We sign up for the Sail Indonesia Rally
The Rally route…
Not a breath of wind for the start of the Sail Indonesia Rally from Darwin…
Team Poco Andante ready for the start!
First stop – Kupang – looking lovely in the evening sunlight…
The landing beach – we had to drag the dinghy up above the high tide line.
One of the local men in a typical fishing canoe.
At the Pantai Laut restaurant where the Sail Indonesia fleet gathered – and we spent many afternoons.
The engine apart and sitting in the galley – in the end for 6 weeks! – and we had to clamber over it to get to bed!
All the tools and spare parts (occupying the saloon) ready for Matt to begin the day’s work…
Matt in the cockpit fitting the new piston rings.
The crankcase getting put back together.
Matt working on the engine in the galley.
Matt & Keith lifting the engine back into the engine bay – with the help of a chain hoist suspended athwart the engine bay.
Matt’s workshop – scary compared to first world countries – but amazing what can be achieved!
Celebrating a job well done!
But we had enjoyed the Welcoming Celebrations hosted by Kupang – with cultural representations from the various islands of the region.
But we had enjoyed the Welcoming Celebrations hosted by Kupang – with cultural representations from the various islands of the region.
But we had enjoyed the Welcoming Celebrations hosted by Kupang – with cultural representations from the various islands of the region.
But we had enjoyed the Welcoming Celebrations hosted by Kupang – with cultural representations from the various islands of the region.
But we had enjoyed the Welcoming Celebrations hosted by Kupang – with cultural representations from the various islands of the region.
Next stop the island of Sumba, where they weave the best Ikat in Indonesia…
The warp threads are prepared on this frame and the sections to be left un-dyed are tied with straw…
The dyes are from local trees and shrubs, including indigo, deep red and yellow…
The warp threads are dyed with the pattern already laid out – these are drying before being used…
Sumba is also famous for its Pasola – bareback horsemen ritualise old tribal battles.
These enterprising locals took us ashore for our Ikat tour and to help us buy diesel…
Getting it back to Poco Andante was a bit of an experience!
Then it was off to Rinca – the beautiful island next to Komodo – in the hope of seeing Komodo Dragons.
Then it was off to Rinca – the beautiful island next to Komodo…
and we did!
The Komodo dragons!
The Komodo dragons – these are about 3m long!
The Komodo dragons – these are about 3m long!
The Komodo dragons – these are about 3m long!
We sailed past Guning Api (1950m) – an impressive volcano off the island of Sumbawa…
… dodging fishing nets – easier during the day – impossible at night!
… this is a ‘FAD’ Fish Attracting Device – they are amazing and everywhere – even in the deepest sea.
We finally reach Lovina Beach on the north coast of Bali – but all the other Sail Indonesia fleet boats have already left…
Bali has a large Hindu population and there are temples everywhere.
We hired a car and driver for a day to explore the interior of the island – and discovered the most wonderful strawberries high up in the mountains!
The highlight was a trip to Jatiluwi where the traditional rice terraces have been recognised by World Heritage…
The atmosphere was amazing – tranquil – and every possible shade of green.
