Day 10 Cairns-Singapore. North West Monsoon/Cyclone season - unpredictable weather and living up to it's reputation

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 Looks like I deleted the last post by mistake and can't get it back - sorry!


Wednesday 17th Dec '25

I have been keeping a very close eye on the weather forecast which is changeable to say the least!  There were 2 lows forming and as of yesterday they were forecast to turn from east to south away from Indonesia and into the big open sea then build into cyclones with up to 135kt winds.  Although we would not be hit by these cyclones we would potentially be effected by the waves produced.

I checked again this morning and 2 has changed into 1.  Like I said, changeable.

So with that in mind and although the conditions don't look too bad I had decided, as always, to be cautious and dive into Bali for a couple or more days and wait till things look a little more predictable or settled as the next leg from Bali to the channel were we change course from west to north into the more sheltered area is 650nm which is 3.5 days motoring.  As there are very few places to hide along that south coast if things turn nasty I would prefer to have a little more confidence in the forecast.    

At the rate we have been going we should be in Bali later on Friday afternoon.  Just talking to an agent there to get us cleared in and find a berth in the only marina in Bali, which is very small but can take super yachts so more than able to take us at 76ft and 112T in weight.  Just need ot find out if they have space.  There is a new 180 berth marina being built which was supposed to be opened a couple of months ago but has been delayed, surprise surprise.

On top of the weather issues we have started coming across not only the odd fisherman but the bigger pain in the butt the FAD (Fish Attracting Device).  About a dozen or more overnight.  Saving grace is the radar on this boat is amazing!  It has picked up every FAD within 2nm of us.  

Below is a FAD we just passed 30nm from the nearest Indo island and in 1500 metres of water.  They tie ropes together, put a concrete block on the end of the rope and throw it overboard.  The fish hide under it for safety, small fish to start then bigger ones to feed on the small ones then bigger still etc etc Then the fishermen come back later and catch what's left.

And the sea condition in the photo is what we have had since the east coast of Aus, it's been a very pleasant trip so far...... 

 

                                              A FAD in 1500 metres deep water

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