TO GIVE UP IS NOT AN OPTION! - SwT 180 - Turning my cockpit into a sail loft

In this episode, I start working on my sail repairs and share my experience with sails since I left Europe. I also introduce you to my new neighbors – Indonesian Sailors, pay a penalty, and enjoy local food while experiencing their hospitality on their catamaran.

Sail Repair in Indonesia

After enduring a rough sail from Sami to Tual, where 16 out of 18 sail ties were destroyed by my main sail, I arrived at the immigration office one day before my Visa expired. The office was closed until Monday the 12th.

Repairing the Damaged Sail

As the nearest sailmaker is in Bali, which is now 1,100 nautical miles away, I knew I had to fix it here. The 16 out of wind was brutal, and even with the sail reefed down to Reef three, it had no chance.

Inspecting the Sail Damage

After inspecting the sail damage, I decided that this one should probably go to a professional sailmaker. As for my backup sail, it still has miles to go. Instead, I’ll look at repairing the more damaged main sail.

Sail Maintenance and Servicing

Throughout my adventure, I’ve tried to take good care of my sails. They are not only quite expensive to ignore maintenance and services but also important for reducing pollution while sailing around the world.

New Sail vs Servicing

Having just spent €2,000 on a sail service, which was claimed to be as good as new, I wonder if servicing a sail is worth the money compared to getting a new one. A new main sail for my yacht would cost around €9,000.

Meeting New Neighbors

I really felt the need to get off my boat and stretch my legs. It’s good to just escape and think about other things.

Local Culture

I also needed to take out cash from the ATM in Tual over several days, only to make sure I have enough for Monday morning at the immigration office. I encountered some friendly and heavily armed special police officers who offered me water and a chat.

Meeting Indonesian Sailors

In this episode, I also introduce you to my new neighbors – Indonesian Sailors. I am privileged not only to meet something exotic like Indonesian Sailors but even be invited to join them and experience some of the local food.

Cultural Exchange

Sometimes, I just feel so lucky and blessed to have these totally random things happening to me and to enjoy the company of such beautiful and friendly people.

Immigration Process in Tual

I headed over to the immigration office, where I was greeted super friendly and professionally. However, it cost me 1 million Rupiah per day. But still, it was great to have this sorted out.

The Sail Repair Machine

I then had a closer look at the sail repair machine onboard, which I found to be quite troublesome to use. It’s heavy, not friendly at all, and often ends up like this or in a mess.

Hand Stitching

In the end, I decided to hand-stitch some parts of the sail, as my sail repair machine seems to be broken. But, again, these are all part of sailing around the world.

Enjoying Local Hospitality

Being anchored in such a quiet bay, it’s interesting to see how the wind picks up and drops down throughout the day. Also, I feel so grateful that my neighbor on the catamaran invited me over for lunch.

Cultural Exchange Continues

I learned about rice cakes being made in a coconut container and grilled chicken, local salad, and peanut sauce – the Indonesian delicacies that we call gado-gado.

Southeast Asia Adventure

I also took this opportunity to document my stay and experiences in Tual, Indonesia, with new friends. Remember to subscribe to the channel and hit that notification bell not to miss any part of this adventure.

Anchoring Challenges

I also encountered anchoring challenges when it comes to strong wind gusts, but thanks to my big Rocna anchor and heavy chain, I felt secure. Remember the size of your anchor really matters!

The End

Thank you so much for watching and for being here, also thank you for helping me grow this channel by subscribing. Please remember to hit that notification bell not to miss my Southeast Asia Adventure.