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We arrived in Phuket just before the rainy season. Although it was a relatively short and windless passage we were not without some dramas. On passage we had to cut netting off our propeller but the biggest problem was when a steering cable snapped and we had to enter the Yacht Haven using only our bowthruster and autohelm to steer. It was all quite exciting as it was a fairly tight entry and we couldn't see our berth until the last minute.
The quality of the work in Thailand is so good that we would have been foolish not to take advantage of it, especially as labour charges are considerably lower than in Europe. Our headlinings had been drooping since we left Portugal and we have had them replaced, along with the upholstery and curtains. The teak on the aft deck and the caulking on the side decks had deteriorated and the non skid paint on the foredeck had been flaking off in the intense heat. All of this reparation work has now been completed and Tapestry looks very smart. We flew back to England for a few weeks and we had much of the interior revarnished while we were away.
Tarpaulins cover Tapestry while the teak decks were sanded The frightening appearance of the gutted interior Am delighted with the new upholstery
In June we visited Vietnam where we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary on a private luxury junk - we don't seem to be able to stay away from boats! This trip was one of the highlights of our circumnavigation.
To read about it press
When we returned from Vietnam our time was almost entirely occupied by boat work. From time to time we took a day off and hired a car for day trips or to take advantage of the high quality restaurants on Phuket.
Am showed us the Ton Prai waterfall after our internal work was complete
We returned at the end of October ostensibly for the start of the dry season! By mid December there was no sign of it. We were still experiencing lengthy spells without wind, interspersed with occasional days of strong winds. Thunderstorms and squalls remained common.
As it happened we found that we needed several other repairs carrying out and it was not until mid November that we finally had chance to explore Phanga Nga Bay with its limestone cliffs perhaps best known as the backdrop to the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun".
The beautiful scenery of Phanga Nga Bay. The middle picture shows Tapestry anchored in the distance
Krabi is also known as a centre for rock climbing and there were several people scaling the cliffs behind Railee beach
The tropical islands south of Phuket are very different with clearer water much more suitable for diving and snorkelling
Sally-Anne and her family joined us for Christmas. We enjoyed cruising with them through some of the islands that we had most enjoyed seeing before driving up to Khao Sok for a few days in the jungle.
Intrepid explorers Crossing a stream Drinking fresh water from inside bamboo Checking for leeches!
A friendly long tailed macaque Tarantula spider Gliding lizard Chameleon
We also enjoyed the occasional night out.
Lesley and Am watching the sunset at Nang Hai beach The stick dance New Year's Eve at the spectacular Fantasea show
We will be setting sail for the Maldives in mid January. We hope to reach the Mediterranean by May.