Cruising Langkawi to Phuket - May 2011

We finally left Rebak Marina on 15 May 2011 bound for Phuket Thailand where we were to wait for the arrival of the heavy lift ship which was to transport Hamamas through to Marmaris Turkey. As usual there was no wind so we had to motor all the way. We were disappointed that we didn't even get the chance to try out our brand new headsail!

Telaga Harbour Langkawi Malaysia

The first night we spent at Telaga Harbour Marina as we had to get fuel. The next day as we motored towards Thailand we were amazed at the "forest of FADS" (quote from Tom) FADS are usually just a a stick with a flag and float marking a fishing trap or net. This was the most we had seen since the Philippines. One needs to be alert because they are often difficult to see and you can be on top of one before you know it.

Tom and the Thai Flag

The second night we anchored at picturesque Ko Petra where we were the only yacht but there were a few small fishing craft, one with a very colourful umbrella. The water was crystal clear and looked very inviting but there were tons of huge jelly fish in the bay so we decided it wasn't wise to go for a swim! By this stage of our journey Fran had a very nasty sneezy cold. It rained overnight and there were thunder storms around as May is the change of monsoon season.

Peaceful Fishing

Sunrise Koh Petra Thailand

Showers Over  Koh  Petra

Thai fishing Vessels

Fran Enjoying the Sunshine!

After motoring 44nm the next day we arrived at the famous island of Phi Phi Don where there were lots of vessels anchored and hundreds of longtail boats on shore. We anchored rather cautiously as there were storms around and it appeared to be a rather tight anchorage. Neither of us wanted to go ashore as it didn't look all that attractive to us, just too touristy. However, I might add that some of our yachting friends love the party life there!

Phi Phi Don Anchorage

Sunrise Phi Phi Don

On 18 May we weighed anchor and motored towards Ao Chalong Phuket, 47 nm away. Just as we entered the channel leading into Ao Chalong there was a huge squall which caused a complete "white out" of the bay, the town of Chalong and the big Buddha statue on the hillside. We ended up dropping anchor in the middle of the channel in 6 m of water until the storm passed.

White Out! Ao Chalong Phuket

We then proceeded into the big bay and anchored not far from our friends from Estrellita who had been to Cochin India and back in the last few months. We had waved goodbye to them in Rebak Malaysia in November 2010 so it was great to see them again!

Estrellita on the Right

After the Storm Ao Chalong Phuket