Thong Nai Pan

First stop was the isolated bay of Haad Yuan where the silence was deafening after the mahem on Samui. Then up to the pretty little fishing village of Chaloklum which is dominated by the 700 m. mountain of Khao Ra and appears as Bo Phud did some 30 years ago.

Dried fish and squid is the main source of income here and is in big demand on Samui so several kilos of squid were purchased for the folks back home.

 Then on to Thong Nai Pan for lunch, but it is difficult to relate to what was once the prettiest bay on the island with development in full swing with a large number of new resorts and the beginning of jetskis.

By now the generous ice boxes of beer were nearly depleted and Capt. Solley spent the return trip passed out as usual."

Last weekend two SYCR members did a recce of the immediate South to the ancient seaport Pak Panang and old silkroad port Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

They reported "it was great to get off the rock and enjoy excellent paved roads with NO signboards, not a farang to be seen and friendly Thai hospitality

Local Rubber Planter and her farm

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 AUGUST 29 2009:

Junk La Fortune being dug out

JULY 29 2009:

The current strong Westerly winds of 25 knots with gusts up to 45 knots is creating havoc in the Bo Phut and Bang Rak anchorages. Prudent locals anchor or moor their vessels in the N.W. corner, out front of Zan Zan Resort, where they are protected from the gusts swinging N.W. wind changes which leaves Bang Rak exposed. This time of the year, Chaweng is the best option, a lee shore with excellent holding. So, it was no surprise that a number of boats were washed ashore in a particularly gusty evening. Besides a number of speedboats, other casualties included Moon Shadow the Elliott 7 sportsyacht and the big 200 ton junk La Fortune. Indeed , as I type, a huge twister has formed over Koh Mud Lang and seems to be heading for Chong Mon.

Monday, 15th June an attempt to set a time for sailing around Koh Samui was launched from Tradewinds at Chaweng. Official timer Neil Kelleher and safety officer Adrian Weber launched Cap'n Squall solo on his Nacra 4.5, on his way at 09hrs 25 mins 14 secs. As Squall tells it. "From the time I left Chaweng, the wind began to swing WSW and I was punching into a nasty chop with wind gusts up to 25 knotsalways on the nose.

Cap'n Squall adn Adrian plan the safety measures

After just over 2 hours and off Laem Sor, there was a loud crack and the mainsail dropped to the trampoline with the rope and broken wire halyard flailing away. After tidying up the boat, I turned about and headed back to Chaweng. By now the wind was gusting 30 knots and at times we were surfing downhill at 14 knots with just the headsail up. At 1330, thanks to our mobile phones,. Adrian and Neil took the Nacra under tow to return to Tradewinds. Next time I'll try going around the top, this island bends the wind

Last Tuesday very sad to hear Pascal Leray passed away. Franceso was delivering his T.O.G. trophy to his Bangkok apartment, found the door unlocked and discovered Pascal collapsed on the floor. Pascal such a favorite among the sailing fraternity in the region, vigorously campaigned his X99 Hi Jinx and lately his Jarkan 38 Breakaway. Pascal raced Breakaway in our Samui Regattas and was always the life of the party at the festivities afterwards. He is sadly missed by us all.

More unique sea craft
can be found in Samui's waters

Alex's Catamaran

A fishing dinghy made from swimming pool liner

OUR FRIEND KHUN JOHN PASSES ON

People from across Thailand gathered in Phuket last week to say farewell to their much loved friend John Hamilton, who died following a brief but very serious tumor related illness.

A true adventurer and a man of many talents, John filled his 57 years in this world with travel, sport and passionate hobbies. Yachtsman, biker, computer wiz and generous and reliable friend are just a few of the things that come to mind in remembering him.

John’s travels, sailing activities and marathon motor bike rides took him around the world and all over Thailand as he continually forged long and endearing friendships with people form all walks of life.

Remembered for his honesty, reliability and willingness to help others, his passing will leave a huge gape in many people’s lives.

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Sadly, as John sets off on his adventure to the next world he is leaving behind his adored Khun Elle who put love and light into his life and cared for him selflessly.

John’s funeral was carried out in the finest Buddhist tradition with plenty of tears and feasting and with those he left behind having been given the finest gift of all…… marvelous enduring memories.

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