Phuket! Let's do it.

Rhiann Marie - Round the World
Stewart Graham
Thu 24 Mar 2011 10:49
Inverness 1015 Thursday 24th March.
 
All thinks considered I can confirm that we are going to return to Phuket in Thailand next Tuesday with the intention of departing to sail the 1500 miles west to the Maldives before the end of that week. To crew with Trish and I we are being joined by two excellent and experienced hands. Donald who has already sailed round the world and Murdo who sailed the Atlantic with us.
 
I am satisfied with my back, an extra couple of months would have been good, but we are where we are. I went to a mechanic this week to check it and he said all the screws were tight and my back was strong. "Would you like me to check for any other loose screws" the look in the medical engineer's eyes implored. His "OK" on my back was good enough for me so I did not encourage further examination. OK I can't lift any heavy weights, must bend my knees when straightening down and I am not allowed to fall off the back of a motocrosser for some weeks yet. These limitations aside I am happy that I can handle the passage to the Maldives.....except...
 
Except.... that the SW monsoon seems to be establishing itself and there is currently a storm in our path. The current weather conditions are not helpful shall we say. I must hope that this is mixed weather which you get at the change of seasons but that the South Westerlies are not fully seasonally established. It is possible that we reach Thailand and are fully prepared to go but the weather bars us from making the passage. 
 
We must wait and see. But I promise you this - if we can do it, we will do it.
 
Attached is a little image of what we seek out again. If we have a battle on our hands then we hope to be rewarded with some nice fishing spots at the edge of the reef.
 
Once again I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you who have been following the adventure online to date and especially those who have contacted me to offer support, encouragement and feedback. Thanks to you all - I will try not to let you down.     

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