Passage from Phuket,Thailand to Weh Island, Sumatra, Indonesia ( 23rd March to 2nd April 2012)

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We left Phuket on the 23rd of March ahead of some predicted bad weather. The 220nm took us 2 1/2 days in very mild conditions. We motored virtually the whole way apart from 1 night. The wind was not enough to sail with and often straight from the direction we needed to go.

There was alot of distant electrical storm activity

We came across several of these fishing bouys in 1000m depth. They must have been swept away from their original anchored site. The ropes which trail off these produce their own eco-system attracting fish.

The Malacca Straits shipping was not too busy. It's great to have AIS ( Automated identification of shipping) monitoring aboard

We arrived after office hours so anchored off Rubiah Island where SY Leto ( cruising friends Kathy and Peter) were anchored

The following morning we motored across to the town of Sabang.

We checked into Indonesia which meant visits to Quarantine, Harbour master, Immigration and Customs with the usual reems of paperwork!. The Q flag has to be flown ( request for pratique) then once cleared, the country flag can be flown

Customs officers and harbour master's assistant en route to our yacht

They did a very thorough search. When asked what they were looking for we were told firearms!

Our clearance charges were 120,000RPH (13AUD)

Unless the weather is calm it is quite difficult to get ashore  and leaving ones dinghy without causing damage is a challenge. We went down to the fisherman's wharf and tied off there.

Now we could fly the Indonesian flag

We are constantly amazed at the different styles of fishing boats in our travels

The Indonesian's love painting their boats bright colours and different designs

The islands township is quiet and the only industry appears to be fishing

We motored back to Rubiah island and anchored off

Iboih (pronouced Ee boh) is on the shore opposite Rubiah island and is a pretty little village with stilted bungalows following the shoreline. There are a few tourist orientated shops, cafe/restaurants and a diving centre.

The water is crystal clear and refreshing with an abudance of tropical fish.

Eric was in his element.. A chance to catch fish again in competion to this very large heron

I caught the first one and it was lovely to eat fresh fish again

Cruising Notes

SABANG.

Easy approach. Anchor at 05' 34.19 N 95' 19.24 E in about 15m. From this point you can see Quarantine. Green building with health sign on it. . Just across the road is the harbour master's office ( Coastguard ). Blue roof with harbour master painted on it. Immigration and Customs are up the hill.

The wind blew into the harbour the two afternoons we were there. Landing is against the sloping rock

wall or to the east against the small fisherman's wharf. There is a beach but it wasn’t inviting.

Our experience was....

Customs and Coast guard came to our boat. Quarantine would have come if he was available. They expect to be transported. Customs 120,000 Rp (Receipted) Customs did a quick inspection. Coast guard did a major search. We believe he was looking for booze and when he finds some he asks for his share. On clearing out Quarantine will sell you a health book 15,000 Rp and charge 20,000 Rp fees, (receipted). Coast guard charged two boats travelling with us 100,00 Rp each, (NOT receipted). We happily paid 300,000 Rp to overcome an issue with our CAIT. We found all we needed here, but ATMs will only issue 500,000 Rp per transaction.

RUBIAH ISLAND/IBOIH.

As you know the charts are all out but mostly offset to the NW. .A long way! Deep easy approach by line of sight. A dive charter operator guided us to a mooring of which there were 3. We liked the place.