The perils of cruising
“BELIEVE me, I was screaming my head off” Brent says. As with many experiences, the story is very funny in hindsight and with a beer in hand.
After we are done laughing, the topic is not off the table, on the contrary. Brent explains that near Sulawesi he caught a line in one of the props of his catamaran Impi. In the middle of the night, no wind and lots of fishing boats all around.
No other options than to go over the side with a knife and a torch. No crocs in that part of Indonesia, but lots of sea snakes. They were drawn to the light and found Brent struggling under water. Snakes around his arms, legs and into his wetsuit. At lightning speed the net was cut off and Brent was back on board.
It is one of the many stories that cruisers have to tell about sailing in SE Asia. Although many fear the paperwork and bureaucracy or wonder if the language barrier may hinder interactions with the locals, that is the least of your worries when sailing in SE Asia. The locals are usually very friendly and hospitable. A bit of ‘hand and feet’ language will get you there.
The food is amazing and the cost of living is very low. As long as you are patient and have your paperwork in order, the
