16th June - leaving Miri, racing to Labuan

Monday 16^th June

It is pouring with rain!  The first rain we have seen for many weeks.  At midday the overnight race to Labuan begins – we will all be very wet.  But…it is hot, so never mind!

Last night it was so very hot we rigged up a nifty system at the foot of our bunk.  A large wet towel, hanging from the hatch-frame.  With the fan blowing steadily behind it.  Aircon!  At about three I awoke from very strange dreams, of walking through puddles, having large damp dogs sitting on my lower limbs.  That sort of thing.  When I checked things out, the large wet towel was sitting fair on my feet, making a big damp patch at the foot of the bed.

The rally dinner was in a very large pavilion at the back to the Park View Everly Hotel.  We were the guests of the very generous owner of the hotel, Troy (I forgot to listen for his surname…) who is also responsible for the huge developments in the Aracadia complex.  He also has lavish plans for the Miri marina – watch this space!

Troy presenting a trophy to the crew of new World (Canada)

The Labuan marina, where we are heading, is apparently very rickety.  It has been built by the government, people tell us, in explanation.  And it has fallen down three times already, at the cost, thus far, of $12m US.

We didn't join the conga line...this time...

The food was plentiful, the beer flowed free, everyone was happy.  We were entertained by dancers in Sarawak costumes, and also by a startling little trio of girl singers from the Philippines…

I met them before the performance in the washrooms, making their final preparations, and they were the loveliest friendliest chickybabes imaginable.  All of the singers in Malaysia and Thailand, it would seem, are from the Philippines.  And they all wear the same clothes – tiny, tight.

With a bit of luck we will be in Labuan tomorrow, with internet connection – but who knows??