The route of the Festival Derawan 2013 yacht rally from Davao has been revised - Davao to Sangihe (for CIQ clearance into Indonesia) to Bitung and then to Derawan Island. Refer to link  where I have made some changes, i.e map and dates.

We have recently been back from visiting the Festival Derawan sites and meeting with the other organizers.  The Vice Mayor of Sangihe Regent is very keen on having more yachties to his island. Since Sangihe is a port of entry and exit, he will make certain your entry/exit into/from Indonesia easy and worry-free. The Sangihe government is offering tours of the island, cultural shows, as well as FREE 200 liter diesel to each of the Rally Participants. More updates as to events at a later date.

This update will summarize the different islands of Derawan that will be visited. Organizers will install mooring buoys at Derawan island, and other islands to be visited will be by arranged speedboat tours.

The Derawan Islands are in the province of East Kalimantan in Indonesia. They include Derawan, Sangalaki,Kakaban, Maratua, Panjang, and Samama Island and submerged reefs and islets. They are located in the Sulawesi Sea, on the coastal shelf of East Kalimantan (2°17'N - 118°13'E).

DERAWAN ISLAND - one of the most beautiful dive spots in Indonesia (2°16.654'N - 118°14.747'E):

Derawan Island is located on the Mainland of East Kalimantan, Berau, Regency.  This island was included in the ranks of the best diving destinations in the world. Marine life living in Derawan Islands occupy the second position in the world. When you dive around Derawan Island, you will find animals such as sea Turtles, Stingrays, Jellyfish, Barracudas and many more. Derawan Islands also offer you 460 species of coral and about 870 fish types ranging from Pygmy Seahorses to Giant Manta Ray.

Festival Derawan organizers will be installing mooring buoys near the Derawan Island Resort for rally participants. Anchoring is impossible as the area is either too shallow (reefs) or too deep.

Derawan Island is a small island, about 45 hectares. The nearest airport is in Berau which is soon to be an International airport. From Berau, it is about 3 hours of speedboat, through the river, and out to the island of Derawan. The pace of life here is very laid-back and unhurried, and four days can easily turn into a week. Wander the tear-shaped island’s sandy streets and mix with the genuinely welcoming and curious locals over some ikan bakar (grilled fish), before stepping over a six-foot monitor lizard to watch the sky ignite with a spectacular sunset.

MARATUA ISLAND - Maratua Paradise Resort (2°14.102'N - 118°33.934'E):

About 1 hour speedboat from Derawan Island, Maratua is a remote U-shaped island, about 2,375 hectares, consisting of 14 small islands, 2 of which are managed by foreign nationals - Germany and Malaysia. The island is sparsely inhabited. The underwater ecosystem on the island of Maratua is so diverse, with green turtles and stingrays as the main attraction for tourists. We went to one of the 2 resorts (Malaysian owned) , the Maratua Paradise Resort. It is such a beautiful resort, and the color of the ocean so magnificent. Everything is provided for - dive equipment, swimming and snorkeling gear. You don't have to go swimming to see the marine life. The waters are crystal clear. Unfortunately, the reef is too shallow and then drops deep. Anchoring is impossible. Hence, the best alternative is to take the speedboat transport from the island of Derawan.

KAKABAN ISLAND - jelly fish lake  (2°8.209'N - 118°30.599'E):

The island has an area of 774.2 hectares and is quite steep with limestone cliffs covered with dense jungle right down to the water's edge and few beaches. The wall drops to 180 metres (590 ft) and currents can be strong with upwelling, downcurrent and reversing directions. The most distinctive feature is the huge brackish water lake in the middle of the island. The island is a coral atoll that has been uplifted by geological forces, turning the lagoon into a land-locked lake, where thousands of non-stinging jellyfish live making it interesting for diving. The jellyfish consist of four different species which have lost their natural defense system because of the lack of major predators in the lake.

Again, it is either too shallow or too deep to anchor. A speedboat transport from Derawan (about half hour) is the best alternative to visit this island.

SANGALAKI ISLAND - world capital of the Mantas

About 16 hectares, Sangalaki is surrounded by a shallow lagoon and the reefs start a distance out from the Island. SInce there is so much shallow reef here, there is a vast diversity of marine life, and since the area is a protected marine park, the reefs are quite pristine. Diving is spectacular, with exotic marine life. You'll see Cuttlefish, Blue Ribbon Eels, Turtles,Manta Rays, Sharks, dozens of species of Nudibranchs, hundreds of species of hard and soft corals, schools of brightly colored Fusailers and zillions of colorful reef fishes. Sangalaki Island can be described as an alluring dive spot which is known for big mantas that arrive here to give food to their plankton. These huge mantas are clearly visible typically at the northern part of Sangalaki, and arrive from every direction. The island of Sangalaki is known as well for its proliferation ground of green turtles. For tourists that like to see the turtles, these turtles will come ashore at night, along the beach, to lay their eggs.

Sangalaki and Kakaban Islands don’t have any residents; hence the only fun-based activities that you can try here are snorkeling, diving, or perhaps a walk alongside the beach.

SV Silverthorne has kindly given comments about Holiday Oceanview Marina, see below. Thank you Mike, and welcome to Samal Island/Davao City.

I think this place far exceeds my expectations and that in my experience is a rarity.

As you view the plan of the marina the gate is not only a means of keeping debris out but with a net across the entry makes the marina into a sort of fish farm. There are many bass and other fish visible here in the clear clean water. Swimming is off the boat or docks with portable metal ladders available to make getting out of the water a civilized event. Every few slips has a ladder available in easy reach.

The construction of the place has not been on the cheap! The boat storage and haul area is heavy concrete. As pictured, the docks and fingers are floating concrete all well finished. Each slip has a three prong electrical connection for your heavy electrical connection as well as a faucet with fully abundant water for tank filling or boat washdown. The top of the enclosing jetty is planted with grass and plantings.


The staff and security are friendly and very compliant with the slightest wish. Management and owner have quickly incorporated suggestions from tenants for making the place even more user friendly.
The shop - work- fabrication area is clean and organized without trash or clutter of components scattered about. There is periodically a little tool noise from the shop but there is no shipyard noise, clatter, grimy dust and pollution. All trades are available especially for paint, fiberglas and stainless fabrication.

The two-level clubhouse has male and female fully tiled and spacious bathrooms on both levels. These are kept spotlessly clean and toilets flush like a proper set of plumbing should. Down stairs are M/F showers in a secure locked room also very hygienically maintained. Each tenant gets their own key. Next are the free washing machines and honor - pay dryer with soaps etc available by honor system signature on the shelf. Upstairs are a refrigerator with choice of beers and soft drinks again by honor system accounting of purchase. Included are two freezers where food can be kept or bottles frozen for on board ice or ice water (free).

Security is very high and there are no idle strangers wandering about.

Slip rental is almost twice what Pinoy Boat Works charges, but for me it is worth it especially considering the repairs I paid after having my batteries ruined by arbitrarily shutting off my power etc. For Silverthorne a 44 footer it is 13,200 pesos/month (US$291.61) less for shorter than 40 feet. Off season (SW monsoon) carries a 30% discount from these fees. Storage on the hard is 250 pesos per foot.

Haul (in/out) on top flight equipment is flat rate for over 20 feet at 10,000 Pesos. Cats TRis or large monohulls; no problem!

Cruisers have self organized events such as barbecues, game-night, movies and other events as they come.

Davao ,the city, is trash and graffiti free. There are major malls and shopping for all things especially food at a huge Guisanos (G - Mall) and other major malls. Quality medical and dental are available. There is galvanizing available.

There is a marina owned shuttle scheduled three times a day that goes to the ferry landing. The road is VERY rough for the first three KM then is good concrete. The wait for the ferry seldom exceeds half an hour. Return transportation can be set up by good timing or working with the office. Taxi, bus, and jeepney are waiting at the ferry landing on the city side. Motor bikes and tri' on the island side.

I am very glad to be here with theses services and I can keep Silverthorne in or out of the water if I'm not able to be around.

Come on down, the water is fine!

SAILING VESSEL SUKA - is at the HOLIDAY OCEANVIEW MARINA (Samal Island, Gulf of Davao, Philippines), and she is for sale. She has sailed across the Pacific Ocean since 2002 and has visited many countries in the South Pacific and in Asia. She is a great offshore cruising vessel plus a most comfortable and spacious liveaboard lifestyle. The owners are great in woodcraft and canvass/upholstery sewing, as you can see from the pictures of the exterior and interior below.  If you are interested in this boat, contact me through my contact page, or visit their website at http://www.apolloduck.com/feature.phtml?id=232399 where you will find more pictures. I am helping yachts find good owners and am not in the business of selling yachts.

This rare center cockpit CT41 blue water cruiser is currently in the Philippines in beautiful Oceanview Marina, Samal Isand, Davao, Mindinoa, Philippines. Fully equiped for cruising/live aboard it has all the nav equipment for safe cruising, all the in-cabin equipment for comfy living. Above deck is a fully enclosed cockpit, making extra room for reading, dining or just hanging out, feeling that wonderful ocean breeze. She's a joy to live aboard and a sturdy sailor. Just hauled her, Sept. 2012, for new bottom paint! She's all set to take you where you want to go! Will be sailing her to Thailand leaving the Philippines March 2013.

COMPANIONWAY, GALLEY, SALOON - PLENTY OF STORAGE SPACES FOR COOKING AND PROVISIONING:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND NAVIGATION AREA - COMPLETE SYSTEM FOR AN EASY AND SAFE OFFSHORE CRUISING

STATEROOM AND V-BERTHS - COMFORTABLE, LOTS OF STORAGE SPACES, FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS

HEAD AND A BONUS ROOM WORKSHOP

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Following the success of the Sail Morotai yacht rally from Davao to Morotai, Indonesia last September, Holiday Oceanview Marina in Samal is excited to announce the next yacht rally for 2013. This time, the route will be from Davao to the featured islands of Indonesia for 2013 - the Derawan Islands.

The Derawan Islands is an archipelago located in Berau, East Kalimantan, Northwestern part of Indonesia. Consisting of several islands, what makes Derawan a perfect tropical paradise is not just its fine white sandy beaches, palm trees and year-round warm atmosphere, but its glittering seas, changing colors from green, to aquamarine to dark blue.  Underwater life here is nothing short of spectacular. One can find the world's biodiverity, such as giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs, barracudas and stingless jellyfish.  Not surprisingly, Derawan island is known as the best diving spot in the world.

;feature=player_embedded" title="Scuba Diving in Derawan">Scuba Diving in Derawan

Events and Timeline for Festival Derawan:

I.    21 TO 30 JUNE 2013:

a.LOB FESTIVAL (GAHTER IN DERAWAN, OPENSHIPS ETC)

b.GUINESS WORLD RECORD SENIOR DIVE (50 YEARS AND OVER)

c.UNDERWATER PHOTO TOURNAMENT

d.DIVE COMPETITION

e.CULTURAL SHOWS

f.FREE TOURS AND ISLAND VISITS

a.YACHT RALLY FROM DAVAO (Depart Davao tentatively set on September 5  August 31, 2013)

b.YACHT RALLY FROM TAWAU

c.DINGHY & WINDSURFING RACE

The route of the rally will be from Davao to Sangihe to Talaud to Bitung and then to Derawan:

AUGUST means KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL in Davao. Yachts joining the rally can be in Davao early enough to join in our festivities. The highlight of the festival will be held the 3rd weekend of August (August 16-17). More information here - http://sailsamal.com/blog/post/2012/07/05/August-means-Kadayawan-Festival-in-Davao.aspx.

Those interested in joining the Diving competition set for June 2013 can register directly with the organizers of Festival Derawan at - http://www.festivalderawan.com/

Those who are interested in joining the yacht rally from Davao City can email me through my contact page, or directly to wiskun AT sailsamal.com.

At a time when we all think typhoon season is over, Typhoon Pablo hit Southern Philippines. Typhoon Pablo was probably the strongest and closest typhoon to hit the area of Davao. It made landfall in the middle of the eastern coast of Mindanao, thanks to a big high pressure system in the northern pacific that kept the low pressure system in the lower latitudes, and crossing Philippines. Wary of winds and weather, we, at the marina, kept constant watch of the system as it developed and threatened Mindanao. All of us here prepared for it, and for the first time since we put them up, the tarps of Wiskun were taken down. I waited for the "90 knots" of winds to come, until I fell asleep. Slept like a log too while Wiskun gently swayed back and forth. When the typhoon made landfall the following morning, there was hardly any strong gusts to speak of here in Samal and in the Gulf of Davao. One boat told me that the gusts were no stronger than 20 knots. We've had winds stronger than that during squalls. So, the tarps went back on by noon time and I didn't even catch enough water for the tanks.

It's a different story in Northern Mindanao, especially the eastern coast. and in southern Visayas. Winds were strongest north and ahead of the typhoon's eye. Pablo has devastated farm lands (mostly banana plantations) and tore down shanty houses. Fatalities of more than a 1,000 were mostly from landslides. Illegal logging and mining to blame? If so, then Mindanao will be in trouble because an active ITCZ can cause the same thing. We don't need typhoons for that.

Sailing Vessel More Magic is for sale. This is a beautiful boat that the owners have lovingly upgraded for comfort and safety while sailing the seas in Asia.

FOR SALE - SV MORE MAGIC

JEANNEAU SUN ODYSSEY 43 DECK SALOON - 2001

The 43DS is one of the most popular models for Jeanneau ever built. This yacht features all the comfort of home and more to make this an exceptional, fast, and strong, live aboard cruising vessel located in the Philippines. Just pack your bags and hop aboard. The first to inspect will sail her away.

This yacht features an open, bright interior with all-around views whether standing or sitting. An oversized owner’s cabin features a walk-around queen sized berth while still retaining a large dry aft cockpit with exceptional visibility forward.

“More Magic” features the ‘owners arrangement’ where the Master and Guest cabins are both large and private and each have their own head, the Master’s with an enclosed shower.

The salon is large for this size yacht with a teak table which seats 6 in comfort and is surrounded by a U-shaped dinette to starboard with cabinets above.

In the cockpit the standard table was replaced with solid teak drop down table and additional lighting, extra vertical grab bars at steering position and cup holders, a Galleymate Marine gas BBQ was installed, and GRP rope boxes with attached Sunbrella cushions. A custom 316 SS bimini with drop shades and Sunbrella Plus infill was installed to provide a fully shaded, rainproof, private cockpit.

The L-shaped galley is well appointed with a huge two compartment refrigerator with top and front openings, forward facing double stainless steel sinks with pressure hot and cold water, dish draining compartment, propane 3 burner stove, as well as a set of Jeanneau dishes.

Opposite the dinette is the enlarged nav station flanked by two built in chairs and flush mounting electronics including an ICOM Single Side Band Transceiver, Furuno Radar and other electronic equipment.

The Master cabin includes a queen sized berth with additional cushioning and storage lockers and shelving on both sides. In addition, an automatic washing machine is installed on the starboard side. 

Rich teak finish is found throughout on the bulkheads, cabinetry, counter top moldings, saloon table and navigation station.

Check out our blogsite below to see what you could do with More Magic.

The first to inspect this beautiful boat will sail away…….. http://svmagic.blogspot.com/

For more details, full specifications an equipment list, and asking price, etc.... contact the owner today by email on moremagic43ds AT gmail.com

The Sail Morotai Fleet has now arrived Morotai and enjoying the festivities. This blog is the report from when they left, shared by  some of the yachts. The yachts communicate with each other through a pre-arranged time on the single side band radio. I will update this blog as they go along.

From SV Alk (Sept 7, 2012):

Hi guys, As to be expected we did not have much wind on our first day in Sail Morotai. We had good current with us in the Davao channel and then the fleet split in an easterly group and one lone wolf in the W being 'ALK'! We did manage to sail about 1/3 of the way to our anchorage in Basiawan bay. A bit scary for the girls to enter a bay in the dark that appeared to be closed off by light fishermen. But with a good radar watch we had no trouble picking our way between them. After a quiet night we left this morning at first light to continue. At the sched this morning it turned out we had not lost too much ground against the other 6 boats with SSB. The sched via VHF did not work as the distance between boats was too large. More Magic also anchored for the night but on the E side of Davao bay. Break-away is leading the way with Callisto following.
At this moment we are motoring along the E coast of Davao Bay but soon our course will lead us away from the shore, maybe we will find some wind further on...
If all goes well we should arrive in Talaud before dark tomorrow.

From SV Sloepmouche (Sept 9. 2012): 

Hi Ellen and Kjartan, Very happy to hear that the send-off went very well and that we all acted the professional sailors we are :)
It is nice to feel appreciated both in the Philippines and Indonesia by the local population as well as the local governments ... quite a difference with the attitude in Europe, US and Australia! Good for you!

We are looking forward to see all the newspapers and the evening news of 3 TV channels from our departure! Thanks for your efforts in getting copies ... Perhaps you could scan the articles and get a copy of the TV news to share onYouTube, on your website ...

We all arrived safely in Talaud. We all mostly motorsailed close-hauled as the wind was not very strong (except in a few memorable rain squalls!) and we all wanted to get here in time for the local activities. The seas were often confused and uncomfortable but all around it was not too bad. I don't know where s/v Freiheit is as he did not check into the USB/VHF nets but he was reported by Henrich as having run into some fishing net still in the Philippines ... no news since then! Did you hear anything? Everybody otherwise is accounted for ... s/v Ela arrived last evening after dark. s/v Catimini is doing good progress and should arrive later this evening.

The local people and officials have been wonderful so far! A local boat with about 25 officials or pseudo-officials came to each of us to clear us into Indonesia. Only a few of them boarded, everybody was well mannered and the paperwork went smoothly. :) At 3pm we had some flower leis and dancing show to welcome us into town. From there we were driven to a nearby beach day facility and had some welcoming speeches and a nice dinner buffet as well as music, dancing and we each got a nice wooden sculptured traditional boat made of ebony :) We wished you were here to receive the nice welcome as you well deserve it :)

Today some of us attended mass, the bank opened specially for us to exchange money and this afternoon, we were all invited to go with our boat to a small island nearby they want to promote as tourist attraction. We had a nice beachparty and lunch there. Hopefully today everyone was also able to fix some of these equipment failures we had during our first passage.

We thank you all again for your wonderful hospitality and in organizing so many things in the background for this rally to be a success! We all where very impressed by the people in Samal and Davao City. I think Ocean View Marina has many very attractive facets to become a very popular marina and boatyard for the sailing/cruising community and I am sure you will see more and more yachts! We certainly look forward to seeing both of you again in a few months ... and have a long overdue serious haul out!

Luc and Jackie on s/v Sloepmouche - Noonsite editor and SSCA Commodores

From SV Alk (Sept 10, 2012)

Hi Ellen, Thanks for the WX info! Very useful! The grib files show the same pattern.
All boats left today already for Morotai. We leave tomorrow morning and hopefully the wind will have shifted more to the W by then. Mary from Sweden arrived yesterday and they are the only ones left and anchored next to us. They may leave with us tomorrow. They were very tired from their journey from PNG with current and wind against them for 1000M! Not an easy matter with a 6 and 4 year old on board!
Just got my internet setup with Telkomsel working. My Malaysian dongle did not work with the sim card so I had to buy a new modem for IDR 600.000.
Here in Melonguane the connection is dead slow but I can send mail. Do not know if any of the others got setup for internet. Maybe coverage will be better in Morotai but we can work with what we got. Nobody got fuel here so have no info on that.

From SV Alk (Sept 13, 2012) 

Hi Ellen, Yes, that is certainly true about forgetting the hardships of sailing once arrived! The trip to Morotai was hard on the wind which is a wet ride on ALK. All four of us sitting in the cockpit got soaked and skies were grey. But we sailed fast, at times 7 knots. In the night the waves were a bit calmer and when we arrived in Morotai the sun was shining again!
Freiheit got here as well but Bruno had to be towed in some bay N of here and was towed to Morotai due to engine problems which do not seem too difficult to solve and his rolling main sail got stuck in the mast. On the way, in the middle of the big ocean, he had a light collision with Sloepmouche but only minor damage to both boats.
Bad 'luck' seems to be part of Bruno's life but he keeps on smiling.
sv Mary was next to us in Melonguane and when we left at sunrise we saw no life on board yet but they arrived here just before dark as the last boat and were able to join the dinner party with the kids at the regent's residence.
Will see what today brings...

From SV Shiralee (Sept 18, 2012)

Dear Ellen and Kjartan

Thank you both for taking such good care of us at Oceanview and all the effort that went into the preparation for Sail Morotai 2012. We really appreciated everything especially with our entry and all the required paper work and officialdom.

Your attention to detail is amazing and we were especially touched by the trio who serenaded us farewell. The party was great fun and we loved seeing the traditional dances. Thank you so much and also thank you to Chenee for all her support.

We sailed 80% of the distance to Talaud – unfortunately, we had wind on the nose most of the way so it was an uphill journey making this a tiring trip. Conditions were good with only one ‘white out’ for a few hours on the 2^nd night and the entire trip took us 52 hours.

Our entry/clearance into Indonesia at Talaud was very straight forward and could not have been easier nor more pleasant. The customs boat came out to each boat, we processed the paper work within 30 minutes then the officials were off to the next boat…all with a smile and cheerful welcome.

Yesterday afternoon at 3pm we were officially welcomed to the island by the local government and people who had done so much preparation and organisation with special ceremonies of welcome followed by a drive to a nearby beach for dinner, more entertainment and presentation of gifts to all cruisers. Luc from Sloepmouche has taken a video and will be putting it up on U-Tube. The only comment is that the anchorage is very confined and has very poor holding, consequently, a few of the yachts drifted. To obtain rupiah the local bank is opening this morning (Sunday) at 10am so those who require currency can obtain it…..this is truly a sign of goodwill and support.

Best regards to everyone at Ocenaview and once again, thank you for everything. We hope you and Kjartan can now take a well deserved rest.

Kindest Regards

Robyn & Paul

SV Shiralee

From SV ALK (Sept 18, 2012)

Things are starting to calm down in Morotai after D Day yesterday. The parade was chaotic .... but at least the first yacht(which happened to be ALK) was spotted by SBY after the convoy of navy ships. They went twice the speed agreed upon and the yachts could not follow in the agreed 100m distance. By the time the other yachts passed the podium, SBY was long gone. But we had fun. Dinners were sometimes a bit chaotic and particularly meeting time changed by the minute but fuel, water and laundry were well organized by the local team. Rustie's team of tourist guides that were shipped in from Ternate were friendly ..., but... Rustie turned out to be a reasonable singer at the last dinner. As an organizer he had less talent! The people of Morotai are incredibly curious and friendly but after 4 days everyone is getting tired of having their pictures taken by every person with a camera or phone. The whole things borders on mass hysteria! In a few days we will head for Bitung but I guess ALK will be the only yacht so we will go 'in cognito' and do our own thing. Meanwhile you can expect a few boats returning to Oceanview soon.

From SV Expeditus (Sept 21 and 22, 2012)

Hi Ellen & Kjartan,
Just to let you know we have had a positive response from our engine mount
supplier, & they will send out new mounts to us. I have taken the liberty of
asking them to send them to you at Linmarr towers, so hope this is ok.
We have had a hectic time here with welcome dinner, farewell dinner & a few
in between, and bus trip to war remains & museum. The tourist people here
have been very helpful in helping to obtain fuel , water & washing. It is
illegal to sell fuel in Jerry Cans apparently (subsidised pricing for locals,
& anti bomb making restriction for diesel?) but they managed to make it
happen for us. Everyone got about 100 litres of free fuel, and was able to
purchase extra.
One event was supposed to be a lobster feast, with 2012 lobsters available,
but it hapenned in the middle of a cultural show & nobody called the
yachties, so most of us missed out!! - Still the locals would have enjoyed
it. We were also taken to a couple of islands, for swimming & General
Douglass MacArthur's statue.
There was some confusion between checking out locally from harbour to
harbour, and for clearance for the Phlippines, so Ela, Freiheit & Expeditus
crews had to have a speedboat trip 24 miles to Tobelo to get immigration
clearance. Will get harbour clearance soon & be on our way back to Samal.
Ela left 48 hours ago. Not sure when Bruno will depart, he is still trying to
find out more about his engine problem - maybe some confusion over which oil
to use in saildrive gearbox - 2 different specifications in instruction manuals??
So we have a couple more days here, then will start our way back, hopefully
with a bit of island hopping.
Cheers for now,
Mike & Gay

Hi Ellen & Kjartan,
Only Freiheit, Expeditus, Slouepmouche, Callisto, Shiralee, & Catamini left
here. Ela in Talaud. All others gone, about 26 were here altogether I think.
Shiralee & Bruno leave tomorrow, we probably leave Monday or Tuesday.
Had about 10 of the tourism people over to Expeditus the other evening to
show them the boat & some video of sailing. They were keen to ask a lot of
questions to learn more about what yachties are looking for, so that looks
promising for the future.
Will pass my wireless broadband over to Shiralee tomorrow so no more emails
until we are back in Samal.
Looking forward to getting back to Oceanview!
Cheers

From SV Sloepmouche (Sept 20, 2012)

A video presentation by Luc of SV Sloepmouche which shows all the events in Indonesia, starting with the Kick-Off party at Oceanview Marina. Well done, Luc and thank you for sharing.

title="Glimpses of Sail Morotai 2012">YOUTUBE

From SV ALK (Oct 3, 2012)

Dear Mr. Aji and Mr. Turman

Thank you for the contact details of Mr. Johnny Banjarnahor in Bitung.
We anchored near his office and he and his staff Mr. Yospendi took good care of us.
By the way the correct anchor position is 1 27.20N 125 12.75E which is just N of the jetty of the DKP office. In 25m the holding is good.

Mr. Johnny's man took us to the Tourist Office where we met with Mr. Benny Lontoh who was very helpful in planning our shore activities.

He was quite curious as to the other boats that were scheduled to visit Bitung and he mentioned that around September 19 he had his staff ready at the DKP jetty for the reception but never saw any boats! Unfortunately I had to inform him that to my knowledge most of the boats sailed S along the W coast of Halmahera after leaving Morotai. There may be one other boat 'Catimiri' that will visit Bitung.

Since leaving Morotai we have encountered consistent S-SW winds which are normal for this time of year according to the wind pilots and sailing straight from Morotai to Bitung would have been a hard beat! As it was we did our southing by going to Ternate along the Halmahera coast which was quite difficult against the S wind which blows very steadily along this coast.
Anyway the detour to Ternate was well worth the effort and from there we had good sailing to Bitung. This route allowed for a stop in Pulau Tifore which turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. The anchorage was well protected and quite beautiful and people very friendly, as almost everywhere we have been in Indonesia!

Finally I would like to thank you for organizing Sail Morotai which has been a most wonderful experience!

With kind regards,

Hans van Rijn
sy ALK

Other Articles/Blogs:

Blog by SV Shiralee

Online Journal - Prix Branzon

Davao Blogger - Battad

Link from EdgeDavao

Link from EturboNews

SailWorld article 

INDONESIAN ANCHORAGES

(as shared by other cruisers)

Note: I have taken pains to check the numbers, but I am only human and can make mistakes. Proceed with caution, as always. Good luck. A special thank you to the cruisers that are sharing their information for the benefit of other cruisers. Note: the following waypoints were uploaded from Open CPN ver. 3.0.0, and Lat/Long was set at Degrees/Decimal minutes.

Talaud - Karakelong/, North

good shelter for NW

anchorage

WPT

004 32.1000 N

126 46.7000 E

Talaud - Karakelong

open to E, but perfect for NW, calm

anchorage

WPT

004 12.3000 N

126 51.9000 E

Doi Island

very good for NW, calm, no swell

anchorage

WPT

002 16.8000 N

127 46.9000 E

Halmahera, Kedi

between more small islands, approach with good light, shallow and reefs somewhere

anchorage

WPT

001 41.2000 N

127 32.9000 E

TERNATE GOVT PIER

some swell from S, close to town, dinghy dock

anchorage

WPT

000 47.1000 N

127 23.4000 E

Kayoa island

fringing reef, anchor off coast,  some swell

anchorage

WPT

000 08.2000 N

127 26.1000 E

Bachan Island

in channel between Bacan and Kasiruta, good for S wind, Kasiruta over there better for N winds

anchorage

WPT

000 23.7000 S

127 19.6000 E

Bachan Island, Labuha

open to S, rolly, town with market, internet, fuel, shops ...

anchorage

WPT

000 37.9000 S

127 28.7000 E

Bisa Island

calm, safe and nice, strong current between Bisa and Tapat, where is very deep

anchorage

WPT

001 15.6000 S

127 28.6000 E

Taliabu Island (Sula Group), Samuya

closed, safe, open only to NE

anchorage

WPT

001 47.3000 S

125 17.0000 E

Wowoni Island, Langara

good shelter for prevailing SE in this time (May)

anchorage

WPT

004 03.4000 S

122 58.0000 E

TALAUD - MELONGUANE

Light and green buoys about 300 meter from the wharf. Light house near  the wharf flashing every three sec. Anchorage north of the jetty. Mostly sandy bottom. Depth ten meters. Dinghy landing on the beach.Quiet small town. Cellular phone work here (GSM).Having a modem will connect you to Internet. Bit slow. Have to have a local SIM card. Will be made available to Rally participants.

anchorage

WPT

003 59.7600 N

126 40.4300 E

TERNATE

anchorage

WPT

000 49.3333 N

127 23.2667 E

DERAWAN - general area of islands

Just one of those place that I'd take my boat if I had one. Just stunningly beautiful.

Anchorage. Watch for SAIL DERAWAN 2013.

WPT

002 31.8667 N

118 34.0333 E

BITUNG

Entering from N bit challenging. Strong currents. Channel is about 20 long. Lot of fishing boats at nite.  The town is has fuel, water and shops. It's safe during SE monsoon.  It is a big city and relatively close to Bunaken.  Bitung anchorage for yachts is adjacent to the Cargo port, which is in front of Fishing Port. Festivities is being arranged by local government, likely welcome dinner and cultural show. Land tour will be from Bitung to Manado, the bus will be provided. Security will be arranged when all out during tours.

anchorage

WPT

001 26.5610 N

125 12.2550 E

MOROTAI - DARUBA

anchorage

WPT

002 03.0000 N

128 17.0000 E

Buton Island

very good holding

anchorage

WPT

004 54.1000 S

122 49.0000 E

BUTON - BAU BAU

dirty harbor water

anchorage

WPT

005 27.4000 S

122 37.2000 E

Flores, Riung

temporary anchor arriving at night

anchorage

WPT

008 21.7000 S

121 02.3000 E

FLORES - RIUNG (2)

VERY NICE PLACE

anchorage

WPT

008 23.7000 S

121 04.8000 E

FLORES - REO

danger shallow coast, busy and open harbour, not recommended

anchorage

WPT

008 17.3000 S

120 29.9000 E

FLORES - LEVILIA

good shelter, lot of reefs, carefully, millions of bats flying over boat

anchorage

WPT

008 21.1000 S

120 09.4000 E

FLORES - LABUAN BADJO

town, lot of tourists for Komodo and Rinca, restaurants

anchorage

WPT

008 29.7000 S

119 52.6000 E

Komodo, Telok Slawi

very good shelter, like lake, but at north of the bay, where is entrance to NP, is shallow and open to S

anchorage

WPT

008 37.5000 S

119 28.5000 E

KOMODO

very good shelter for S winds, two mooring buoys, nice

anchorage

WPT

008 29.6000 S

119 33.0000 E

Komodo, Batu Montjo

surrounded by high mountains changing wind, but good

anchorage

WPT

008 27.0000 S

119 26.9000 E

Sumbawa, Bima

in middle of harbour, little space, shallow

anchorage

WPT

008 26.7500 S

118 42.8300 E

Medang

very nice small Island, lot of coral patches, for snorkeling

anchorage

WPT

008 08.4000 S

117 22.3000 E

Sumbawa, Moyo

channel between cap Brenti and Island Moyo, good for SW monsoon, but open to SE wind

anchorage

WPT

008 09.3000 S

117 42.9000 E

Lombok, Selat Sungian

good holding on 14m, mud, some swell, south current

anchorage

WPT

008 20.3000 S

116 42.6000 E

Lombok, Tampas

some swell from NE

anchorage

WPT

008 14.1000 S

116 17.7000 E

Lombok, Medana Bay

marina mostly mooring, friendly staff, very good shelter

mooring

WPT

008 21.8000 S

116 07.8000 E

Bali, Benoa

BALI MARINA

marina

WPT

008 44.5000 S

115 12.8000 E

Since a lot of cruisers are asking about hauling out in the Marina boatyard, specifically catamarans, I would like to share with you the video taken of the haulout of this catamaran. The ramp is fairly steep, and curves. It is a challenge, but the haulout and launching can easily be done.

Watch.

title="Catamaran Haul out in Oceanview">link 

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For more pictures, you can just google images of "Davao Kadayawan".

• Floral Float Parade – traditional pageant of orchids and other flowers, showcasing thousands of colorful flowers formed into different shapes. This event will be on the 3rd Saturday of August, meaning August 18th this year.

• Hiyas sa Kadayawan – is a beauty pageant that showcases the stunningly gorgeous ladies of the different tribes of Davao.
• Exhibits and Trade Fairs
• Nightly Street Parties
• Cultural Performances
• Sporting Events and Fun Competitions
• Concerts