Banda Islands to Ambon: 128 nautical miles.
We left Banda Neira and were headed to Pulau Run to find an anchorage if possible and do some diving. Pulau Run is part of the Banda group and is the furtherest out at 12 nautical miles from Banda Neira. It also has some amazing reefs for diving and snorkelling, with hammerhead sharks often seen here. I was excited to try out our dive gear we bought just before leaving Australia. It was not to be. The weather was crappy with 20 knot winds from SE, 2 to 3m swell and no protection from these conditions at Pulau Run. Decision was made to keep going and do an overnight sail to Ambon.
Goodbye beautiful Banda islands
We arrived in Ambon at 10am the next morning after a 22 hour impromptu sail from Banda islands. The same weather conditions that didn't allow us a stop at Pulau Run were pretty good for sailing in. It was a bit wet and a fast sail with good wind behind us and, once the big swell settled down during the night, it was quite pleasant. We had inadvertently timed it right to pass through the local fishing boats after sun up so they were easy to avoid. There were also 6 other yachts sailing with us so lots pairs of eyes looking out for hazards. We were forewarned that the anchorage here is a bit dodgy at Ambon but we seemed to anchor up alright.
*Amahusu Beach in the sun
After a mostly sleepless night of sailing I told Hubby I wanted a quiet day and not leave the boat. He chuckled and said "What if you get offered a G&T (gin & tonic)?" One of my favourite beverages to partake in. What do you know. A call came through with an offer of G&Ts on fellow yacht Chanto. I just had to rally my energy and not turn down such an enticing offer. Seems like Hubby put the thought out there and the universe provided.
Got up the next morning and could have passed a coffee to a neighbouring yacht, and they could have passed it forward to the catamaran in front of them. Time for some reorganisation. We upped anchor and, of course, it started pouring with rain. That's because I was on the bow. Both to pull up anchor and to count out chain when we redropped the anchor. Murphy's law at work right there. I've lost count of the number of times it starts raining when I'm picking up a mooring or dealing with the anchor. It causes Hubby great amusement.
Amahusu beach in the rain🙄
Anyway, we re-anchored a lot closer to the jetty which just so happened to be where the Indonesian Tourism department had set up a welcome centre for us rally participants. They have a number of events planned for us, including a welcome ceremony with local dignitaries, a dinner at the Mayor's house and a full day tour of Ambon city sights. So, with much hobnobbing to do and sights to see, explore and photograph i bid you farewell.
Welcome centre
Until next time, Watusi Woman - Socialite Sailor, out.
