Dunes of Socotra #sailing #outremercatamaran #wanderlust #toursocotra
Feb 23
The dragon’s blood tree is an extraordinary species of tree, known primarily for its distinctive umbrella-shaped crown and dark red resin, which is referred to as „dragon’s blood“. These trees are endemic to the island of Socotra in Yemen, meaning that they only occur in the wild in this one location. They grow mainly on dry mountain plateaus and at altitudes ranging from several hundred to over 1,400 metres, where they receive additional moisture from fog and dew.
Dragon’s blood trees grow extremely slowly. Many specimens reach an age of up to 600 years, and it can take decades for them to reach a significant height. This slow growth rate makes them particularly vulnerable to threats such as climate change, overgrazing by goats and water shortages.
The resin extracted from these trees is deep red and oozes from the bark when the tree is damaged. This resin, historically known as dragon’s blood, has been used in many ways since ancient times, including as a colouring agent, medicine and incense.
Breeding dragon’s blood trees is challenging because the plants grow very slowly. Special nurseries have been set up because goats would otherwise simply nibble the young trees.
Its natural distribution is limited to the island of Socotra, particularly the mountainous regions and plateaus. #socotra #toursocotra #dragonbloodtree #wanderlust #sailing
Feb 23
We have just returned from a two-day camping trip on the island of Socotra – and it was nothing short of spectacular. We organised everything through Tour Socotra (https://toursocotra.com/). The provider organises both multi-day tours with camping and day trips – both of which are highly recommended. The organisation was reliable, the guides incredibly knowledgeable, and you can tell that they really love their island.
An absolute highlight was the famous forest of dragon’s blood trees on the Dixam plateau. With their umbrella-shaped crowns, these iconic trees look like giant mushrooms. The dragon’s blood tree is an endemic species – it is found only on Socotra worldwide. It owes its name to the deep red resin, known as „dragon’s blood“.
In the evening sun, the atmosphere is almost surreal and mystical. It feels like walking through a prehistoric landscape.
Socotra is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity – around a third of its plant species are found only here. This includes the bottle tree, or desert rose. This endemic variant of the desert rose has a massively thickened trunk that stores water. Its bizarre, bulbous shapes have a sculptural effect. When in bloom, they bear delicate pink flowers – an impressive contrast to the barren, rocky landscape.
The cucumber tree is another special feature – actually a tree-shaped pumpkin plant! The thick, succulent trunk stores water, while the small leaves appear relatively inconspicuous.
We spent the night in a tent at an altitude of about 800 metres on the high plateau. During the day it was pleasantly warm, but as soon as the sun went down, the temperatures dropped significantly. It became very cold – with strong winds and clear, dry air. Warm clothing is absolutely essential here!
Socotra is a place like no other on Earth. Unique landscapes, special flora and warm hospitality make the island a special place. We will never forget Socotra.#sailing #redsea #socotra_island #dragonbloodtree #wanderlust
Feb 23
Two days ago, we woke up to a nasty surprise: the straps connecting the tack of the mainsail to the gooseneck had ripped apart.
There hadn’t been much wind overnight, but there was swell — enough to make the main slam. After 7 years, countless days under tropical sun, and more than 30,000 nautical miles, the straps had finally had enough.
We put in a reef immediately and started to think about: how do you fix the tack of a mainsail in the middle of nowhere?
This part of the sail is built from multiple layers of Hydranet, designed to take enormous loads. Hand-sewing wasn’t an option without proper sailmaking gear.
We drilled holes in the rub rails and the mainsail reinforcement patch, cut the rails to the required length, and fastened the lifeline straps to the sail to create a new, solid tack connection.
A few hours later, the mainsail had a new tack.
We shook out the reef and are very happy with the result.
It’s heavier than before.
And it’s very solid. #sailing #outremercatamaran #bluewatersailing #yachting #worldtraveler
Feb 17
We are ready to clear customs in the Maldives.
We have refuelled with diesel, carried out another rig inspection, taken fresh food on board, done a bit of snorkelling and will soon be continuing on our way to Socotra.
Feb 12
Atmospheric impressions from the Maldives ❤️
Feb 11
We reached Uligan after 9 days and 14 hours. Our JAMS has been cleared through customs.
Uligan is an inhabited island in the far north of the Maldives with a population of around 500. Far away from mass tourism, it represents authentic Maldivian island life with traditional houses and a relaxed everyday atmosphere. White sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and a species-rich underwater world characterise the landscape.
Thanks to its northern location, Uligan is an important port of entry for sailing ships and often the first or last stop when entering or leaving the Maldives. There are no large resorts here yet – perfect for those who want to experience authentic island life.
We have some boat work to do before we continue our journey towards Socotra. #sailing #outremer_catamarans #wanderlust
Feb 10
We have now left Thailand behind us. We have had a few very successful and intense days. Our crew, Greta and Niels from BlackMoon, arrived and together we took care of the provisioning. Countless food supplies were stowed on board, every storage compartment was used – the boat is now filled to the brim and prepared to be self-sufficient for about two months.
We then undertook several test sails, adjusting and tightening the rig once more until everything was perfect. We spent our evenings with friends, enjoying the incredibly delicious Thai food one last time and relaxing at the end of each day.
To clear customs went completely smoothly. A final evening together followed, during which we completed our passage planning to the Maldives. We also experienced one last, beautifully glowing sunset. Next stop is Uligan in the Maldives....
#sailing #sailinglife #outremercatamaran #worldtraveler #yachting
Jan 30
We had a wonderful time in Thailand. We got to meet lots of friends, experienced unforgettable moments with our children and drifted through the fascinating island world around Phuket. We discovered beautiful beaches, swam in turquoise waters and enjoyed lots of good food.
Now, however, a new stage of our journey is beginning. The boat is being provisioned and carefully prepared so that we can cover the long distance to the Mediterranean safely and relaxed. In a few days, we will also be getting reinforcements: Greetje and Niels from the SV Blackmoon @sailingblackmoon @greetjetops will be coming on board and accompanying us on this long leg of the journey to the Mediterranean. We are very much looking forward to spending time together and to the many nautical miles that lie ahead of us. #sailing #outremer_catamarans #aroundtheworldtrip #suezcanal @jasonball_ @anitaball66 @petra.nickisch @aquamarine_sandra @uhuruoflondon
Jan 21
Ko Panyi is a small island inhabited by a Muslim fishing tribe originally from Malaysia and Indonesia. The village’s famous „floating“ character is due to geographical conditions: the island does not offer enough space for traditional houses, which is why the village was built on stilts above the water. This unique construction makes Ko Panyi a fascinating destination in Phang Nga Bay. #kopanyi #floatingvillage illage #Thailand #sailing #outremer_catamarans #wanderlust #culture
Jan 10
With our JAMS and Mona on board, we head for Koh Hong – in strong winds. And people say there’s no wind in Thailand...
We stay overnight at the mooring in Than Bok Khorani National Park.
The island consists of solid karst limestone, which was formed around 250–300 million years ago as the sea bed. Over millions of years, tectonic uplift, weathering and the dissolution of the limestone by rain and sea water formed steep cliffs and caves.
The famous Hong Lagoon is a partially collapsed cave system.
Touristy during the day, quiet at night. #sailing #outremercatamaran #worldtraveler #wanderlust #outremer_catamarans #jamesbondisland #honglagoon
Jan 10
Patong before New Year’s Eve is loud, crowded and lively. There are people, music and lights everywhere.
Dinner at Banzaan Market. Followed by
Muay Thai fight at Bangla Boxing Stadium.
Muay Thai is a martial art from Thailand. You fight with your fists, elbows, knees and shins.
We had imagined it to be much more brutal. The referees pay close attention to fairness and the fighters are equally experienced and strong. #sailing #wanderlust #muaythaifighter
Dec 31
Fishermen check their fish cages in the morning light. Long-tail boats are traditional boats in Thailand with a narrow hull and a long propeller shaft at the stern. They are manoeuvrable, cope well in shallow water and have been used by fishermen since time immemorial. Long-tail boats are very noisy because they usually use open engines (often from cars or trucks) without sound insulation. #sailing #sailinglife #outremercatamaran #wanderlust #thailand #longtailboat
Dec 30
Our boat is anchored in Buffalo Bay on Ko Phayam. The bay is wide and calm, with a long sandy beach stretching along the shore, backed by palm trees. The water is warm and clear, perfect for cooling off directly from the boat.
Ko Phayam is one of Thailand’s most unspoilt islands. There are hardly any paved roads; instead, you ride your scooter along red sandy paths. You won’t find any large resorts here – instead, there are simple bungalows, small cafés, open beach bars and lots of nature. Everything here is a little slower and more relaxed.
In addition to Buffalo Bay, Ao Yai and Ao Khao Kwai are also great places to visit: wide beaches, little hustle and bustle, simple restaurants. The island is green and lively, with monkeys in the trees and monitor lizards by the side of the road.
Ko Phayam is largely untouched by mass tourism and retains a very relaxed island culture. For us, it is a beautiful place to anchor, swim and stay – quiet, warm and just right.
#phayamisland #thailand #sailing #outremer_catamarans #wanderlust #christmas
Dec 24
Christmas course towards Phayam, near Myanmar. Great sailing conditions, perfect weather – and the new equipment works flawlessly. #sailing #sailinglife #outremer_catamarans #bluewatersailing #yachting #wanderlust #phayamisland #christmastime
Dec 23
Short anchor stop in Thung La-Ong
Thung La-Ong is a rural coastal region on the Andaman Sea, away from the well-known tourist destinations. The surrounding area consists of mangroves, flat coastal sections and small settlements that mainly live from fishing.
Along the coast are small fishing villages with simple wooden houses, boat jetties, small shops and simple food stalls.
The landscape of Thung La-Ong is spectacular, especially in the morning mist, with lots of greenery, mangroves and sweeping views over shallow waters. Lined with huge white sandy beaches....
#sailing #thailand #adamansea #outremer_catamarans
Dec 22
We spent a few days in the Similan Islands, a marine national park in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand. The archipelago is known for its granite rocks, clear waters and excellent snorkelling conditions.
During our stay, we mainly went snorkelling, explored the striking rock formations and enjoyed the sunrises and sunsets. The underwater world is rich in species, with corals and numerous reef fish.
The anchorages proved to be quite rough, with noticeable swell, which made staying on board difficult at times. We therefore decided to stay only two nights in the Similan Islands.
We then continued our journey and are now sailing further north. #sailing #sailinglife #outremercatamaran #yachting #wanderlust #outremer_catamarans #similanisland #thailand
Dec 21
#similan_islands #sailing #sailinglife #outremercatamaran
Dec 19
A few days ago we picked Simon up at the airport. By now he has settled in well on board, and we’ve slipped back into our familiar rhythm of life at sea. Without any rush, we are slowly making our way north along Thailand’s west coast, sailing short distances, anchoring along the way, and regularly going ashore to explore.
As part of this journey, we spent yesterday in Patong Beach. The anchorage there is surprisingly calm and well protected, which feels almost contradictory to the reputation of the place. Getting ashore by dinghy is easy, and from the water everything appears relaxed and unassuming at first.
That impression changes immediately once you step onto land. Patong is — as Simon aptly put it — absurd in its own way: a full-blown party town. Countless restaurants, street-food stalls, and small shops line the streets. The Walking Street in particular is a sensory overload: bars on every corner, each blasting different music, neon lights everywhere, girls dancing on tables, and food stalls offering just about anything you can imagine.
Despite — or perhaps because of — this excess, Patong feels incredibly lively and diverse. We had expected something much more overwhelming and unpleasant, but instead found it far more enjoyable and impressive than anticipated. All in all, it was an intense and surprisingly great day — a striking contrast to our quiet life on board and another memorable stop on our slow journey up Thailand’s west coast
#sailing #sailinglife #outremercatamaran #thailand #patong
Dec 16
We got our 60-day visa... simple process. Some nice lunch and a first impression...
#sailing #outremer_catamarans #phuket
Dec 7
