BOAT LIFE: How We Manage Long Days At Sea

The crew aboard Sailing Ruby Rose recently set sail for an adventure up one of the world’s busiest waterways – the Malacca Strait. The passage from Langkawi, Malaysia to Phuket, Thailand is a treacherous one with dense shipping lanes, unpredictable tides and heavy fishing nets scattered throughout.

The Long Day at Sea

On this particular day, they decided to take advantage of the conditions while they could by motor sailing up the strait with engines off and a consistent wind speed of 10 knots. This resulted in an average speed of around 7.1 knots.

Navigating the Shipping Lanes

They skirted along the outer edges of the shipping lanes to avoid getting caught in them and having to deal with large ships, which could potentially be carrying heavy fishing nets. Despite what some people may believe, this part of the journey was actually very easy for them compared to other experiences they have had sailing around the world.

The Island Anchorages

The Ruby Rose crew stayed at an abandoned island for one night with a few big mansions on the beach. They had an uneventful evening of watching the sun set and enjoyed some time reading books or scrolling through news updates about their travels.

Navigating Tide Changes

Full moon tides played a large role in the crew’s decision making during this trip. They knew that navigating through the tide changes would result in rolling and difficult sailing times. This made planning their daily activities crucial to ensure safety at all times.

Dining Options & Local Cuisine

The local Malaysian cuisine became a highlight of the crew’s time sailing through the Malacca Strait. They were able to visit several local eateries and enjoy fresh fruits, delicious curries and even attend Ramadan buffets. This allowed them to experience the rich culture that comes with exploring new countries.

Maintaining Equipment

In addition to experiencing local food and cultures, maintaining their boat was an essential part of the crew’s daily routine. During this episode, they fixed up a broken steering mechanism on one of their dinghies, as well as did general cleaning tasks such as laundry, polishing refrigerators and organizing gear.

Reflecting on the Journey

The journey from Langkawi to Phuket proved difficult at times with unexpected challenges and strong tides. However, by maintaining a positive attitude and making sure they took care of each other’s needs, they were able to make the most out of their trip.

Marauding for Supplies

In the end, the crew successfully made it into Admiral Marina and stocked up on supplies before continuing onto Phuket. They noted how kind everyone in Malaysia had been during their travels and knew that they would miss these experiences when leaving for other destinations.

A Refreshing End

While at the marina, it was essential to recharge and get some rest before heading out again. The crew took advantage of pool time, naps under air conditioning, as well as enjoying delicious Malaysian food with refreshing lagers in hand.

Buffs of Plenty

The Ruby Rose crew joined their fellow sailors at a buffet feast during the evening, filled with an abundance of flavorful dishes including spicy curries and mouthwatering desserts. They reveled in the communal atmosphere while sampling Malaysian cuisine.

Finding Solace on Deck

The final day at Admiral Marina brought both reflection and anticipation. The crew took time to fix their dinghy’s steering mechanism, which required some emergency repairs but ultimately succeeded in making sure that everything was back in working order before leaving for another adventure.

The Next Leg

In summary, the journey from Langkawi to Phuket via the Malacca Strait presented challenges but also rich cultural experiences and wonderful moments shared with others on board. While these challenges may be daunting, overcoming them is what makes life at sea so thrilling.