OH YES......I WISH IT WAS ME!

                               
                                                           Pasar Wajo, Buton 2014

WHAT I AM UP TO (just in case you care)

I have just got my website going. No..it is not quite done yet. Just too many empty spaces that I have to fill, which means I'd better do something so not to ruin my bad reputation. How I am going to do it between diapers changing duty and running errands for my wife who thinks she is the skipper, I have nothing but few clues.

Although I have informed my "boss" that I will not get involved with Sail Indonesia directly this year, it looks like that I am not quite home free. For now, I have been asked to assist Sail Indonesia doing promotional works, registration and few things that I have to consult with my attorney first.

I was hoping it would bring me a load of money, but the the way it looks what I hope and what I get is two totally different things. So, I'd better keep my subscription to lottery ticket up to date, although I fully realize that my chance of getting hit by lightning is a bigger possibility.

Soon I find a bit of free time, I'll start working on my calligraphy port folio again. My book writing is also on my agenda. Those who would like to share their get rich quick scheme with me, well... you know where to reach me. But seriously, I'd better doing something that will bring some bacon home, otherwise there would be serious implications.

LATEST ON CRUISING REGULATIONS THAT I AM AWARE OF

Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed. Well, it looks like the latest version of so called "improved" cruising regulation is not exactly what the doctor ordered or what I wish for.

it is true that CAIT can be extended "undefinitely". Actually CAIT is not extendable, you are simply apply for a new one. Just take care that any changes in crews and places to be visited be updated, otherwise they simply copy the old one.

Based on what I have experienced, CAIT is not really a problem. The one that really give any organizers and boat owners alike grey hair is "Custom Bond'. It is true now that it can be extended for up to one year. Problem is every time it is extended the boat has to be inspected by Custom official (which means boats have to be physically at port where there is Custom Official, which also means some paper works have to be processed and some charges have to be paid to your guarantor for sponsoring and preparing paper work.

As it is now, boat owner have to find agent or somebody who not only can get you a CAIT but also act as your guarantor (for Custom Bond a.k.a. Temporary Import Permit). This is why going with the rally is very appealing because they will be taking care of these things with no extra charges but your entry fee.

Of course it may change, for better I hope, because I heard this is not final yet. Stay tuned.

ANY QUESTION?

There must be some cruisers out there who at this minute are trying to make up their mind, or already have made up their mind on cruising in Indonesia this year. I never consider myself an expert on anything (although I used to get paid for running marinas, skipper, yacht rally organizer, calligrapher and others odd jobs that I am a little bit embarrassed to mention), but those who may have question regarding cruising in Indonesia and willing to try at your own risk, I will be honored to answer your question, provided I know the right answer. Of course there will be time when my answer would be something like these : "Gee, hell if I know" or "Yes, I used to know that answer but I was young and healthy then" or something like that.

But seriously, drop me an e mail, I will do my utmost to provide you with the answer based on I know, reliable information (I hope), publications, my own experience and others. It is free of charge, because I have committed too many sins in the past and I am looking at this as a form of self redemption.

My e mail : samseas123@gmail.com 

(my older one is still active :samsailindonesia@gmail.com)

               I was young and healthy then and .....knew all the answers

INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL BOATS

One of my greatest pleasure travelling throughout Indonesia is to able to see with my own eyes the beauty of some of the finest traditional sailing crafts which are still being used in Indonesia. I was fortunate enough to own (it is no big deal, because they are relative inexpensive) and sail on some of them (and somehow survived on some foolhardy voyages which I would not recommend to anyone who I consider a friend).

I may be wrong (some of the time), but I don't think there is another country on this planet that has so many different kind of traditional sailboats as Indonesia. Some of them have disappeared but many still can be found throughout Indonesia.

Unfortunately it is very difficult to find any information on them. I have few pictures that I would love to share it with you. I wish I had more.

"KATIR" of East Belitung

CAN'T STOP IT ...

IT COULD'VE BEEN A GREAT SHOT

RACING DAY