Back in Thailand

We left Tioman and returned to Pattaya in Thailand to take part in the final race of the Simpson marine series. We had unfinished business as El Coyote (the boat we have been racing on) was joint second in the series. Either through skilled sailing and new sails or through manipulation of results, we are delighted to report that El Coyote finished second overall. Terrific prize giving with as usual swanky food and too much alcohol in lovely surroundings. We are very lucky, sailing on a fabulous boat with great people, in a fabulous part of the world. We have to keep pinching ourselves.
Since the racing finished, we have done some cruising and larking around, including Skipper Gary drinking Garry under the table one night.
Pictures below of some of our recent experiences.


This was a beautiful, brand new catamaran being launched on the beach as it was too big to launch in the marina. Quite a complicated job with a digger a bulldozer and a tractor building a temporary roadway. The boat was left on the beach for the tide to come in and float it away.
Later the same day, this is the boat now in the marina. We were invited aboard for drinks and snacks and a look round. There was everything you could think of, fridge, freezer, underwater lights and remote controls for everything. Rather nice! (the owner is married though).

This is a monk blessing someone's new pick up truck outside our local pub. You can also see in the foreground a typical Thai family outing - four up on a motorbike, including 2 children! In view of this Thai culture, Garry has been honing his motorbike skills and is now able to ride with one passenger, 2 bags of laundry, a slab of beer and a box of wine. Still not as good as the locals though.

We don't think this bus was blessed. Can you spot the parking error?

This is a brand new Jeanneau built by our friend, Gary Baguley. It comes in a kit form that you have to put together (like Ikea furniture). It took them two weeks and looks great and goes fast.

We did a spot of sightseeing and visited the Sanctuary of Truth, a completely wooden Temple with lots of carvings.

The dolphins at the Temple have just had a baby, so you may just be able to spot the tiny fin in the background - just three weeks old.

Some sailing races are harder than others! This was the final race which was a very nice cruise up and down the beach.

This day was proper cruising, we went out to a deserted island for lunch. A couple of guys from another boat swam over to see us and partake of lunch and a few beers and as you can see a fun day was had by all.
Garry inspired by the Olympic diving.
Tony - going in backwards (although he had to do it a few times until he was in the photo).

See the yacht they swam from in the background.

Have fun

Bye for now