Bali to Serutu

“Raise your sail one foot and you get ten feet of wind” - proverb

From Bali to Raas was a nightmare for all 5 yachts that departed Lovina. We reduced sail as we were literally flying amidst severe swell and wind of 25+ astern. Others had shredded sails and minor damage after this leg. A rogue wave soaked the cockpit (and the crew) and, after going the long way around the island, we finally anchored the following morning. A fast tidy up was required as sundowners were aboard Tientos that night

Trading boats are everywhere plying between islands

Between a visit from the local police and fishermen selling their catch, book swaps, morning teas and sundowners, we alternated yacht visits over the next 3 days as everyone waited out the weather. We then committed the cardinal sin of leaving on a Friday!

Another sunset

An overnighter saw us anchored in a flat anchorage on the north of Bawean. This gave us the opportunity to stock up at the local market and enjoy the tranquillity of this peaceful island. 

Bawean Anchorage

Polisi not interested in yachts checking in

Parents love photos of their kids

The smoke from Borneo was beginning to affect us all and after it was decided we would head directly to Serutu, a few other yachts decided they would join us.

The fleet in smoke

This passage gave us some fantastic sailing; goose-winged we reached over 7 knots which is a great speed for the old girl (that is Tientos by the way).  Once again, rather than going west around Serutu, we decided to cut through the strait between the two islands. Radio calls from other yachts said to drop our main before we hit the strait but we were going so well (for a change)… with seas as tall as the mast, we were funnelled through the strait and spat out the other side! Memo to self, pay attention to those who have gone before! The fastest main dropping ensued as night approached and we followed anchor lights to a well deserved anchorage.

 Serutu anchorage

Vic and Marge (Ice Maiden) and Graeme and Lorraine (Katani II) were promised Eggs Benedict upon arrival at Serutu, so a great champagne breakfast for them, then dinner for the solo sailors, Michael (Renaitre) and Peter, temporarily solo on 'Cool Change'.

May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!