Saturday, 4 September
After a busy week, Shahna Bacal is finally back in the water again.
The new wires arrived in Batam on Wednesday, 1 September, were fitted on Thursday (2nd), and the rigging was tightened and the spartite poured into the main mast collar on Friday(3rd). The spartite set over night, and the mast boot was fitted first thing Saturday (4th) morning. I attended the immigration office with Livia, from Nongsa Point Marina, on Tuesday and Wednesday, where we submitted my application for a new visa which is now being processed. I spent the rest of the week tidying up the boat, refitting the booms and sails to the masts, and getting everything ready for moving the boat back to the marina.
Shahna Bacal went back in the water at 0900. Paul (CEO) and Adrian (GM) of the shipyard, and Paul of XSP (who did the rigging) came down to see the boat go back in the water and to wish me well for my journey to Darwin. Three of the workers at the shipyard were keen to join me on the trip around to Nongsa, and with Paul and Adrian’s blessing I took them as crew for the voyage back to the marina.
I had hoped to do some sailing on the way around but the wind was light and I ended up motoring all of the way. We made good time with the favourable tide, departing the shipyard at 1040 and arriving at the marina at 1400; and we were all fast starboard side alongside the fuel dock at 1440. My crew left and after a few beers in the bar at the resort, which has now re-opened, I tidied up the boat then enjoyed a shower ashore and dinner in the restaurant.
It is good to be back on the water!
