Arrival in Christmas Island
NORDLYS
David and Annette Ridout
Fri 11 May 2007 11:43
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'Interesting reception in Christmas
Island'
10:25.6S
105:40.16E
Christmas Island
11th May 2007
At 1330hrs we rolled away the genoa and reached
under mainsail the three miles to Flying Fish Cove. Tidying
ship we progressed while the speed went from seven to three knots as
the wind eased under the lee of the island. With the cove opening up
the radio came through loud and strong, 'yacht approaching Flying Fish
Cove'. Replying we were told very brusquely. 'Anchoring in the cove
is prohibited and there are no moorings available'. This was
followed by a call from customs telling us to come ashore and be cleared.
What a reception after nine days at
sea!
As always in Australia once authority has
had its say it turns out to mellow and slowly all unfolded.
Buoys were actually just being laid and the customs/quarantine were very
reasonable although we had to reapply to enter Australia and fill in more forms
than in most third world countries, which is saying something.
Do not knock Europe, it is administrative bliss. Now twenty four hours
later I have had two excellent dives on the most pristine of coral drop offs,
Nordlys is moored securely to a buoy and we have arranged to hire a car for two
days to go and explore the jungle sites of this interesting island. To
actually get a hire car is a rarity we understand. We are also the
grateful owners of some paw paw and avocadoes that a local lady
got especially for us.
We hope to stay here about a week and explore so I
will write more when we know more. The three other yachts here are all
Australian and one of the skippers is forever in my debt as he has just spent a
successful hour stripping the carburettor of our outboard which despite a very
expensive full service in Fremantle refused to develop any power. We are
now back to planing and there are no knocking noises coming from astern.
Water was the problem!
Happy times to all readers
David
 Barrelling along
 Stressed mate
 Even more stressed skipper
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