When we said calm before the storm, we didn't really mean that but it turned to be just that.
We left Port Klang on Saturday, 14 Nov 09 and motored up to the start line. There was very light wind and a storm was brewing. We started at 1100 hours by drifting with the strong current over the start line. After drifting for an hour, the wind picked up. We actually had a good sail to the first gate, which was crossed at 15.15.10 GPS time.
The next gate was approximately 45 nm away and it seemed like we could make it in record time. However, not everything went according to our wishes. The rain had arrived and we were all dripping wet. Just 5 nm away, the wind died. We struggled to make headway but to no avail. Apparently we were even going backwards. And along the way, we realized that the rudder was not turning more than 10 degrees and the propeller was not folding. So when we were drifting backwards and found ourselves in shallow water, we decided to drop anchor and dove over to check the propeller. Mark found that a rubbish bag still containing some milk bottles was wrapped around the propeller. We must have picked it up when we left Port Klang. After the prop was cleared, it was almost midnight and we were still not making any ground. A vote was taken and the decision to retire from the race was made. We started the engine and motor-sailed all the way to Pulau Pangkor, arriving at around 0800 hours on Sunday, 15 Nov 09.
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| approaching Pulau Pangkor |
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| Sari Timur at anchor |
We woke up and the wind picked up and caused the boat next to us to drag her anchor. We put a call to shore and then jumped into the dinghy to try and save her. However, with the strong wind, all we could do was slow her and stopped her dragging. They came out later and re-anchored.
In the evening, we went ashore again for the prize-giving dinner. Just after the dinner, the heavens opened up again and it poured buckets.
So all it all, it was rain, rain, and more rain.
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