Weatherly Sailing Adventures

Weatherly sailing in Thailand

Tsunami

Impacts to Weatherly's Voyage

2004 tsunami

On 26th December 2004, a major underwater earthquake to the north of Sumatera caused widespread damage and loss of life around the north Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea coastlines.

Weatherly and myself were safe in Kuah, Langkawi (Malaysia) when the tsunami swept through.

My heart goes out to the people killed or injured in the event, and their families.

I had technical problems with the engine at the time which I thought was unlucky, but now I feel lucky to have been delayed, and survived with yacht undamaged.

My voyage to Europe has been delayed, but I'm now planning to continue, from January 2006.

Extensive maintenance on the engine, hull, deck and mast were performed in Phuket over several trips, and Weatherly is now in good shape to recommence cruising again.

After considering my situation, diminished funds and the impact of the Tsunami on places I wanted to visit, I nearly abandoned my original plans.

I bought charts and was about to sail back to Sydney, Australia via Singapore, Philippines, and some of the south Pacific.

Then a short contract opportunity came up in Sydney which made it financially possible for me to keep Weatherly a little longer and continue my plans along the original route.

Infrastructure and livelihoods are starting to be rebuilt in places like Galle and the Maldives. I believe that visiting as sailing tourist may help these communities in a small way.