beau's boat Indonesia

[beau]

Currently in Menado Sulawesi Indonesia.
We left Brisbane 1 year ago, cruising up the QLD coast to Thursday Island. Our first overseas port was Merauke, Irian Jaya. It is possible to check in there but not recommended.
We cruised along the southern coast of West Papua, water was very shallow, mud and little or no wind. Natives are OK but not very friendly.
We got held up by West Papuans and they demanded 400 million ruphiah, I settled for 40 million (pirates?)
At Kaimana the water was clearer, blue and the coastline beautiful limestone.
Nobody speaks any English here, so communication is difficult. Internet is also very poor.
Everthing is very cheap but there is very little to buy.

After leaving Sorong we entered Indonesia proper, which was better, people are very friendly, ( it helps to give them some alcohol.) Even the Muslims ask for alcohol, I said to one "but you are Muslim" who do not drink, his answer was "but I am only a little bit Muslim" no meat is available other than chicken but plenty of fish,to buy and buying fuel was difficult.
We got as far as Bitung/Menado and were informed that my Pension was suspended because the Australian government had changed the rules and now required that we live permantly in Australia.
We decided to come home so we put the boat into a 40 ft container ( which the boat was designed to do from the beginning) we have sent it to Brisbane (cost US $4,000) see attachments.
This is not the place for a monohull sailing boat
The Charts are not accurate, the water is shallow and there is no wind .
I will supply more information over the next few weeks, any questions please ask.
All though it was an experience I would not recommend it or do it again.
Beau Lyons

[threadkiller]

Good for you, you did what you said you would do, the boat did well, and you could send her home in the container. No matter what else, that is a victory. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and from here, it looks like you gained a lot.

Congratulations.