Journal Entries — 2004

27 December 2004 22:00 (GMT+8) 
Funny how things happen when you least expect it.  When everyone was just settling down into enjoying the festive season after all the series of happenings, the bird flu, SARS, scares of terrorist attacks ... it comes as a totally unexpected form - a Tsunami.  I wonder what was on the minds of the people who were near the beaches as the sea just fell on them.  It would have been exactly like in the movies, one moment you were bobbing along on a boat or splashing by the beach, next moment there was no water.  Firstly you might just laugh it off and think i'm just imagining things but then you probably don't have much time before you see the massive body of water hurling towards you.   What else do you think other than run for your lives?

Mom told me a story last night of a man who had one arm round his wife and the other clutching tightly to his eight-month old baby.  He braced themselves together when the wave impacted, but when he opened his eyes after, his wife on one arm was dead and his baby on the other was gone.   How painful can that be?  There are many stories similar to this which probably are not reported.  I have a heavy heart reading all the
reports on the news.  I think of all our Thai friends on the beach who were our longtail drivers who took us to and from the boats every day, the friendly staff of the restaurants and bars which we spend long afternoons, evenings and nights at.  Two weeks ago was the King's Cup where there were a whole lot of us anchored off the beaches of Phuket.

I was supposed to have been on my qualification passage at the moment, was it fate that had me change plans.  Wasn't so worried about me as I might be way off the coast to feel anything, but more for my family and friends who probably might be worried sick about me out there.  Me on the other and would not have thought much about the huge swells just maybe "hang on tight there might be some weather out there that's causing such huge waves ... unusual for around here" and thinking that everyone would be enjoying the holiday season.  Just imagine the shock I'd get when I come back to a marina that was no longer there!

To all my Thai friends, hope you are well, my condolences to all the people and their families in the affected areas...

12 December 2004 10:00 (GMT +8)
King's Cup, what a blast!  Lots of wind for yet another year.  Think the weather has returned.  Never had a race cancelled due to no wind, trucking all the way finishing early every day so people have time to repair stuff, get back to bed to nurse the hangover from the day before or start drinkingagain!  For me it was really good to have Alessandro around as he gave me tons of tips on what I should and should not do.  Information overload now.  We were the smallest boat in the fleet and it was just painful when the sometimes the races were all up hill, can't expectmore than what we got from a 21ft.  But did turn a couple of heads when we got the kite up and zoomed.  Comments were " that is a BIG kite you have".  Yup faster to get to Brazil with.

Windward leewards was interesting as Russ and Alessandro were new to the boat as well so a couple of hiccups along the way.  Was a newbie on the helm as well so was a bit nervous when there were so many boat around.  Russ kept telling me to just sail the boat :OP.  Think I got better after a few days...

Tomorrow i would take Feng on our first long passage home.  Approx. 550nm would be a good training trip for me.  We'd let  you know how we get on.

9  December 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
Layday!  The proper King's Cup is back again!  Lots of wind every morning and there has been no cancellation of races so far.  First day we had 20-25knts.  Didn't think that the wind would hold up so had my genoa up all the way and I think we had a little too much canvass... Then when we swung round to head downwind, we stuck the small kite up and it was too small to catch up.  Lesson learnt, smaller heady and bigger kite next race.  Day 2 was round the cans, this time we had three people and it was a lot better than before.  Had two races with good breeze. Day 3 was yet another long race and I thought this might be great for me to stick the kite up and just surf along.  But turned out to be a reach there and back, well at least there was good breeze.  Just one thing I would like to suggest ... can the big boats just duck under us and give us a break!

My thoughts... Have learnt a lot from Alex about the Mini boats and little tricks and traits of the boats.  Even though he had a proto but it's all experience that counts little things that he advises, etc.  Damage report, 3 blocks and a little rip in the kite ... ouch.

5 December 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
Just finished the practice race.  Missing Russ who is arriving tonight so just went out for a potter first.  How small a world can this be when Alessandro who did the Mini last year rocked up to the regatta looking for a boat to crew on and me leaving things to the very last minute found myself without crew.  Things couldn't have been better, better still, Russ said that he could come up due to changed in plans with work so now am fully crewed up and ready to go.  After the Raja Muda, think I had better have another body for round the cans...

Had a pretty good sail up here to Phuket from Langkawi.  Had a bit on dodging the fishing trawlers and the joy of having my wind instruments die out on me midway as well.  The winds kept getting stronger and stronger and I was wondering what was going on as I was down to two reefs and the solent and still on my ears.  Anchored off at Rok Nok for a couple of hours before heading for Racha Yai about 20nm off Phuket.  This time round I had my wind instruments back again and actually I quite like not knowing better and just go by feel.  Got a bit nervous when you see the numbers climbing.

Anchoring off at Kata beach now, don't quite like the idea, spend some sleepless times wondering if the boat is dragging...

Many thanks to Simon and the King's Cup race comittee for waivering my entry fees.  Pop by www.kingscup.com or www.asianyachting.com for more updates on the regatta.

Here we go again!

28 November 2004 20:00 (GMT+8)
First of all I would like to thank all the sailors, organisers and everyone at the Raja Muda for all the support and encouragement.  John for making Feng and me most welcomed in the regatta, Steve (‘captain no heart’ as he would like to be called) for sailing with me on a way smaller yacht than what he has been accustomed to, Hans (Irvmiren) for letting me hang off his yacht at Pangkor,  also to all who have given me a hand along the way … Muchas gracias!

Feng eventually landed in the Racing class of the regatta.  Competitors range from the 53ft Mandrake to 38ft Sumatra, reason being I had an IRC of 1.055 (was 1.052 orginally!).  Hmmm … this was going to be interesting, first thing that crossed my mind was I wonder how long I’d see them for after the start before they disappear into the horizon!  But my main aim was to learn the boat so it didn’t matter where I go, but accumulating the most points in the regatta was also not the flashiest way to start the season.

True enough, all the long passage races, it didn’t take long before everyone disappeared and we were left to do our own thing.  Had a good run in with all the sails except the solent and my storm sails.  Sails were up, sails were down, trying out stuff and see how they work.  Coming into Pankor was a shocker as we missed the corridor of breeze before it died out and we just sat there about 2 miles to the finishing line and not getting anywhere near it.  Most frustrating, after corrected time, I was supposedly not have arrive yet.  Came in and gladly accepted the offer to hang off Irvmiren instead of having to anchor her.  Whilst heading to shore looking back at the boat against the Swan, I thought to myself, "What have I gotten myself into?  That’s a tiny boat!"

Had a bit of a swim in the middle of the night on the way ro Penang when we had a fishing net caught on the keel.  Just great I thought, secretly I hoped that Steve would say he’d go down and have a look.  Honestly, I was really scared to go in as I had my imagination running all over the place, what am I going to expect to see/ feel?  Had to lower all sails and it took me ages before I plunged in.  Ewww... groped around for a bit, shone a torch, nothing, must have fallen off when we stopped.

Catering on board improved through the days from pot noodles to even hot cups of coffee when I got the camping stove going.  We do have a choice of menu as well, can of tuna or chocolate.

Learnt my lesson about going round the cans with only two people, not the easiest.  Got a bit on with just only 4 hands to sort all out and yet be still competitive.  We had a bit of wind as well but it comes in gusts so when that happened, we were basically on our ears, giggling on the high side at the inability to control her.

Regatta round up, I scored the most points in the regatta, have showed consistency in my rankings and learnt heaps about the boat.

19 November 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
Feng's Maiden voyage... what a great trip.  I finally get to sail her properly.  Nothing about pushing her just plain sailing her from point A to point B.  Left RSYC together with Happy Endings.  Simon was the most patient person i have ever met, pottering alongside me the whole way just making sure all was good.

I was trying to sail as much as I can but when the wind died, lo and behold, the outboard was stubborn and lo and behold the next pull the cord broke... sigh, job for when the sun got up then. Wind came around the early hours of the morning and lasted till a massive what looked like a run as fast as you can cloub formation loomed above us.  Thought there was going to be a bit of wind but in the end, it only trickled. But was all prepared and ready for the hit.  Easy to get things up but not that easy getting it down.  

We arrived the mouth of Port Klang wee hours of the morning and we weren't going in in the dark, not with the amount of shipping going on around!!!  Pottered aroudn for a bit caught some shut eye for the trip finally then as expected, the tide was rushin gout and there was no wind so Simon was towing me and two of us were barely making 2 knts up the 12 mile journey to the Royal Selangor Yacht Club.  Got there and being cast of the tow and hoping and praying that someone dosen't miss the rope I throw to them was interesting, but all went well and she's tied safe.  Phew.

The Raja Muda would be Feng's maiden regatta.  Very exciting and all systems so far checked and we'd just have to see how she does and fair.  Up till now i'm not sure what class i'm in and what my IRC is, still waiting ... .  Many Thanks to the Royal Selangor Yacht Club for sponsoring my entry in the regatta.  Had bit on getting the boat organised and race ready.  Had the help of many people around :O)

For more updates on the Raja Muda International Regatta, www.rmir.com or www.asianyachting.com  The boat's race number is 29.

All pretty much set, Here we go! 

17 November 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
What a week it's been.  Putting the boat in water and getting her ready to go today.  Was up at Keico boatyard in Ponggol Marina where Feng was put together again.  Seeing her hanging up in the air at one point sent jitters through me again.  Gotta get used to her being in mid air, it's gonna happen a couple of times more.  Putting the keel in place was a lot less painful than i thought.  Javier, Leo you would probably have been waiting for my call to go "i can't get her in!".  Had the help of Daniel, Philip, the yard boys and Scott so it went in quite painlessly.  Phew.

Then was off for her first sail in Singapore waters back to her home club, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. Had a bit of a sail (all half an hour!) then it was outboard all the rest of the way.   Arrived the Club just when the sun went down.  Dr Khoo had his first meeting with Feng,  I think the feeling was mutual, he like her as well.

Lots to do and had wished it had more than 24hrs a day to sort things out.  Many friends and well wishers came by to see Feng.  Was great to finally be able to share with everyone what I've been up to for the past few months.  Many thanks to all who help me get the boat ready and get things going whilst I had my head in other stuff (Shu Fen, Mark, all the staff at the marina at RSYC you've been big help, Wayne, Mark , Jeremy for lending or getting me charts, Uncle Gilbert and Uncle who help me sort an outboard engine and generator service and all, the list goes on and is long I know and you know who you are). You do not know just how much that has lightened my load of the 101 things that I had to get going simultaneously.

Off now for her first trip to Klang.  We'll give you an update on how it goes!  

7 November 2004 12:00 (GMT+8)
It was like waiting outside the arrival gates of the airport, anxiously scanning the sea of faces for the familiar face of the friend or relative that’s arriving, except that this was in a slightly different setting.  I was standing outside PSA Brani Terminal waiting for ‘Feng’. Every truck sound made me jump and look to see if it was her.  At 2200hrs as promised, she appeared round the corner.  “Ola!”  Haven’t seen her for a couple of weeks and it was good see her again finally. Clara apologised to those around for my ‘odd’ behaviour.  One of them jokingly said maybe she might want to ride on her when we are on the way. ‘She just might’ Clara said knowing me.  As she was over height, police escort was needed to bring her to Ponggol.

We had spoken to the escorts to see which route they were going to take. Thought it would be hard to lose the boat which only could travel at a max speed of 60km/h, but having the right of way even when it was red lights and allowed to travel against the flow of traffic if needed, it was quite easy to lose it along the busy roads of Singapore. We lost her immediately after leaving the port being stuck behind a couple of red lights.  Fortunately, it was not long before we managed to find her again having known the route they were taking. Feng took a tour of Singapore the moment she arrived, heading through the busy streets of town causing a bit of a stir at traffic lights and passengers waiting at the bus stops.  Funny to see all the double takes and finger pointing. Clara and I were trailing her from the back and it was like a car chase ‘Follow that .. erm … boat!’  The police escorts (Mohd Said & Redzuan) did a really professional job guiding the truck along the way stopping traffic whenever necessary.

Feng is now sitting peacefully at a quiet corner of the open ground, recovering from her long travel.  Won’t be long before she gets to go back in the water again, I’m looking forward to it I’m sure she’d be as well. To all whom was stopped during the course of last nights travels, sorry… boat on wheels!

1 November 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
‘100,000 please’ that was how much Dong it was for a round of beers. That was approximately S$10.  We were at Nha Thrang, Vietnam the finish of the Hong Kong - Vietnam Race.  Held 8 years ago previously, it was brought back once again and the start line saw a total of 13 boats, including Skandia Wild Thing from Australia.

Was back once again on the pointy end of Ffreefire, little did I know I was in for quite a ride.  The conditions were perfect, a good 20 plus knots breeze from the back all the way to Vietnam.  Things got a bit hairy when we blew our ‘bulletproof’ kite and we had many in the ‘front office’ trying to salvage it at one point we had almost spiked it.  We managed to salvage it and at the end of the race I cheekily asked if there was not a lot that could be done with the kite and the remaining was big enough for a kite for me, if I could have it.  I hope the reply laugh meant I could.

Had my fair share of acrobats above decks yet again, the crew knows. Think I’d leave that unwritten as my mom might be reading this!  And I do have to apologise to the crew for my attire of shorts and Le Chameaus, hate cold feet and my summer ones were being shipped back with the boat.  All the helmsmen were having a go at trying to break the boat's record, looking at the conditions we had and it was better than what we had in the Manila to Boracay race, it was only down to time when it was gonna be broken.  An true enough, 27knts!  An with the jib top that we had almost shredded in the last race.  Amazing what sticky back can do.  I was awaiting for the cry of ‘Jib top’s gone!’

Got into Vietnam a night earlier than expected, oh boy my poor liver... Squeezed in a session of mud baths since it was raining and sightseeing was not the best idea.  Think mud fights must be going through the minds of some of you … it was too liquid to be thrown about …;O)

No one would say that the Hong Kong to Vietnam race was not a hit! For more race reports log on to www. rhkyc.org.hk/hkvietnamrace.htm

15 October 2004 12:00 (GMT +8)
Today Feng leaves on one of APL’s liners homebound.  She’s been strapped nicely onto a 40ft flat rack and sitting patiently in Barcelona port till her turn to be loaded onto the vessel.  It would be her first long journey … assisted (very much!).

As always I am worried about her being on the vessel with all the strange surroundings and all and hope she’d be fine.  Seeing her being lifted and moved about on a crane and the cradle has always made me feel uneasy but I was reassured by that all is good if not it would have been changed.   Newbie jitters!

Pity I would not be able to see her being loaded onto the vessel.  Guess it’s a bit too much to ask.  Being able to walk into the port to see her strapped was probably a first for the normal operations already.   Blew her a kiss and said ‘Be safe and see you in Singapore in a couple of weeks’, it was like leaving your other half behind.  Am being a little extreme I know.

Many thanks to all at APL Barcelona, for assisting me in all that I needed whilst I was there.  Hasta proximo anos!

8 October 2004 12:00 (GMT+8)
On the road again…

This is really not just about sailing.  In the last few days I have done everything with the boat except sail her.  Am now on my way to Barcelona sitting on the passenger seat of the truck that is bringing her there.  Think this is probably the first time the driver has a customer that rides with him.  Thank god I have conversational Spanish now.

Takes quite a bit to get her ready for transporting.  De-rigging her, taking all the instruments off from the mast head  (which is a mission on it’s own, boy am I looking forward to when I have to go upstairs when sailing!), taking off all the rudders and setting the keel up.  Totally new to me and I am learning really fast.  Sometimes, it makes you think why don’t I have crew?  Then reality hits, it’s a solo race, you have to try and be self sufficient.  Lucky I had the help of Javier and the guys from the yard to help me along for the first transport.  I am quite glad that I probably have to do this only about three times each for the whole campaign.

Back to my point that this is really not just about sailing.  There is everything from logistics, accounts, paperwork, repairs, etc.  This will go down well along the road for sure.  Best bit I have learnt so far, when all seems low and everything seems to be pear shaped, you have to smile as there is nothing much you can do but a smile makes you feel a whole lot better.

I keep looking at the side mirrors to see that she's okay.  Next stop, Barcelona port where where she gets loaded on one of APL's vessels.

5 October 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
First crossing … Mallorca to Tarragona

Not much wind but I was glad as I wouldn’t have liked to get used to the boat when it’s blowing a hoolie! Left Mallorca after saying goodbyes to all who have helped me whilst I was there. Sob was a sad moment. Was given a climbing rope and a karabina by Olivier whose factory we completed the boat in.  Thanks a lot, will try it when I get to the other end when I have to take all things down from upstairs.

As we left there was not a lot of breeze but as we got nearer to the mouth of the bay, it picked up and I decided on my first reef. Was glad I had a go at reefing it whilst I was pottering about.  Then it was time for the genoa to come down. Alrighty I said, first headsail change!  When I came back to the cockpit, we were still going at 6-7 knots with only the main and one reef. Contemplated on the heady for a bit as we were coming around the corner, usually corners there is an increase in the wind and was told that there was forecasted more for the night and the next day.  Better smaller than bigger I thought. So took the storm stay up and stuck it up. Didn’t realize that it was that small so I had a really good laugh.  Was told that these boats are usually overpowered so change down earlier than you usually would. But this was really way too early.  Took the ‘handkerchief’ down and changed to the solent so it was much better. As all forecast sometimes goes, the wind died down instead of increasing so down came the solent and up went the genoa again. Spent the night flopping about but at least still moving in between trying to get to some sleep.

Next day bright and early and always on time, the sun rose and we got a bit more wind.  Had a go at setting my Mer Ver (a radar detector that all minis use, better you see them than they see you cos sometimes they don’t!), caught quite a bit of sleep I must say. Thought I would be more worried to sleep.  As we approached Tarragona the wind died down again so I had a go at the Code 0, the angle was perfect. What an amazing sail!  With about 5-7 knots of wind, we were going at about 4-5 knots. Tarragona here we come!

Had Leo with me on this trip which was a good shake down for me. But was told, ‘I am a passenger I don’t know anything, pretend I am not here’. I tried to pretend that the 6ft man was not there…

2 October 2004 12:00 (GMT +8)
I am sailing…Sails arrived midday on Thursday, got all things and people off the boat and went out for a spin with two Leo and Ken.  Stuck the ‘engines’ up, they looked good except that the RSYC logo was way too small. Think I’ll have it changed when I get back as Dr Khoo had sponsored me the boat and sails, but was told that when in the third reef, the logo would still be visible.  But my reply was when I have my third reef, I would not be in the port where people can see!

She sails fine, a few changes to the main and attachment points of the spinnakers.  The sails were made to Hugo’s specs, he uses only knots and no shackles so everything for him is a little bit longer.  There are different schools of thoughts for that but I think I would have to sail her more before I can say and decide which one I prefer.  As the saying goes, ‘One man's poison is another’s medicine’.

Am happy with how she sails and am impressed by the boat's performance. Over the course of the next few months racing in Asia, I think I’ll get
to know her better.

23 September 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
She floats! Feng has her first taste of water today.  Trucking her from the factory in Santa Ponsa to Club Nautico was interesting.  Seeing the boat on land has always made me uneasy as they are usually not meant to be there.  But hey, you got to get her into the water somehow. Arriving the yard, made sure I double checked that the dummy for the speedometer was in, I’ve heard that done before.  Then all is good, the guys guided her and plonk … held my breadth for a few seconds … she floats!  Not that I had to worry but it’s just me.  Got onto the case of rigging the mast up so that we can step her at the same time.  Funny enough, one set of my spreaders was still with the sticker man.  Sigh… if things went smoothly it wouldn’t be right isn’t it.

Stepped the mast eventually and all shrouds in place, as I didn’t have an outboard engine, I had to wait for a tow by the club’s dinghy.  When I first saw my berth, it was tiny, think the chap at the office didn’t realize that mini’s were a lot beamier than the average boat. By the time I finished it was night fall, I looked around and said “Finally it’s just you and me… well at least for the moment.”

6 September 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
Looking at the Plexus oozing out from the edges reminds me of a jelly sandwich. Amazing how strong the stuff is holding the hull and deck together. The biaxial (kind of fiberglass material) on the inside is just extra and it also helps make it look more finished. Voila! It’s in one piece. Had been fitting on some of the deck hardware as well when it was still separate, boy was it easy as you can do it on your own! One hand on the screw driver, the other on the spanner on the underside. A luxury only for now, in future I would have to be asking for assistance from willing friends or strangers who would be game to be on the other end of the bolt

The hardest part for me was drilling the holes. The boat being new, it was ouch to start to bung holes in it and worse if I misaligned it. Fortunately, so far so good have not done anything horrendously wrong yet. But I think I’d leave the holes for the speedo and the depth sounder to the experts! Had some bonding time with Feng today whilst figuring out where to place all the electronics. She’s a lot bigger than I had thought as I was crawling around measuring lengths and all, she’s just the right size. Could do a u-turn in the passage under the cockpit leading to the stern hatch even!

Tomorrow I pop the rivets back into my black mast. :O)

23 August 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
All covered in white dust from sanding my boat.  Think by the end of today we can paint the final layer on and it´s ready for the deck.  Pop my head from inside the hull, i see the guys working on my deck laying the foam and wood pieces.  It´s probably going to come out by the end of the week.  The other boat's deck is being fitted on at the moment, I´m next in line.  My black tiller and rudder connection is out of the mould as well.  I hold it against the light grey hull... pheweet...nice.  Can´t wait now to see the deck on the hull.  It´s a slightly lighter shade of grey.

After much hassle and back and forth, I managed to get my MMSI number for the EPIRB.  Thanks to Mark, Shu Fen, Donald and Bob for all the input on how to get round it.  This is just the begining of my paperwork nightmare for the minis i am told... great. 

This week i´ll mainly be thinking about EPIRBs, liferafts, Solar panels, insurance... Can´t wait for her to be launched so I can sail her, get used to her for a couple of days before I lob across to Barcelona and then begin my 1000nm qualifiers!

28 July 2004 12:00 (GMT +8)
Out of the mould….

After days of anticipation about what she’d look like, would the gel coat have wrinkles at certain spots (easily solved problem but then it’s not perfect it’s been repaired), did I decided too light a shade of grey … but when the mould came away from the hull, all my worries vanished.  She was perfect.  Just the right shade of grey I had in mind. 

I walked along the boat with my hand on the hull and I could feel the static as it was still fresh out of the mould.  It was like a spark that marks a long journey between two.  She was going to be my protector whilst I was in the seas.  I said to her ‘I think we’d do alright together’.  I looked around to see if anybody was looking as it would have looked a little silly to others seeing me talk to the hull.  They might probably think ‘Ella Loco!’ (means she’s mad in Spanish). 

My Spanish is getting slightly better by the day, am able to converse in simple present tense, but sometimes some think you can speak Spanish and throws you this whole trail of sentences that leaves me grinning sheepishly that whatever they had just said flew right over my head. 

Next week would be interesting, have managed to get a ride on one of the boats for the Copa Del Rey.  Didn’t think at any moment that I can ever get the chance but the skipper called and asked if I wanted to join them.  Yes!  The owner is Spanish but I think there are a couple of crew that speaks some English as well so we’ll see what happens.  Think I’d learn some necessary sailing lingos pretty fast.

16 July 2004 09:00 (GMT +8)
Feng’s building diary  - Stage 2

What makes a boat …

Putting it together ...

There we go, I almost have half a boat now.  Next report, deck construction.  So far I have learnt lots on how the boat is put together so probably every creak it makes at sea I’ll know what’s up with her.  Next week, I’m making a trip to the sail loft to see how the sails are coming along as well. 

10 July 2004 18:00 (GMT +8)
Sailing in the Mediterranean … not like in the brochures!

When you pick up brochures of sailing holidays in the Med, it always shows bright sunshine, people enjoying a nice drink whilst sailing along in perfect sailing conditions.  It’s really is like that, but just not where I’ll be sailing most of the time. 

Around Mallorca is a great place to sail that’s for sure.  Lots of wind and sunshine, you can go sailing right till the late evening as the sun sets here at about nineish.  From where I come from, it’s a luxury! 

For the past few weeks I have been doing a couple of deliveries for X-yachts Spain. X-43s and X-46s from the Port Grimaund – Mallorca crossing the infamous Gulf du Lion.  Through these trips, I have learnt much about the bit of blue that I’ll be spending a lot of my sailing time in before the big race. 

We’ve had everything from not a lot to way too much, flat calm seas to 3 -5 m swells.  All good practice for me, except that I have got to remember that ‘Feng’ is half the size that we were on!  Along the way there was lots of wildlife, there has not been a trip that I have not seen whales or dolphins yet.  Saw a couple of sunfishes as well.

Meanwhile back at the factory, ‘Feng’ is slowly starting to take shape … .

5 July 2004 05:00 (GMT +8)
Feng’s building diary – Stage 1

It all started with a pot …

… here we go, gel coat goes on …





… stay tuned for more pictures on the boat construction. My lungs are probably lined with gel coat now being so close in my excitement to get the shots!

28 June 2004 14:00 (GMT +8)
THE BOAT

After being at the Mini Transat in 2003, talking to the experienced and seeing the boats, I have decided to race with a production boat for various reasons, both from a sponsor’s and personal point of view. 

As there are very strict qualifications and a limited number of places each race, split into two different classes – prototypes and production class.  Having a production boat would give me a much higher chance of a confirmed place in 2005.  Reason being there is always an over subscription of boat builders and designers who want their boat in.  Last year out of the 35 quota for production boats there was two spots left whereares for the prototypes there was a waiting list of 10.   

The cost of a production boat is also over 1/2 that of a prototype boats as they are allowed to have more modern materials/ technology (ie. Carbon masts, canting keels, etc) as long as they are within the specifications allowed.  This bumps up the cost of the boat tremendously.

Prototype boats are more often a one-off design that requires a lot of trial and error before the final product is feasible and even then, it’s still unproven till you sail her to the max.  Not that they are not good, the prototypes always take the top 10 spots overall and only the top few production ones make it to top 10.  The good thing is that apart from overall positions, each class has their own rankings as well.  So one can still hope to do well in the production class.

Bearing in mind all the above points and also the fact that the production boats are also more forgivable, a perfect match for me with minimal experience in solo sailing.  Without much advance technology or mechanics (eg. fixed keel and strict design rules) to worry about, I can concentrate on sailing the boat in the various conditions.

So after much deliberation, I have decided on a ZERO.

Designed by Marc Lombard, one of the top prototype designers, built by Corsa Marine in Palma, the Zeros are talked about to become as big as the Pogo. The Zero Class is a Mini characterised mainly by its lightness balance of forms, studied water line and easy maneuver. In 2005, the Zeros would make their debut.

TECHNICAL DATA

NAME   ZERO
DESIGNER  Marc Lombard
SHIPYARD  Corsa Marine
TYPE  Series Mini 6.5
LENGTH  6,50 m
BEAM   3,00 m
DRAFT  1,60 m
MAST  11,00 m
DISP.  1,150 kg (load)
BALLAST 450 kg
SPI. MAX.  85 m 2

13 June 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
The boat would be called ‘Feng’ which in Mandarin means wind. This name hit upon me whist I was doing a delivery from the Maldives where there was no wind for a good bit of the journey. Up till this day, I am still amazed when we go screaming along top boat speed just powered mainly on wind alone, not forgetting the aid of currents (if they go the same way!) and the occasional surf off waves. Mom and Dad have gotten a friend of theirs to get the character written in Chinese calligraphy.

She would spot a light grey hull and a lighter grey deck and non-skid, black mast and stanchions, smoked sails. I have yet to decide the colour of the two spinnakers. It will be dependent on the next sponsor I hope to secure. Red is advised to be my color.

Being Chinese, I am very particular on the meanings of numbers, 540 was chosen for two reasons. Firstly, it means ‘cannot die’ when translated and also it would be nice if all the Zeros end in a 0.

We’ll see how this combination helps me along with this race, maybe it’s just all superstitious beliefs but hey it can’t hurt can it? Today is the start of the Mini Fastnet. It’s a 700 miler from Douarnenez to Fastnet rock and back. I wish them fair winds …

More on the progress of the boat building in the next update…

26 May 2004 12:00 (GMT +8)
“One has to be really disciplined in the maneuvers…” .  It was a really good few days of sailing around Mallorca Bay with Hugo and Alex on ‘Emotions’ the Zero that Hugo is racing on.   Alex Pella had participated in the last mini with a prototype design that was designed by the same designer as the Zero.  He came by for a few days to sail with us and give us a few helpful tips on how he had done his race.  

I had millions of questions and my mind was running like a train.  Everything from whats, hows, whys, which was followed by a examples of his experiences or some other sailors experiences or actual hands-on practice.  It was great, think the brain is going through an information overload phrase at the moment still.  

There is just so much to learn and research about what one is comfortable with.  

What works for one might not be suitable for another.  Everything from sails, hardwear, electronics, energy source (batt/solar panels) has to be decided.  

Have to decide what and which to use based on previous experience and costs (major factor as I’ve got a really small budget till I manage to secure more sponsorship), it’s a huge list to go through. Alex said you would find that from now till when you arrive at Salvador, you would be thinking of nothing but the mini.  I think he might be right.  

19 May 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
After much deliberation, the Zero (www.clasezero.com) is the chosen craft that I would be campaigning the Mini Transat in.  Designed by Marc Lombard, the Zero is built in Palma by Corsa Marine (www.corsa-marine.com).  Marc Lombard is the designer of one of the top mini prototypes.  A prototype designed by him took 2nd place in last year's race.

In the next 6-8 weeks, I would be based here in Palma in the boat yard working on the boat and training on a sister ship whenever possible.  Updates would be posted on the site every week. Meanwhile, it’s finally sunny in Palma…

10 May 2004 12:00 (GMT +8)
Off to get the boat... Am now on the plane to Paris, mixed feelings … excited of what’s ahead yet also feeling like a little girl all over again, wondering what it’ll be like when I get over there.  It’s not that I’ve not been out like that before, but this is big and it’s has just begun.  It’s a long road ahead.

A very big thank you to you whom had gotten me a certain electronic device that allows me to have endless tune played whilst I’m out there.  You have saved me from having to sing to myself or the poor chap whom might be sailing with (of which would probably thank you for that!).

Had my last local meal of Char Kuay Teow for dinner, think I might be re-creating some of the local dishes if I get some guinea pigs who are willing to subject their stomachs to my culinary skills.  Just to keep the record straight, I have not yet poisoned anyone yet.  

My walking shoes are on and I’ll take it step by step and keep walking on…

7 May 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
The first sponsor …

Step by step, this dream is starting to crystallise.  The Commodore of the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club has graciously sponsored the boat. The boat would be based back at RSYC at the end of the Mini Transat.  

It was nearing the end of my cut off date that I had to make a decision on whether to continue to pursue this race as I was running out of time to get a boat and get myself qualified.   This is really déjà vu for me as I was in exactly the same position as I was in when I was canvassing for the BT Global Challenge in 2000.  NOL came in as a sponsor just two weeks before the race started.  For this race I cannot afford to do that as there is lots of pre race preparation to be done before you get to the start line.  

On Monday I would be flying to Europe to get the boat and begin the training and racing for the 2004 mini season.  From now right till September, there’ll be mini races that go along the Atlantic side of the French coast and some in the Mediterranean as well.  I would be racing as many races as I can in this time as well as complete my 1000nm qualification route that is required of all sailors.  This can either be in the Atlantic coast of France or the Mediterranean Coast.     

This is so exciting!  I cannot wait to get there to start sailing and racing with the other minis.  The opportunity is finally here and I’m going give it all I’ve got to do my very best.

Do check back once a week, as I would be keeping you all posted on the progress.  I am still looking for sponsors who are interested or see some commercial value in this event.  If you do hear of interested parties or companies, please direct them to this site.

Time to practice my French … whatever I have learnt thus far that is … avoir!   

14 April 2004 22:00 (GMT +8)
Simply the best…

54hrs 26mins 8secs after the start of the China Sea Race, we sailed across the finishing line in Subic Bay just as the sun was setting.  Timing couldn’t be better.  The beers came out, a sundowner, happy hour, to mark our arrival whatever, but it was it was the beginning of a long trail of bottled beers and DRCs that ended up even longer when our victory was confirmed the following morning!

The race was not without unexpected ‘surprises’ but I wasn’t expecting it that early in the race.  Our jib top got stuck in the tough luff when we swapped to the kite no more than and hour into the race.  We had to remove the metal feeder before it would come down and it was not the easiest task with the bow bouncing around with each wave.  

The forecasted weather held up and we had a good breeze that built as the night fell.  At one point we had the headsail and with one reef in the main and screaming along at 22.7knts with winds of 25 gusting 30 knots!  We had a 268 miler day 1.  It all got slightly warmer by then as well as the sunshine came out for a bit but it was all still a bit gloomy with the front.  I was all wrapped up in my weather gear on night one like Kenny in South Park and we’re in Asia!  Night two was a little more exciting when the wind started to back to a nice angle where we would hoist a kite.  We stuck the bullet proof red kite up and powered along.  The jib top was ripped already across the middle by then but we left it up until it popped or needed a kite whichever came first.  That was the last time we saw that sail up, it was R.I.Pped.  Our next gear failure was not far behind.  The guy snapped and sent all of us into action mode to take it down.   Thank god it was the guy and not the tackline or it would have been a bit more tricky.

Lots more kite work in the last 12hrs where the winds became light when we came near the coast.  Classic Philippines weather, we kept our fingers crossed that we would not find a carpark and we didn’t, we never had to sit and bob, we managed to keep moving always.  We had good local knowledge on board ;O).  

Uncle Sam’s Ffreefire, a top bunch of crew, Jun’s yummy beef stew and chicken adoboe all made this race ranked as one of the top 5 regattas I’ve done (that’s besides the fact that we won it as well!).  Sitting on the plane coming home, the race was very much still on my mind and also the planning of post regatta ‘repairs’ to the body…

Ffreefire is simply the best!

7 April 2004 18:00 (GMT +8)
It's getting all exciting... the China Sea Race starts tomorrow and all the boats are pretty set to go.  It's been speculation all week on what the weather would be.  It's predicted for a F5 start tomorrow afternoon.  Would be good fun, maybe a bit wet in my 'office'...!

It's nice to be back sailing in Hong Kong again. Was out with the crew over the weekend practising.  And of course a nice sail over to Po Toi for one of the best seafood lunches I have had for a while.  Very pretty island as well, must go back there to walk the hills a little.  

It's looking like a good fleet of boats that's come here this year.  The usual suspects Hi Fidelity, Jelik, Karakoa, Stella, etc.  Total fleet of 27 boats, 15 in the racing class.  Who would win this year's China Sea Race?  Who would be the title holder of the Omega Asian sailing circuit? It's anybody's guess really.  Ah... the beauty of sailing, nothing is predictable.  

Been waiting so long for a chance to do this race and finally the chance is here.  All I need is unleaded Coke, milo, coffee, chocolate and choco chip cookies and i'll be like a coiled spring ready to go!  Fingers crossed that we don't have to bob around at all throughout this trip.  Well at least I'm on FFreefire a 70ft, it can't take that long .... famous last words.  

More information on the race can be found at www.chinasearace.com

26 March 2004 12:00 (GMT +8)
RSYC as Home Club
I am pleased to announce the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club as my home club.  RSYC is the oldest club in Singapore and one of the 10 oldest yacht clubs in the world.  Since it’s beginnings in 1826, it has been actively promoting sailing in Singapore.  Other than the RSYC Regatta held in July, coming up would be the President’s Cup held in December after the King’s Cup.  It is a non-stop passage race from Phuket to Singapore.  It would be perfect to bring the fleet of yachts back down the coast for the Singapore Straits Regatta.    

Thank you for supporting me in this campaign. For more information about the club, please visit their website at www.rsyc.org.sg

Next stop - Hong Kong for the China Sea Race (www.chinasearace.com).  It’s a 560nm race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philipines.  A bit like Asia’s version of the Sydney to Hobart.  Race start on the 8th April and ends whenever … fingers crossed that there’ll be favorable winds.    

The BMW Langkawi International Regatta had light winds except for the last day.  I wonder sometimes if up there they are trying to be funny, but just before and immediately after there was plenty of it.  It puzzles many of us.  We had a 36’ racing catamaran called ‘Chimera’.  Unfortunately we were not competitive enough in light winds as we were heavy as compared to the rest of the fleet.  But on the last day it was a different story.  We were all set to have a day of fun and waiting to bob around yet again (even brought champagne!) and then the wind blew nicely.  We raced around the track came in 3rd across the line and 1st on handicap.  The champagne was very appropriate then I can tell you.

Sometimes moms have this uncanny ability of intuition or it was just the fact that it was raining cats and dogs down here in Singapore causing floods and all.  Had looked at the weather and it was forecasting 10-15 knts from the NE, perfect for coming back to Singapore.  She said to take care and keep warm, later I knew why.  For the next three days there was never a dry moment … wind, waves and rain.  Forecast was slightly off, we had double the strength and when it was 10-15, it was from the wrong direction … on a 28’ not nice.

Glad to be back on land after the last delivery from Langkawi and guess what am off again on another back up to Langkawi.  Really must get my head round to learning how to take the big white things that fly above our heads they call aeroplanes …

22 February 2004 20:00 (GMT +8)
Not only did we make it within 24hrs, we hit top speed of 24.2knts as well with the heavy spinnakker up in the remaing few miles coming into Boracay.  It's been a while since I last remembered going at such speed.  I did wonder that when I was getting a bit wet in front whilst tidying up the headsail then one of them went "Hang On! 24!".

The race started at 6pm the previous night, it was a downwind start so all 13 yachts had their spinnakkers set ready to go.  The moment the start whistle went, 'hoist' and all spinnakkers up and making a dash for the mouth of Manila Bay.  It only took an hour or so before we lost daylight, only the nav lights of our competitiors could tell us where they were and how we were doing.  Throughout the night as the wind changed in strenght and direction, sail changes were called in the midst of snoozes on the rail.  Considering that the crew only came together for this regatta and the first time on the boat other than an afternoons sail the day before, we did really well not to have any major disasters with whatever visability we had.  The came daylight where we could see one of our competitiors that we had held throughout the night.  Couple of decisions on rounding islands and keeping the wind and finally we screamed into the finishing line early evening.   

Boracay Island indeed lives up to it's reputation, a paradise island.  One side of the island is dotted with cafes & bars where you can chill out and watch the sunset and people playing volley or buncas passing buy.  The other side is mainly where the kite surfers hang out.  We had a go at sailing the buncas when one of the guys managed to charter six of them for two hours so we can go racing.  Funny that, after we just got in from a 24hr race, what do we do the next day?  Jump onto another craft and go racing!  It was good fun though.  

After having two days at paradise island, we had a lovely sail up north again to return back to Manila.  Stopped over at Puerto Galera (www.pgyc.org) for one night to break the return journey up a bit.  Pretty little place with character, definitely worth the visit if passing by the area.             

Back in sunny Singapore now, the next job is going to be a bit painful after just stepping of the 70ft.  It's a 28ft heading up to Langkawi for the Royal Langkawi International Regatta (www.langkawiregatta.com).  Oh well, it can't be luxurious all the time can it?  Would be good training as well ...

7 February 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
Manila.  My first time to this part of the world, arrived in the wee hours of the morning and there was this whole fraffling about being quarantined coz we had just come from Hong Kong (the bird flu business).  We weren't going any where anyway, there was a crate of San Miguel that just got offloaded on the pontoon right by our boat.  It was rather painless after that and it was 10am by the time we were all legal.   

The trip over from Hong Kog was good.  It  has been a while since i last sailed a 70ft.  Ffreefire was only 11 tons as compared to the BT yachts of 38 tons! Am so looking forward to see her perform to her max capability of 20something knots!   

Captain Roy had planned for us to leave slightly earlier in order to avoid a system that was coming.  We saw glimpses of only 25knts but the other yacht that left a day behing us had seen up to 35knts.  Who says deliveries have to be uncomfortable!

The first two days was a little bumpy and cold but the last day we spent it motoring along the coast of the Philippines.  We caught two tunas and lost one along the way.  I was introduce to Kilawain (a Philippino raw fish delicacy) by Jun, made with raw fish, vinegar ginger and chillies.  Yummy!

The race starts in three days.  It's 203 nautical miles and we're aiming for it to be a 24hr race...

28 January 2004 23:00 (GMT +8)
Yet another month has flew by me.  A delivery from Langkawi to Singapore, the Straits Regatta (www.straitsregatta.com) and the Phang Nga Bay Regatta (www.bayregatta.com) just about filled the month.  As always, delivery conditions wind would always be on the nose (or none) and the current against (almost 2.5knts at some points!). Fortunately, the winds were great for both the regattas.  

All 8 races scheduled for the Straits were held with 15-20knts breezes all the way, no chance to bob about this regatta (not to mention even think about it!).  This time round the format was slightly different taking the boats directly from Changi Sailing Club straight across to Nongsa Point Marina in Batam, couple of days round the cans in front of the resort and then a sprint back to Changi again.  Didn't think the tankers plying along the coast were too impressed when the fleet charged across dodging them along the way.  Some cut it rather too close for comfort.  It would probably have been one of the more spectacular regattas for photographers as well with a couple of interesting spinakker mishaps.  We had a ball of a time on board Scallywag just that we were a little short of bodies for the sort of winds we had.  

Almost immediately I was back up north, missing the traditional Chinese New Year, in Phang Nga Bay with Joan Marie.  Mom says that I had better just jot down on the calander when I'm around as if it did for when I'm away, it would clutter up the calander!  The Phang Nga Bay Regatta had only 20-30 mile passage races taking the fleet through the idylic isles of the Phang Nga Bay.  Once again, the winds blew and the fleet were not once stopped on the course.  The first two legs were up wind beats so people like us in "adventure land" (foredeck, fantasyland the blunt end) had just about sail changes to do.  Even when the course looped around a figure of 8, due to the wind effect around the islands, no spinnys at all.  Then just as we were about to get comfortable with the sailings, the next two days proved to have a bit on!  Mostly downwind so we had broaches, spinny blowouts, broken halyards, chinese gybe ... . Just picture a gate about 100m wide with three 35-40ft sailboats close to broaching all charging for it and along comes a multihull screaming right through.  I really wish someone on the gate boat had flimed this.  

Yet another two successful regattas completed in asian waters.  Up coming there would be the Standard Insurance Manila to Boracay Race from the 11th to the 15th of Feb (www.standardinsuracecom.com/sailing) followed by the Royal Langkawi International Regatta on the 1st to the 6th of March (www.langkawiregatta.com).  Hope the weather has not blown itself out.     

13 January 2004 15:00 (GMT +8)
The sponsorship hunt is still on.  It has been announced the line up of the seasons races and where they would be.  The first of the races for the season starts on 1st May in Pornichet.  Ideally I hope to get enough sponsorship to get the boat before that and sail her double handed with the owner for the first double handed race (Mini Barcelona) so that I can learnt the 'little habits' of the boat.  Every boat has their own characteristics.  

Due to the popularity of the mini class in the US, I guess more so after Johnathan Mackee almost got a podium finish if he had not been dismasted in the 2003 race, there is now a Mini Class US set up (www.miniclassus.com).  

The following of the mini class has been steadily growing since it first started in 1977.  The mini races are now watched and participated by a more widespread audience outside of Europe.

30 December 2003 22:00 (GMT +8)
It’s been a quick two months for me.  It seemed like only a couple of days ago when I was getting ready for the start of the regatta circuit in Asia. 

1st in the circuit to air cobwebs and get everyone in gear is the Asean regatta.  Held late October in Port Dickson, competitors were faced with challenging light wind conditions.  Hey they say anyone can sail when there’s wind but the best sailors can sail when there is little wind … .  But this was really extreme, we managed only 3 out of the 6 races scheduled.  There was nothing anyone could do when it comes to the weather, it blew at the wrong time – dinnertime.  Some contemplated night races.  Now that’s a thought, would be fun, would be the first around here.

We thought that it was a glimpse to what the season was going to be like … windless.  Fortunately, the weather gods were kind and gave us good winds for the Raja Muda.  This led the fleet up the west coast of Malaysia from Port Klang to Langkawi.  I was sailing with Dewi Bayu (Goddess of the Wind in Malay) who was sponsored by EADS.  Local knowledge was important in this race, but as in all long passage races go, there is always the element of luck whether you took the right gamble to go inshore or outshore.  And if you did how far?  We did our sponsors proud by coming in 3rd overall in our class.  We girls had a ball as well in the process of reeling the competitors in!  After a week long of 10 - 20 hour passage races (dependent on the type of boat your in) and a couple of sausages, everyone was glad for the weeks break before the King’s Cup in Phuket, Thailand.  It give us some time to recuperate and rest (the liver needs a break as well for some!).

The yachts all met again at Kata beach with expectations of having to bob around waiting for the wind as what it was like for the last two years.  Expect the unexpected as some would live by, it blew 15-20knts for every single race scheduled this time.  The spell is broken!  It was one of the better ones that I had sailed so far around here. 

Most boats are heading south now to Singapore for the Singapore Straits in January.  All shattered after these back to back sailings, either racing or repositioning.  Thank god for the holiday season where I can catch a quick couple of days break before it all begins again.  

Happy holidays to one and all!

14 October 2003 15:00 (GMT +8)
After playing in our own playgrounds for the last couple of months, it’s time for us to come out to play in the regional field and compete with sailors from all over the region.  The season starts from October with the Asean Regatta in the southwesterly winds and, as it swings round, ending in May with the Koh Samui Regatta in the northeasterly winds.

The line up of regattas has something for everyone.  Some regattas and some yachts are there for the fun and parties and a good gathering of friends who come from all over.  There would be also be serious racing for yachts who are there for only one reason – to race and to win.  Not saying that they are not there for the fun, they have their days of fun I can assure you.

This year the Asian Yachting Circuit (AYC) is sponsored by Omega.  The AYC consist of 4 of the major regattas in the season.  The Raja Muda Regatta brings yachts up along the west coast of Malaysia, ending on the beautiful duty free island of Langkawi.  After a weeks break or cruising in between the picturesque islands in between Langkawi and Phuket, the yachts gather again in Phuket for the well knowned King’s Cup which was first conceived to honour His Majesty the King of Thailand's birthday.  The yachts then head down to Singapore for the Straits Regatta just when the northeast has set in.  The last but most challenging is the China Coast Race , one of Asia's classic offshore races, a bi-annual 600 nm race from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines.  

The fun is about to begin …

16 September 2003 23:00 (GMT +8)
Mini Transat on its way to the Canaries …

Finally back in sunny land Singapore.  As some of you may have heard that the start of the Mini was delayed for two days due to bad weather.  Mixed views were expressed; majority felt that it was for the better.  On Sunday when the race was called off, the atmosphere at Bassin des Chalutiers, was more relaxed and sailors were appreciating the extra time either spending it with family and friends that have come to see them or getting the didn’t-have-time-to-do list of jobs ticked off.

Getting there to see the preparations and the start was a huge step forward for me.  I could sense and in a way experience how the participants felt, as the start day drew nearer, when I was going about my ways of popping in and about to lend a spare hand.  Some were all set like a coiled spring ready to go and others were having the funny feeling checking and double checking (the uneasiness one gets when you feel as though you had forgotten to do an important assignment tasked to you for the holidays).  What made the trip was being able to see the race start and the minis one by one sailing off to the sunset along Fort Boyard.  I wasn’t in the race but I felt happy and all excited for them that they had been able to get this far to the start line.  The time has come for them to accomplish what they have set out to achieve two or four years ago.  Two years from now I want to be one of them sailing into the sunset with my family, friends and sponsors cheering me on.        

Thanks to you all the sailors who let me be around during your most crucial preparation period for the race.  I had learnt a lot and really appreciate it.  Sail safe and enjoy the journey! The fleet is on it’s way to Lanzarote at the moment and they depart for Bahia, Brazil on the 27 September.  You can follow the race on www.transat650.org

4 September 2003 17:00 (GMT +8)
Bonjour!

Am in the midst of the last week of preparation for the Mini Transat 2003.  Finally i get to see 'the real thing', what I have been told, read and imagned about.  It's been a real eye opener for me to all the actualities of the Minis - the boat, the race and what makes the participants tick. 

The last few days i have spent mingling with the sailors, looking at their boats and giving a hand where and whenever i can.  I must say there were many puzzled and amused at this little chinese girl running along the pontoons offering help for free.  Some were immediately up for the spare hand as they were on their own and could do with a spare hand on bits around the boat.  May questions were thrown at the poor sailors by me coz i was just keen to know as much as i can to get my full picture of what it was all about and what i had to do to get there and race in two years time.  Think that's probably the last thing they need right now before the race to have to explain everything that they have been eating, sleeping, breathing and thinking about for the last year.  But they are a great bunch of ppl i must say all area very friendly.  Initially some thought i was just one of those passerby tourist but when they found out my 'agenda', they were very forthcoming with their suggestions and ideas. 

I have pretty much narrowed my search for the type of boat best suited from a sponsors point of view and for me.  Have been making little mental notes on problems, solutions and the little tips that i see and learn from the different boats i see.  A bit far fetched?  I believe that if you have a very clear picture painted in your head, you can be able to make reality of it much better.

Before i came here, i had a totally different impression about it all.  I am glad i am here.  Au voir for now, i am going to make myself useful for now again.

Read more news from year 2006 and 2005.