The following is the preliminary itinerary of the Davao-Morotai Yacht Rally:

• September 6 - Flag off from Davao
• September 8 – 10 - ETA in Talaud (Melanguane city) - Welcome ceremony and CIQP clearance.
• September 11 – Departure from Talaud
• September 12 - ETA Morotai - Festivities from September 13 – 16.
• September 17 – Departure from Morotai to Bitung
• September 19 - ETA Bitung - Festivities & tour from September 20 – 24. Tour includes Manado.
• September 25 – Departure from Bitung and CIQP clear out. Yachts may continue their trip after the Bitung festivities on their own.

Entry forms will be emailed to you upon request. This should be filled up by the Captain, scanned together with the following documents below (1 to 5) and email to wiskun AT sailsamal.com.

1. A scanned image of EVERY crewmember’s passport details page(s) only, with next of kin details.
2. A scanned image of a passport style photograph of the Captain only, a photograph taken with a digital camera with a plain light background will be OK.
3. A scanned image of your yacht's registration certificate.
4. A scanned image of the Bank Receipt for the Entry Fee – Not applicable for Sail Morotai 2012.
5. A scanned image or photograph of your yacht with the yacht name clearly visible.

HOLIDAY OCEANVIEW MARINA is the first and only marina in the Gulf of Davao, located in the northernmost tip of Samal Island (7°11.94N, 125°42.74E).

A)    BERTHING

The facility offers 2 docks (A and B) with a combined total of 56 berths, Each berth can fit yachts up to 50 feet LOA. The end of Docks A and B can fit longer yachts up to 100 ft LOA.

B)    BOATYARD

There is one slipway for hauling and launching vessels. Vessels are hauled out using a trailer system.

A)    UTILITIES

RATES:

Visiting boats are very welcome. We ask you to book a berth in advance. Call us on VHF channel 68 or by email at holiday_oceanview@yahoo.com or info@holidayoceanview.com or by mobile phone no. 0929- 510-5160

A)     WET-BERTH RATES – in Phil. Pesos

• All berths have access to fresh water and individual power points
• No charge to water; power is at price posted
• Fuel can be arranged, at prices posted
• Laundry, shower and toilet facilities are conveniently located in the clubhouse building. Open 24 hours throughout the year to berth holders, accessible with key
• The marina is protected by security 24/7
• OFF-SEASON DISCOUNT (MAY TO OCTOBER)

- 35% OFF ABOVE RATES

B) BOATYARD/DRY-BERTH RATES – in Phil. Pesos

• Slipway for haul-out and launching (may have to coincide with high tide)
• Individual heavy duty cradle with adjustable arms (for monohulls)
• Water is available 
• Power at price posted
• Fuel at prices posted
• Miscellaneous marine services available
• Tradesmen and labor from Php100 to 400 / hr.
• To make a boatyard booking, email holiday_oceanview@yahoo.com or info@holidayoceanview.com with boat details – LOA, draft, beam, weight and type of keel.

ARRIVAL DETAILS:

A) 

The Holiday Oceanview Marina's goal is to achieve a standard that is accepted worldwidA)    SEA APPROACH

Entering the Gulf of Davao, vessels can approach on either east or west side of Samal Island.

The channel between Davao mainland and the westside of Samal island is busy with boat and ferry traffic. The narrowest  area (just over half a nautical mile wide) has a strong tidal current, mostly south-setting.  Sailing closer to the Samal side, the westside is lined with resorts and white sanded beaches.

Latitude:                7°11.94 N Longitude:         125°42.74 E

Radio Channel: Channel 68 Email or contact Marina prior to arrival is preferred.

Davao Tide Table link: http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/locations/1502.html

B)    MARINA APPROACH

The marina is surrounded by a stone wall (breakwater).  Stay well clear of the breakwater until ready to approach. The 20 meter-wide entrance is on the NW corner, marked with red and green flags. Approach from the north and turn port into the marina. Caution: Breakwater walls are lined with rocks on the seabed.  Allow clearance. The entrance has a metal gate to prevent swells and debris from entering the marina. It is left opened when there is a vessel expected  to arrive or depart. Otherwise, it remains closed. It can easily be opened when a vessel is sighted approaching.

C)    CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) CLEARANCE

Check in or out service is provided by the Marina. A vehicle and staff will drive/assist you to the different offices for checking in or out. This is to expedite dealing with the CIQ officials. Alternate route for self check-in is to anchor on entry, at the quarantine area near Sta. Ana wharf, for CIQ boarding.

LOCAL INFORMATION:

A)    DAVAO

DAVAO CITY, being near the equatorial belt, is typhoon-free. The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity, and there are no wide fluctuations of the barometric air pressure. There are two seasons – the NE monsoons (October to March)  and the SW monsoon (April to September). The beginning and end of the seasons are normally transition periods. Northeasterly winds are predominant during the NE monsoon season and this will the best time for cruisers when the weather is pleasant and the chances of being caught in the path of typhoons are minimal. The SW monsoon is the rainy season. Winds are predominantly southerly, humid and warmer.

Davao City boasts of some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts in the country, and proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo.   Metro Davao can also be dubbed as The City of Royalties or The Royal City, because of the presence of the kings and queens of the nature present in Davao. The Queen of Philippine Orchids which is Waling-waling, the King of Exotic Fruits, which is Durian, The King and Grandfather of Philippine mountains, Mt. Apo, the largest eagle in the world and the King of Philippine skies which is the Philippine Eagle.

B)    SAMAL

Nearby and only 10 minutes Samal-Davao ferry ride over, in the Gulf of Davao, is the ISLAND GARDEN CITY of SAMAL. True to its name, the island is a paradise surrounded by a natural garden of corals. The island has become a tourism hub for southern Philippines, boasting its pristine, white sandy beaches, natural wonders and attractions, yet it still remains unspoiled. This beautiful virgin island has been protected from commercialization to preserve ecotourism. The 116 kilometer stretch of coastline and crystal blue water is rich with underwater wildlife and the colors contrasts harmoniously from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea. From the hairy squat lobster to the Hawksbill Turtles to the Duggongs and a vast array of tropical fishes and corals, this island has become a diver’s haven. For the landlubbers, you have the mountains and lush forests for serious mountain-biking, camping and extreme sports. You can test your endurance as you trek and negotiate your way through caves of varying sizes.

Davao and Samal both boasts of very friendly people. Festivals or fiestas would be a good way to observe how happy and sharing the Dabaweños are. Fiestas are their way of showing their love of their homeland,  culture and traditions. Amidst the chaos, hostage taking, war and conflict happening in some parts of Mindanao, Davao is still at peace and order. This is evident during the KADAYAWAN festival, the ARAW NG DAVAO festivities and Samal’s HUGYAW Samal. One must not miss seeing and participating in these festivals. It is definitely a must-see event.

The Gulf of Davao is situated on the south coast of Mindanao Island and is approximately between latitude 6° 15' and 7° 20' East and longitude 125° 25' and 126° 10' East. It has a water area of 10,500 sq. km. and approximately 520 km. of coastline from Calian Point in Davao del Sur to Cape San Agustin in Davao Oriental. Within the Gulf are the islands of Samal and Talikud in Davao del Norte, Kopiat in Davao Oriental and Lunod in Compostela Valley. Samal Island is the largest of these islands, with 118 km. of coastline.

C) GULF OF DAVAO

The Gulf has a unique pattern of water movement. During flood tide, water mass south of Samal Island flows southwest. In the northern portion of the island, between Bassa Point and Gill Point, water mass flows northeast, then southward and swiftly veers east-northeast during the peak tide current. In addition, the more saline oceanic waters flow into the gulf through the deeper section of the Gulf pushing the existing water mass northward. Tide waves occurring ahead at the eastern section cause older water to wave towards the area of low elevation at the western side. Eddies and standing oscillations are present. There are 33 rivers and creeks that empty into the Davao Gulf. Water exchange is mainly tidal with relatively good surface mixing during strong monsoon winds. The northern portion is generally estuarine in character due to the massive influx of freshwater from the flood plains especially during the rainy season. This is why there would be a lot of river debris such as tree branches and river bank debris, especially during highest tides and heavy rainfall.

Wiskun was hauled out in late 2008 and sat in the Samal boatyard next to the Samal Ferry terminal (Davao Gulf, Southern Philippines). For almost 3 years, there were a lot of work done on her. Not that she needed repairs, but more because Kjartan needed projects to do to keep busy. Some projects of course were real repairs when we found the damage - such as dry rots in the wood and rusting problems.

Dry rots:

• The masts were taken off as soon as we hauled Wiskun out. We found some dry rotting and the spreaders needed to be replaced. This project is ongoing.
• Deck boxes were rotting away. New and better desiged boxes were built.
• Deck housing, especially the area where it connects to the deck had some dry rot. This probably caused some of our leaking problems below deck.

Rusts:

• Our biggest problem since leaving Vancouver was the rust oozing off our gunwales. They became a nightmare when we reached the tropics due to the high salinity in this area. We tried so many ways to stop it and listened to so many advice. All to no avail. The rust kept on coming back. We knew that we had to somehow seal the metal embedded in the gunwale real well. But just imagining all the work covering about 100 feet all around was so daunting. Finally, Kjartan started this big project in Samal. He placed several biaxial fiberglass cloth on, sanded and sanded, painted and painted. When you look at the gunwales now, you will never know that there are several layers of fiberglassing over them. Now I dare the oxygen to penetrate and find a way into the metal part.
• Rudder post rust started to destroy part of the rudder. This too got repaired with several layers of cloth and epoxy. Probably overdone again by Kjartan, but better be safe than sorry. It is much cumbersome to repair areas under water so it is better to make sure the repair is longlasting.

Miscellaneous:

• Engine - taken out and got overhauled. Engine room got new insulation.
• Bilge area - super cleaned and painted with 2 part epoxy paint. It now looks so clean you can live in there.
• Deck - the whole deck area was smoothened, epoxied and primed. We will paint it all in white. There is a big difference in keeping it cool this way.
• Keel - lots of blistering problem areas repaired. With over 2 years of drying out time, we hope this time the repairs will last.
• Bowsprit - taken off for the time being and is already nicely painted.
• Deck boxes - newly built ones and better designed to prevent water from entering.
• Masts and spreaders - taken off and dry rot still to be repaired. New spreaders were made ready for installation.
• Body work - all scratches, nicks and imperfections were fixed and Wiskun got a new paint job.
• Waterline - Wiskun always looked port and aft heavy. Finally, we got the waterline corrected.

The decision to launch Wiskun back to the water was made because Kjartan is now busy building the 50 ft. catamaran with our friend Bill from Vancouver. Being away, Wiskun was gathering too much dust where she sat, from the ferry traffic next door and the boatyard operations all around. Also, the metal of the shed was shedding too much rust onto her deck. The moment of truth came on August 15th when she was launched. The engine purred and the gears worked! We motored slowly to Oceanview marina. While I steered the boat, Kjartan went below to check everything. Everything seemed fine, and the insulation worked so well, I couldn't hear the engine as loud as before. The only thing weird about it all was that Wiskun had no masts, no bowsprit, no sails and no anchors.

Now Wiskun sits in her new home - in Holiday Oceanview Marina. There are still lots of projects to do below deck and some things in my wish list have yet to materialize. Oh well, in due time. For now, cleaning away all the dust some of which are 3 years old plus more and throwing away many many things. By the way, I found out that batteries melted in the heat. Luckily I thought of emptying all the electronic gadgets of batteries when we hauled out.

The Gulf of Davao is situated on the south coast of Mindanao Island and is approximately between latitude 6° 15' and 7° 20' East and longitude 125° 25' and 126° 10' East. It has a water area of 10,500 sq. km. and approximately 520 km. of coastline from Calian Point in Davao del Sur to Cape San Agustin in Davao Oriental. Within the Gulf are the islands of Samal and Talikud in Davao del Norte, Kopiat in Davao Oriental and Lunod in Compostela Valley. Samal Island is the largest of these islands, with 118 km. of coastline.

The Gulf has a unique pattern of water movement. During flood tide, water mass south of Samal Island flows southwest. In the northern portion of the island, between Bassa Point and Gill Point, water mass flows northeast, then southward and swiftly veers east-northeast during the peak tide current. In addition, the more saline oceanic waters flow into the gulf through the deeper section of the Gulf pushing the existing water mass northward. Tide waves occurring ahead at the eastern section cause older water to wave towards the area of low elevation at the western side. Eddies and standing oscillations are present.

There are 33 rivers and creeks that empty into the Davao Gulf. Water exchange is mainly tidal with relatively good surface mixing during strong monsoon winds. The northern portion is generally estuarine in character due to the massive influx of freshwater from the flood plains especially during the rainy season. This is why there would be a lot of river debris such as tree branches and river bank debris, especially during highest tides and heavy rainfall.

HOLIDAY OCEANVIEW MARINA

The only marina for yachts in the whole of Mindanao, it is located at the northernmost point of Samal Island. It is now operational, with yachts coming in mainly for storage purposes whilst owners go back to their home country. The marina offers 24/7 security and Davao being typhoon free, it is a perfect area to leave your yachts in. Power and electricity is available. There is a slipway for haul-outs as well. For more information and booking of berths/haulouts, just click on my contacts link.

We are very excited. Finally, after over a year of talking and planning, the actual project of building a 50 ft catamaran in Samal has started. Cedar and building supplies from Vancouver arrived and work started a week ago. Bill, our Canadian friend, flew in from Vancouver Island, and together with his new apprentice, Kjartan, have started building. The offshore cruising catamaran is a Ron Given design called "Norma". Bill built his own Given design catamaran before, sailed the Pacific to New Zealand, and back to Vancouver Island before he sold it. He is quite familiar with the Given design. Bill is super rich in experience, knowledge and know-how. Kjartan is very excited to be learning from him.

And this is what it will look like when finished:

Update - 5

Hull No. 1 and Hull no. 2 now connected by the bridge deck. Beams 1 to 4 installed.

 Watch the video -
;feature=youtu.be">Building Norma Part 5

Update - 4

For the months of July and August, pieces are being built and dryfitted into hull no. 1, whilst work on finishing hull no. 2 is ongoing. Watch the youtube

Building Norma - Part 4.

Update - 3

Several pieces being worked this month, such as the keels, daggerboards, the deck pieces. Hull no. 1 has been turned for the guys to work on the inside - sanding and fiberglassing. Preparation for hull no. 2 also in place. Watch the youtube Building Norma - June 2011

Another youtube was prepared on just the vacuum bagging part. Watch Vacuum Bagging

Update - 2

May 2011 - Hull No. 1 is almost done. Watch the youtube Building Norma - May 2011.

UPDATE - 1

April 2011 - Month went by fast and while waiting for more tools to arrive from Vancouver, the days were spent building sections that is meant for later - i.e. daggerboards. To summarize the work done in April, watch this youtube video:

Building Norma - 0411

Wiskun needed a good paint job. The last time we painted her was in New Zealand in 2006/2007. At that time, we did the roll and tip method, and not spray painted. This time, we decided to hire experienced auto painters to do the job.

We bought our paint from Vancouver, but these painters were not familiar with it. Kjartan gave in and followed their recommendations - a German made type of paint that was fairly expensive, but available locally in Davao.

There were at least 3 coats of primer paint. Filling and sanding in between. Then 5 coats of white and 5 coats of blue, plus 3 more coats of clear over the blue. For the finishing, they used rubbing compound and then wax. Polishing and buffing until it shined. Watch the slide show and tell me what you think.

title="Painting Yacht Wiskun in Samal">Painting Wiskun

Of course, Kjartan babysat the painting crew the whole time. Each morning, he walked around the boat with a marking pencil and made sure all imperfections were fixed before they proceeded to the next coat. Kjartan also had to correct some of their "bad habits and shortcuts". I think they are now ready to do more yachts. Kjartan is quite meticulous and I hope they have learned from him. All in all, we are happy with the work and have decided to get them to do the topside as well.

Happy Holidays everyone. The year 2010 sure went by fast and in a few days, we welcome a NEW YEAR!! We wish you all the best, in good health and hopefully, the end of the global crisis.  Truth be said, I am really very tired of hearing about the global crisis. Enough is enough.

Let me take this opportunity to thank those who have been following my blogs. I have been busy with other matters not related to sailing and have not been able to keep up this site.  For this, I apologize. Next year will be another busy year. Kjartan will be starting a project which I will write about as it progresses.  Hopefully, our Wiskun will be ready so she can be launched back to where she should be - in the ocean! Holiday Oceanview Marina is open and Wiskun will look real nice floating in one of its berths.  It will also be nice to go sailing again, even for just a day around the Davao gulf.

A lot of emails have come in enquiring about the marina and the boatyard. I am always ready to answer your questions and to assist you. I am never too busy for that. I did however close my "Comments" section because I have been getting hundreds of spam comments. Just email me directly through my Contact section and I will answer your emails as soon as I can.

Camp Holiday Beach resort will welcome the coming new year with a bang - FIREWORKS, Band, food and Entertainment. Come and join us in celebrating 2011!!

We welcome yet another sailing vessel - SV Temerarius. Anne and Eric are our close friends whom we met in the New Zealand boatyard. We crossed the Pacific Ocean in the same season, but have never met them until a year later in NZ.  Those days in the boatyard, with them around, were so much fun - in fact, they kept our days there much more interesting and worthwhile. That is what sailing life is all about - friendship, laughter and a lot of support. Anne is a midwife nurse, and she helped Kjartan when he got very sick in 2006. I was away in Vancouver at that time. Without her, Kjartan would not have been capable of driving himself to see the doctor. For that, we are forever thankful. Thanks Anne!!

SV Temerarius went to Australia, and from Cairns, sailed straight to Palau in April. I believe this route took them through the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (one fuel stop in Madang). From Palau, they arrived Samal mid-May. Their intention is to haul-out in Samal and go back to Detroit.

SV Temerarius is about the same size as Wiskun, 48 ft LOA, 13+ ft beam and  6 ft draft. The cradle built for them is the same as for Wiskun, but unlike Wiskun, we had to maneuver her around the bend towards where she would be parked - right beside SV Irish Melody. It was a bit challenging, compared to when we hauled out SV Irish Melody, but Kjartan did it again. Watch this video.

title="How to Maneuver a 48ft yacht around a Tight Bend">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-wDOfCMJTY

Talking about a lot of support between cruisers, Eric and Anne also helped another yacht in distress while crossing the Pacific Ocean. When they heard them on the radio, they turned around, sailed windward, to give aid. The yacht in distress, SV Kim Thu, also our friends, needed a part for their loose rigging. Since it was dangerous for the yachts to be close together, Eric did the unthinkable. With a backpack full of tools and parts, he jumped into the ocean and swam towards Kim Thu. When he was done, he did the same thing in reverse, but this time, with a backpack full of food and wine (thank you gift from Kim Thu). Anne had to do a MOB drill to pick up Eric, missed him and had to quickly turn around. It was only a stroke of luck that Eric managed to haul himself up on deck - a wave pushed him up!! Hey Anne and Eric, we will sail with you anytime!!

Dave and Linda has asked me to feature their beloved "Irish Melody", a C&C Landfall 38 sailboat which has been their home away from home since 1996. They are finally putting her in the market for sale.

Irish Melody was built in 1983. With her previous owners, she cruised the East coast of the United States, the Carribean, through the Panama Canal, to San Diego where she was eventually purchased by Dave and Linda.

After refitting her, they went cruising to Mexico where they began their cruising lifestyle of 7 months cruising and 5 months in dry storage while flying back to the States. Irish Melody took them to the South Pacific (2001-2004), Australia (2005-2006), Marshall Islands (2007-2009), and through Micronesia to the Philippines (Davao) (2010).

Some of the major features are:  Spectra 150 watermaker (new 2006, new membrane 2009), New Force 10-3 burner stove (2008), new aluminum fuel tank (2009), new life raft (2008), new Zodiac dinghy (2006), new Yamaha 8hp outboard motor (2004), new Raymarine wind, speed, depth instruments (2006), new Raymarine GPS (2004), factory rebuilt and upgraded (2004) Autohelm 6001+ autopilot with linear drive on the quadrant, new 120% genoa (2008), duel refrigeration systems -- Adler Barbour Super Cold Machine and Sea Frost engine driven cold plate.

Sails:  Main-9oz, 3 reef points, full batten, new 1998, condition is good.
        Jenoa-6oz 120% on #3 Harken roller furling, new (2008), condition is excellent.
        Yankee Jib-heavy weather 90% roller furling jib, condition is very good.
        Storm Jib-very strong hanked on (uses baby stay), condition is very good.
        Trysail-storm sail on separate track on mast, condition is very good.
        Asymetrical Spinnaker with dousing sock-condition is good.

Anchors:  44 lb Bruce, 33 lb Bruce, 45 lb CQR, large Danforth.  280 ft 5/16" hi-test chain, 250 ft 5/8 nylon rode, harness for sea anchor.

Radios: Icom VHF radio, Kenwood TS-50 ham/SSB with pactor 3 TNC for email.

For a virtual tour of Irish Melody, click on the picture below.

If anyone is interested, please email me through the "Contact" page.

Today we welcome Dave and Linda of SV Irish Melody, a C&C Landfall 38 yacht registered in the USA.  Dave and Linda have been sailing for over 15 years. The last 4 years, they were in Majuro, Marshall Islands. When they finally decided to leave Majuro, they sailed across through the Federated States of Micronesia, towards Palau. And from Palau, they had an uneventful and smooth 5 day sail towards Davao and Samal Island.

We have been in constant contact with Irish Melody. After over a year of emailing back and forth, it is so nice to finally meet them in person. We knew they wanted to haul out here and so by the time they arrived, their cradle was ready and the yard handlers were briefed. This is the first time the handlers would be experiencing the haul out of a fin keeled boat.  We printed pictures of a C&C Landfall 38 and together with Dave, Kjartan briefed the boat handlers, specifically the divers.

Early this morning, at 7 o'clock AM high tide, SV Irish Melody was hauled out. Watch this!!

 
title="SV Irish Melody Haul Out">youtuve video!

I must add this ingenious man-made flipper that one of the divers made for himself.