Well, nearly through the month of January and time for an update on the old bloggie blog. January started with a literal bang – massive firework display on Nai Yang Beach, lanterns floating into the sky, a very magical atmosphere indeed. That and great food – tiger prawns to die for – and good company, oh, and loads of bubbly and 2008 was very well seen in.

After a couple of days recovery it was time to get to sea again, so we did a few trips out, just the two of us, firstly to the Ko Ma Yai for lunch and then a long weekend around the north and east bits of Phang Nga Bay – truly stunning scenery, and we went to places where few boats go, (in fact, each time we anchored we were the only boat there) Ko Chong Lat, Ko Phak Bia, Laem Taeng et al.

We seemed to manage all right despite our combined inexperience so we decided to venture a bit further afield, down to Langkawi and back. We took our time and spent three days getting down there, via beautiful Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le, where they filmed The Beach (and where we learned how not to pick a mooring buoy in a big swell, but got it right after three attempts) and then Taratau before  pulling into Tenaga Marina. And what a delightful place! Charming people, very quiet, easy

must, a ride to be experienced. And good Arabic food to boot.

After a few days duty free shopping – well, re-stocking the wine store – we pushed off back oop t’north island by island, a nice 10-day trip, and no worries in handling the boat a deux, even when we ran into a 25 knot + on the beam between Ko Lanta and Krabi, and the second reef line snapped on its first outing. Focused the mind a bit, especially when it then gusted over 35, but Teddy was amazingly brave, considering that I was in a complete funk! Hey ho, we reached shelter with everything reefed down and intact and that's the main thing. We even managed to look like we knew what we were doing when we took in the sails and anchored up. Thanks especially to Peter G’s sage advice before we sailed ("Don't shout, take time to look, don't panic" etc) for which I will be eternally grateful.

Back into Yacht Haven for a few days and then the sea beckons again, this time to more hong hunting by canoe, among other things, and 4 days gentle cruising round Phang Nga Bay. It’s so peaceful just the two of us in beautiful bays. Now back in YHM again until Teddy goes back to England and her beloved dogs and cat and leaves me here alone (sob!) Can’t think how I’ll occupy my time………

Well, I do actually: getting boat and crew fixed up for the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, for which like a fool I have entered Arkouda, having never raced before. But, with friend Boo’s help, and maybe No.1 son if he turns up,  and another couple of mates, we should have a good few days relaxed racing - as well as a good few nights total debauchery!

And some pics, including, of course, Sleeping Teddy Bear Island (Ko Phanak)…..