Davita

It's elementary my dear IVV...

bakedbean

What an exciting morning I've had

Thought I'd pop down to Straits Quay and see if the Vega had arrived. It had. Apparently at 2am on the high tide.

It really is a fabulous looking vessel.

While admiring the vessel, I spotted the skipper's partner on board and gave her a wave. Actually she doesn't know me but I've seen so many photos on their Facebook page. Anyway they presumably are used to strange folks waving at them, as she jumped off the vessel and came and opened up the high-security gate at SQ and I toddled off down the SQ gang-plank with her.

Would I like to come on board.... she says, while she agilely hops over the gunnels. I had one of those Senior Moment reality checks. Could I actually hop over the edge of the vessel without falling plop into Straits Quay? So I declined. I know.....I am so pathetic

We had a little natter and the skipper came and joined in the chit-chit.

They are in Penang for something like a month, though will be moving down the island to the shipyard to get some repairs done later. Shane, the skipper, said they would be having an "Open House" probably from the 18th, where they'll be selling some of the wares they have accumulated from around the spice islands...... Spices obviously, coffee beans and more.

So, do go and take a look at the vessel at least. It's berthed right at the end of the marina. The Sea Queen Restaurant end. Anyway, you cannot miss it.

bakedbean

Just reading that it was a bit of a hairy berthing waiting for a 2.8 metre high tide in the early hours as the vessel has a draft of 2.5 metres....eek.

InVinoVeritas

I think if BB disappears from Penang on the 18th then we can safely assume that she has stowed away somewhere on the Vega

bakedbean

Nah I'm a dry land kind of gal. But it is a gorgeous vessel

Scuba Tyke

Great thread. Once I am retired do you think they would be interested in volunteer crew, paying my own way? I'll need something to satisfy my adventurous streak and that sort of trip sounds ideal.

ST

Davita

What happens when the tide recedes....will the boat topple over?...

bakedbean

I imagine they would . But then you would not need MM2H if permanently afloat

Scuba Tyke

Wasn't thinking of being permanently afloat BB, but one round trip should be doable. I'll follow it up when we have firm date for the big move. I'm now checking out their FB page. Fascinating stuff, thanks for introducing us all to it.

Davita

I'm not thinking of any visa requirements..... more about spilling my cocktail as the boat keeled.

bakedbean

Yeh, how does that work in marinas? I really don't know. They are tied up now...obviously. I guess it just "stays" grounded while the tide is out?

I saw a pic online of what looked like a very nice wooden snug bar on board

NeonHippy

Tee hee, I hope they have left some slack in the ropes. As a young boy we had a holiday cruising the Norfolk Briads. My father and elder brother had both served in the merchant navy yet managed to tie up the cruiser at Lowestoft at high tide while we went sight seeing. When we returned at low tide the cruiser was hanging high and dry by its mooring ropes!

bakedbean

Copying and pasting from their FB page:

quote
If you are in Penang, Malaysia between the 18th and the 27th of December we will be holding open house on board Vega at the Marina at Straits Quay. Always welcome to see the boat and meet her crazy crew.
unquote

bakedbean

Oh dear....got caught up in a media scrum on board the Vega today. Wasn't actually aware that there was so much media in Penang.

Anyway, here's what I bought.....

Davita

Wow BB you bought 'Mace'...I don't want to be around you when you get angry. I carry a small container of pepper spray to chase the dogs here but that big bag of 'Mace' would surely blind an elephant.....

Stupid me used the spray on a dog-gang recently but misjudged the wind....boy does that stuff sting...the dogs 'i think' laughed.