We have arrived into Pangkor Marina.The past couple of days were a tough slug with the breeze on the nose, several squalls, many fishermen and tugs to dodge, significant adverse tides - but that's about all we have to complain about !! Currently enjoying a pizza and a nice glass of red - life is good.

Had to dodge some fishing nets last night. Thankfully we had a glorious full moon and clear skies. Crossed the busy Malacca Strait with no problems first thing this morning.

Crossed the equator earlier this morning about 100 miles SE of Singapore. Lots of motoring the past couple of days

as the only winds we get are associated with passing thunderstorms.

The winds are mostly light and tend to clock around us and then die out - so challenging conditions for sailing.

We will cross the busy Malacca Strait just west of Singapore and then continue up the Malaysian west coast about 270 more miles to Pangkor.

Michel from S/V Carmina told us that David (Gulf Harbour Radio) received a stent and is feeling much better. Wonderful news !!

Arrived at Belitung yesterday afternoon in time for an afternoon thundershower. It was a slow trip - just over four days -from Bali with light winds and more motoring than sailing. Lots of fishing boats along the way but no problems with any.

After a boisterous sail across the Lombok Strait we stopped at Ambat for the night. We did some snorkeling but were not impressed. Yesterday we motored most of the day to Lovina Beach on the north coast of Bali and were greeted by a huge festival on the beach.

Arrived into Medana Bay, Lombok after a quiet two day motor sail from Komodo Island. Saw only the occasional fisherman and the route had many commercial vessels. Shall get our visa extension processed here. There is a dinghy dock and a restaurant ashore - perfect.

Arrived yesterday afternoon and we are anchored just south of the main town and harbour of Labuan Bajo. There is a welcoming resort ashore with bar, restaurant and apparently we can even use their swimming pool !! This is quite a touristy area with a busy airport and we are just next door to the Komodo National Park which we hope to get out and explore over the next few days.

Getting along OK with one engine. Would be good to find a diesel mechanic - maybe further along in Lombok or Bali. There is a Volvo dealer in eastern Java. Or maybe we'll make our way up to Singapore or Malaysia to get repairs done.

Just about to Riung when we spotted a nice little island so stopped to swim and snorkel. Unfortunately the Captain has been head down, bum up in one of the engine compartments - as there was oil everywhere. Blocked ventilation valve / damaged piston ring ?? At times like this it's nice to have two engines.

We have arrived into Maurole which is quite rolly with the afternoon breeze. Stopped enroute overnight with Kinabalu at Batu Boga East anchorage where we enjoyed some good snorkeling and a dive this morning.

Maumere - Had a great sail here with Nauti Nauti, Our Reflections, Sedna, Runaway, Chase the Cat, and Irie. Have rejoined many others here that we haven't seen since Debut. Anchored off a resort and is that a bar and restaurant on the beach ?! The landscape is much different here - very dry looking so I've put my rain collection gear away.

Yesterday we had a nice sail around to Hoga Island. There are 10 other rally boats here and at least a couple more will follow us from Wangi Wangi today. Looking forward to some nice quiet peaceful days of snorkeling and diving plus we'll check out a nearby restaurant that has been getting some rave reviews from other cruisers.

Tucked into a lovely lagoon at Wangi Wangi, Wakatobi Marine National Park. Indonesian Independence Day tomorrow and the festivities are underway already. Shall take a look on shore and then try to find some good dive spots over the next few days.

Unfortunately, out of our fleet of over 60 boats only 15 boats showed up here – which has been very disappointing for our hosts who have gone to so much trouble and preparation. Our next stop is 40 miles upwind and also a well-known dive location so many boats headed directly there. Also several boats with mechanical problems or crew changes have headed to bigger centres.

We have been anchored off a small fishing village. The small basic houses are on stilts and the main road through the village was paved just a few days ago in preparation for our arrival. We have enjoyed touring the surroundings – the remains of an ancient fortress, a freshwater sinkhole / swimming pool, a turtle conservatory, a mangrove island where they are establishing an organic rice industry and visiting the local market. Last night we were invited to the Regent’s house for tea and cake and then to a nearby venue for a gala dinner complete with traditional dancing and a feast of traditional foods including lobster and crab.

Just arriving into North Buton Island after a two night / one day pleasant sail. A couple of boats (Billaroo and Muscat II) arrived yesterday afternoon and report being warmly welcomed and there is a small village ashore. Apparently this is the first time this location has hosted rally boats so we are bound to be a bit of a novelty. We have found that every child from about age 10 and every adult is equipped with a smartphone and anxious to take several 'selfies' with us.

Arrived into Namrole harbour, South Buru Island at midnight. A small rolly anchorage next to a busy wharf. Had thought the wind was going to drop out and it would be a slow sail - but instead we had a glorious beam reach with full main and Code 0 and made great time.

Unfortunately, Bev was boat bound the first couple of days with a tummy bug and we missed some of the planned activities. Very interesting stop with remnants of colonial architecture and old forts, markets of fish, fruit and veg, a volcano to climb complete with lava flow into the bay with nice snorkeling, attended a cooking class and enjoyed lots of great food.

Had a nice overnight sail from Debut to Banda Island in company with several other boats. We are anchored near a volcano which seems quiet at the moment. Banda Island had it made in the past with their nutmeg and mace trade but then the Europeans got involved ... Looking forward to getting ashore and checking it out.

checking in procedures took longer than expected. Quarantine visited us Sat evening and Customs on Sunday and then we were able to collect our paperwork on shore yesterday. A fun atmosphere in the anchorage despite the long frustrating wait to get checked in. Went on a tour / crowded mini bus ride to a couple of beaches and markets yesterday. Lovely friendly people ashore. Welcome ceremony and rally info meeting scheduled for today. Hope to get some internet sorted today...

Our timing was impeccable !! Anchor down at Debut and all settled in with glass in hand just before the rain set in.

Looking forward to a nice long sleep and new adventures in a new land tomorrow.

Encountered numerous squid boats at dusk and then had a quiet night. Have reduced our head sail to a snippet and hope to arrive this afternoon. The officials should be there tomorrow morning for check-in. Looking forward to anchor down and meeting the rest of the fleet as they arrive over the next couple of days. 33 miles to go.

A quiet night with no fishing boats or nets - maybe it was their day off. Forecast is for lighter winds so we have raised the main sail to gain some more speed and hopefully get us there Fri pm before the wind drops out. 170 miles to go.

Hurray !! For we are halfway between Torres Strait and Debut (S of Tual) Indonesia. We have been travelling with just the head sail - no main- and life is quite uncomplicated and easy. Why haven't we been sailing like this for the past four years ?!?! We encountered our first fishing net last night and luckily crossed it without becoming entangled. The past couple of nights, two other boats that we know of have become entangled in nets and both have been able to continue on OK.

A lovely day yesterday but a stressful early morning today as we wove our way through countless brightly lit fishing boats. One rally boat (Scott-free) ahead of us being tended to now by Search and Rescue aircraft as they became entangled in a net? last evening.

A windy squally night but we have arrived safely this morning into a lovely calm Arafura Sea. Several other rally boats departing Thursday Island as we zip through the strait with a favourable current. Looking forward to a relaxing few days as we coast along and try to time our arrival for later in the week.

Had a good sail overnight. In company with 8 other rally boats. Shall enter Bligh Entrance to the shipping channel of Torres Strait about midday. Bloody bird pooped on my paddle board...

Getting our clearance papers this afternoon and will probably depart tomorrow (Saturday). Topped up with diesel and even more groceries as we found lots of Australian products in the stores - hope we can still sail with all the extra weight aboard !!

Arrived into Port Moresby marina late last night. Anchored / moored beside "unwind". Shall clear Customs this morning and then move into a marina berth.

Some overnight showers twisted the wind and slowed our progress. Shall hope for some moonlight this evening to guide us into the anchorage area in the marina. 112 Miles to go to Port Moresby.

The wind has been lighter and we are back on starboard tack. Will not be a good day for the batteries unless the wind goes more easterly. 268miles to go to Port Moresby.

The wind shifted more easterly yesterday allowing us to jibe the main and expose the solar panels. Happy batteries make a happy Captain! The days are definitely warmer and more humid - wonderful. 427 miles to go to Port Moresby.

Having a very nice run with steady breeze, sunny skies and moonlit nights. Hope it continues a few more days. 592 Miles to Port Moresby

great sailing. 769 to Port Moresby. All well on board.

Southerly swell has moved behind us to make a more comfortable ride. Hope it stays like this. Two boobies adopted us last night and have taken up residence on our stern solar panels. 925 miles to Port Moresby.

A long way to go to Port Moresby - 1087nm

After enjoying a beach BBQ in Baie Maa with several other Aussie cruisers (Kiapa, Aqualibrium, Bossa Nova, Supatroopa, Skellum, Mika, Easy Tiger) we sailed about 150 miles up the coast to Baie Gomen. Was getting a bit lumpy and breezy out there so tomorrow we shall move along inside the protection of the northern lagoon.

Arrived yesterday afternoon into Ile des Pins after a nice sail from the Baie de Prony area. We are anchored in Baie de Kanumera due to the westerly winds and looking forward to some exploring ashore in this glorious sunshine.

Have arrived to New Caledonia and about to enter the Amedee passage at daybreak.

Shall sit at anchor off Amedee Island until we can clear Customs & Immigration Monday am.

Slow sailing yesterday on a lumpy sea and NW breeze on the nose.

SW change last evening and have been sailing well since albeit still quite bumpy.

PS - It's SUNNY and WARM !!

Sailed really well yesterday until rain and squalls started in the evening. Reaching 35 knots at times. Slowly motor sailing now as wind has dropped and changed from NE to NW.

Pleasant beam reach with steady NE breeze. Sky cleared yesterday for a sunny day and starry night but overcast again now.

Wind has been changing back and forth between E and N with gusts to 25knts.

Light winds and flat seas as we left Opua yesterday. Pleasant night sailing and motor sailing as winds freshened to 15k at times. Have been in company with Kinabalu, Kiapa and Tortuga.

Still here in Opua but with any luck we'll set off for New Caledonia tomorrow morning.

Enjoying a nice sunny calm day. Hope to head off in the next couple of days. Using the satellite phone to post this message so hope it works.

Here we are back in Opua enjoying catching up with other cruisers. Shall be a week or two before we take off. Waiting for a new sail and prodder to be installed. Also, it would be good if the fridge would be working before we take off !!