardstand awaiting this and several other maintenance jobs when the trades people return after New Year.

Meanwhile we’ve hired a Suzuki Jeep and will join yachtie friends for a beach BBQ Christmas Lunch in a pretty little bay on the other side of Phuket Island. So all is not lost by any means.


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