TROPICAL STORMS Ep 8

Life was good. But, as potential illegal immigrants, we needed to get out of Dodge before the law caught up with us... We had a few ideas about the route, and would let the wind dictate our final direction. As we upped anchor, another spectacular sunrise unravelled across the islands. We managed some sailing, but resorted to motoring when the wind inevitably died. This was the transitional period--neither NE or SW monsoon--so conditions would continue to be erratic with unpredictable winds and storms, or calm and sunny days. In the end, we headed for the Ko Rok group, two tiny islands with a channel running between them. The archipelago of Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok is the mother of all those deserted-white-sand-palm-fringed beaches you see in travel brochures and on postcards. The place is a cliché, except that it isn't. It's real and golden and joyous and quiet and infused with peace. It quickly became one of our all time favourite anchorages. For the next couple of days we explored the water--on top and underneath. We walked along the perfect beaches, and wandered inland through a closed campsite. As the tourist season was over we shared the uninhabited islands with only a couple of national park workers. Across the channel from us, close to where we nearly hit the bottom, a sunken catamaran is marked on the charts. We headed over there in our dinghy to get a look. There’s something unsettling about viewing a wreck from the surface, it is a sickening sight for anyone who lives or works on a boat. In silence, we observed the white skeleton lying on its side through the distorted water. We left it undisturbed with the lapping waves guarding its secret story. The other shadow which still hangs over this area is the tsunami of 2004. Most islands and towns have marked safety zones in the event of a repeat occurance, and regularly test alarms and announcements to remind locals and tourists to be alert. Like everyone, we seldom keep our eyes off the water or beach for long in this part of the world. In the early mornings, and at dusk, fat bream fell on Liz's simple bread bait which she used to good effect for catching Millie's supper. There were always plenty to go on the barbecue too. Although fishing is prohibited in Thailand's national parks in the off season, the rangers didn't mind a bit of line fishing; they're less tolerant of spear fishing, and don't allow local fishing boats in the vicinity at all. On the last morning we awoke to a black sky. The weather had been coming in from the west all night, flinging lightning against the horizon in every direction. But as the sun made a feeble attempt to penetrate the clouds, another storm met the one which was still coming our way, and together they hovered over the anchorage. We watched fishing boats speeding in from the horizon to raft up close to the islands. Anchors were thrown out and generators turned on. As the rain smashed the water, the little "boat islands" were obscured, apart from a few dim lights which they'd switched on, even though it was the middle of the morning. With the rain too fierce and inescapable, we went below and waited. At least the decks were having a good wash. ****************************** Join us: https://www.patreon.com/followtheboat Be the first to know: http://eepurl.com/B9Ykn Subscribe to our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=spannerheadz Blog: http://www.followtheboat.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followtheboat * Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/followtheboat ****************************** Show some love for our musical contributors :) 00:00 - Followtheboat's theme music: 'Suddenly' by Otis McDonald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y66Dh5lx4qY 01:33 - 'The Arrival' by Steve Tack https://soundcloud.com/steve-tack/the-arrival 13:51- 'L.o.v.e.' by Del https://soundcloud.com/no-copyright-music-2/del-love

TROPICAL STORMS Ep 8 sentiment_very_dissatisfied 5

Tropical fishing 8 years ago 12,995 views

Life was good. But, as potential illegal immigrants, we needed to get out of Dodge before the law caught up with us... We had a few ideas about the route, and would let the wind dictate our final direction. As we upped anchor, another spectacular sunrise unravelled across the islands. We managed some sailing, but resorted to motoring when the wind inevitably died. This was the transitional period--neither NE or SW monsoon--so conditions would continue to be erratic with unpredictable winds and storms, or calm and sunny days. In the end, we headed for the Ko Rok group, two tiny islands with a channel running between them. The archipelago of Ko Rok Nai and Ko Rok Nok is the mother of all those deserted-white-sand-palm-fringed beaches you see in travel brochures and on postcards. The place is a cliché, except that it isn't. It's real and golden and joyous and quiet and infused with peace. It quickly became one of our all time favourite anchorages. For the next couple of days we explored the water--on top and underneath. We walked along the perfect beaches, and wandered inland through a closed campsite. As the tourist season was over we shared the uninhabited islands with only a couple of national park workers. Across the channel from us, close to where we nearly hit the bottom, a sunken catamaran is marked on the charts. We headed over there in our dinghy to get a look. There’s something unsettling about viewing a wreck from the surface, it is a sickening sight for anyone who lives or works on a boat. In silence, we observed the white skeleton lying on its side through the distorted water. We left it undisturbed with the lapping waves guarding its secret story. The other shadow which still hangs over this area is the tsunami of 2004. Most islands and towns have marked safety zones in the event of a repeat occurance, and regularly test alarms and announcements to remind locals and tourists to be alert. Like everyone, we seldom keep our eyes off the water or beach for long in this part of the world. In the early mornings, and at dusk, fat bream fell on Liz's simple bread bait which she used to good effect for catching Millie's supper. There were always plenty to go on the barbecue too. Although fishing is prohibited in Thailand's national parks in the off season, the rangers didn't mind a bit of line fishing; they're less tolerant of spear fishing, and don't allow local fishing boats in the vicinity at all. On the last morning we awoke to a black sky. The weather had been coming in from the west all night, flinging lightning against the horizon in every direction. But as the sun made a feeble attempt to penetrate the clouds, another storm met the one which was still coming our way, and together they hovered over the anchorage. We watched fishing boats speeding in from the horizon to raft up close to the islands. Anchors were thrown out and generators turned on. As the rain smashed the water, the little "boat islands" were obscured, apart from a few dim lights which they'd switched on, even though it was the middle of the morning. With the rain too fierce and inescapable, we went below and waited. At least the decks were having a good wash. ****************************** Join us: https://www.patreon.com/followtheboat Be the first to know: http://eepurl.com/B9Ykn Subscribe to our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=spannerheadz Blog: http://www.followtheboat.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followtheboat * Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/followtheboat ****************************** Show some love for our musical contributors :) 00:00 - Followtheboat's theme music: 'Suddenly' by Otis McDonald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y66Dh5lx4qY 01:33 - 'The Arrival' by Steve Tack https://soundcloud.com/steve-tack/the-arrival 13:51- 'L.o.v.e.' by Del https://soundcloud.com/no-copyright-music-2/del-love

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Most popular comments
for TROPICAL STORMS Ep 8

sean Hudson
sean Hudson - 6 years ago
Nice Catch Jamie, i wish I had a gal who loves fishing as much as Liz. Fish on!
rick frazier
rick frazier - 6 years ago
I reckon less fish would get away were you to use ocean gear as opposed to pond/lake fishing rods/reels/tackle.
DarlnDar
DarlnDar - 7 years ago
Millie wanted that catch!! lol
Curt DegerMan
Curt DegerMan - 7 years ago
Russian vodka))))16:17
Alan Gamble
Alan Gamble - 8 years ago
I am really enjoying following your travels here on YouTube. Your videography, editing and audio skills are directly on par with another favorite, sv Delos. I particularly enjoy your choice of music. It always seems mellow and appropriate for the area where you are located. Some other sailing vids choose what sounds like techno trance type music that drives me away.

Cheers and happy holidays from Boston!
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 8 years ago
Hey +Alan Gamble, thanks for the kind words. We find the music can divide people but on the whole we try to choose the best music for the scene. Bear in mind our choices are limited to Creative Commons free music but there's a lot of good stuff out there. We have used a couple of house tracks too, so be warned! Warm wishes from Jamie in Thailand and Liz who had to return to the UK. She'll be back next year for more adventures. Jamie, Liz and Millie
The Sailing Rode
The Sailing Rode - 8 years ago
Great video! Your tweet was right, this is great motivation. Working to cast off the lines ASAP! Thanks. - Steve & Brandy
S/V Sugar Magnolia
S/V Sugar Magnolia - 8 years ago
Another good one.Thanks for posting.
Director/Davo Paul
Director/Davo Paul - 8 years ago
Great episode!
Alan B
Alan B - 8 years ago
Thanks for the videos. Without pulling the log transducer out, try just spinning it 180 degrees to free the paddle wheel. Look up Faraday Cage, this is what the oven bit is all about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 8 years ago
Thanks for the link, +Alan B
Liz Cleere
Liz Cleere - 8 years ago
+Alan B Thanks for the comment! Always brilliant to receive comments.


I think I've got to grips with the Faraday Cage now, especially as +Bor the Wolf posted up a great summary in these comments.

Very interesting about that paddle wheel trick, will definitely give it a go. Cheers!

10. comment for TROPICAL STORMS Ep 8

The Quest For Thunder
The Quest For Thunder - 8 years ago
Man what a anchorage.  The view was stunning.  I couldn't get enough.  Where exactly is that.  Do you have GPS coordinates.  I haven't seen landscape like that in, well forever.  Loved the video as I always do on your channel.  Thanks for sharing.
The Quest For Thunder
The Quest For Thunder - 8 years ago
yes I have, thanks.  It's seems like a wonderful peaceful place.  Can't wait to go there myself.
Div3r
Div3r - 8 years ago
+The Quest For Thunder Search "Koh Rok Nai, Thailand" on Google Earth
The Quest For Thunder
The Quest For Thunder - 8 years ago
Thanks so much Liz, I will check it out on Google Earth.  Keep the great stuff coming, I look forward to each and every one.  Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Liz Cleere
Liz Cleere - 8 years ago
+The Quest For Thunder Such a lovely comment. Thank you so very much, it's really good to get feedback.
This is Ko Rok, one of our top 5 anchorages from Turkey to Thailand (will have to write a blog about that...). Anyway, it's off the coast of Koh Lanta, north of Koh Lipe and south east of Phuket. Don't have the log book here in the UK, but try a quick Google (or Google Earth) search for Koh Rok Nai or Koh Rok Nok.
Bor the Wolf
Bor the Wolf - 8 years ago
Nice one. Thanks.

The Faraday effect isn't that complicated. When you are in a conductive (metal) cage and when you are hit by lightning, the cage is charged with electrons. Now, electrons being negative particles repel one another. It is because of this that they push each other to the outside of the gage. That means there is no charge at all inside of the cage, and you or your equipment is safe. 

This is also why you are safe inside the boat during a thunderstorm. In a Steel boat it is obvious, it is a Faraday cage as well, but a plastic boat is to, well, more or less. If it is wet, and it usually is when it rains, the outside of the hull conducts and protects you. Not as good as a metal gage though, but still. In any case the hull has sufficient protection because the bulk of the charge is usually led away from the hull by the shrouds and stays. More so if the shrouds are electrically somehow connected to the water that surrounds the boat. 

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I was trained as an electric engineer, years ago. 

BTW, isn't your main's outhaul upside down?
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 8 years ago
Hi +Bor the Wolf. Yes, the car is the wrong way round, an issue I'd identified shortly after putting it back on in the boatyard during the refit. Unfortunately loading the ball-bearings on this track is so fraught, where we lose bearings every time we take it off, we left it as it was. It is possible to move the block away from the sail, we were simply motor sailing in this clip. Well observed though!
Bor the Wolf
Bor the Wolf - 8 years ago
+followtheboat I thought it was the main. It seems to be looped through the clew upside-down. There is a close up at 4:00

Apparently you were sailing in a light or a gentle breeze, hence I assumed you had the clew forward making the sail deeper. Then I don't understand why the guide block is so close to the sail, unless it is allowed to shift over the boom as you trim your outhaul?  It seems to me that you can't pull the clew much further aft with your current set-up. With the outhaul the other way through the clew, you could probably pull the clew a bit further aft. But if the video shows the clew in its maximum forward position, I think you should consider moving the block and fixing a bit further aft.
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 8 years ago
Hi +Bor the Wolf. I have a suspicion you may be correct. Can you clarify, do you mean the car or the way the outhaul is threaded through the foot? Not on the boat at the moment (in the UK) but I know either the main or the mizzen is run the wrong way.
Liz Cleere
Liz Cleere - 8 years ago
+Bor the Wolf Wow, thanks for that useful summary. I knew roughly what happened, but now I'll know the answer next time someone asks. It also explains why the crew we have met on boats who have had direct hits walked away unscathed. Don't be sorry, and don't resist!
The outhaul, as far as I'm aware is correct, but I'll get the skipper to answer that one...
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 8 years ago
I'll be back there soon, +Joey B. Can't wait to see Millie, I really miss her.
Liz Cleere
Liz Cleere - 8 years ago
+Joey B Thanks for asking about our beautiful Millie (we miss her). We often get asked this question. It's difficult to bring pets into the UK because of the strict quarantine laws, so we cannot return often. Usually, we leave the boat separately, so that there's always one of us to look after her. Occasionally we end up somewhere with someone who loves cats, and with whom we are comfortable leaving her. This time we were fortunate to find a cat-loving marina (Yacht Haven in Phuket) where she is being pampered and loved every day.
SenseiDave13
SenseiDave13 - 8 years ago
Great video Jamie/Liz ............ Millie ;-)
Liz Cleere
Liz Cleere - 8 years ago
+SenseiDave13 Aw, thanks for that. I can't emphasise how lovely it is to receive such a positive comment. Millie sends a squeak.
Roman Müller
Roman Müller - 8 years ago
your vids, one time i will sail aigan...rom
Sailing followtheboat
Sailing followtheboat - 8 years ago
Nice one, +Roman Müller. Hope you get out there soon.
Liz Cleere
Liz Cleere - 8 years ago
+Roman Müller Yes, yes! You must! In the meantime, we'll keep posting vids to help encourage you.

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