We haven’t disappeared, we promise!
We haven’t disappeared, we promise! We took a break over the holidays but are back. Here’s a message recorded at lunchtime on 6th January
We haven’t disappeared, we promise! Read Post »
Happy New Year 2022!
Even though the world went crazy, and the unrelenting bad news kept rolling on, we managed to make some memorable and cherished memories. What are yours?
Happy New Year 2022! Read Post »
2021 Highs (and Lows)
When it comes to looking back at 2021’s highs (and lows), this year has been a bit like Groundhog Day. So we worried it would be a catalogue of frustration and anxiety. Turned out that we did more sailing than we had realised!
2021 Highs (and Lows) Read Post »
Is it OK to burn plastic?
The island is clearly visible from the hotels of Kota Kinabalu and the resorts of Pulau Sepanggar. Surely it must be a great place to stop for a swim or picnic, so why is it in such bad shape? Has two years of zero tourism in Sabah meant the island has fallen down the list of priorities?
Is it OK to burn plastic? Read Post »
Passing the Advanced Open Water Diver course
Despite thousands of dives under his belt, Maman’s enthusiasm and evident joy is infectious, imparting confidence to even the most timid of divers.
Passing the Advanced Open Water Diver course Read Post »
How to predict a storm when at anchor
That gale, with winds over 30kts, was going to bring a swell into the bay which would whip round the headland and come straight at us.
How to predict a storm when at anchor Read Post »
Orange sea after the storm
An orange sea. Then, while we were diving, someone bombed the reef. Dynamite fishing is still a problem over here.
Orange sea after the storm Read Post »
Termites, leaks and corrosion
Living in the corrosive marine environment means plenty of repairs and maintenance. Add tropical heat and humidity into the mix, and you’ll begin to understand why sailors go on about maintenance all the time!
Termites, leaks and corrosion Read Post »
Are davits a good choice?
For years without davits, we hoisted our tenders (from plastic inflatable to folding Portabote and smart Tinker sailing dinghy) over the guard rail to be stored on deck.
Are davits a good choice? Read Post »
We caught a thief on our boat…
For many displaced and undocumented communities here, starvation has been a real threat. Even people who are better off have been struggling in smart houses.
We caught a thief on our boat… Read Post »
How we sail SY Esper
The basic principle of how to sail is to keep the sails close to the centre of the boat when going into wind, then to loosen them as the wind comes round.
How we sail SY Esper Read Post »
Sailing days – cruising west coast Sabah
Sailing days have been few and far between since you-know-what happened, and this time out we have to keep clear of a submarine…
Sailing days – cruising west coast Sabah Read Post »
Saying goodbye is never easy
We’ve sailed thousands of miles, anchored in countless remote places, made new friends and had many new experiences. But saying goodbye still hurts.
Saying goodbye is never easy Read Post »
Six things YOU do WRONG on a boat
In our most intimate insight yet into life aboard SY Esper, we undergo self-therapy and get some irritations off our chest.
Six things YOU do WRONG on a boat Read Post »
How to barbecue fish (without a BBQ!)
The fishing gods smiled but the weather gods had other ideas, raining and blowing on our plan for a barbecue. So Liz came up with a fake BBQ recipe.
How to barbecue fish (without a BBQ!) Read Post »