Captain Scott's Log ~ Sunday, March 30th 2008

Weekend in Malacca Straits

Saturday we left Langkawi and sailed to Penang 66 miles away on a beautiful close reach--sailing at its best. I Anchored in the old Junk Anchorage off china town. We went ashore but gave up on hot dirty congested garbage strewn streets. Back on board we showered in air conditioning splendor and barbequed dinner in the sunset. 5 guard dogs on the neighboring wreck gave us security. Actually they woke us 4 times barking at nothing or each other.

Small joys: 2 chinamen flying homemade kites from the dock--a man singing at dawn--a local sport club canoe with 18 muscular paddlers---a 3 masted junk anchoring next to us---the bell tower ashore chiming the hour. On Sunday we left at first light and in the earily morning a front like dark cloud line passed and we were sailing at up to 12 kts through hundreds of fishing boats. They all picked up their nets and headed for shore at top speed. We were so pleased with our fast glorious sail but wondered what they knew that we didn't. The winds gusted over 30 and more black clouds darken the sky.

We sailed under reefed main only and it was time for plan B. So we altered
course for Pangor and by sunset got into the lee of this island. Now in a
steady rain with heavy lightning and thunder. But at anchor off a small
fishing village. The Malaysian Navy base with large warships nearby mean no
pirates. Above the fishing village we watch a couple prey over a new grave
with incense fires.