As the dawn of a new year rises, we at Pacific Passion are thrilled to announce the restart of Project Pacific Passion with newfound vigor and enthusiasm.
SilverLining: Revived and Renewed
Our trusty vessel, SilverLining, has undergone a significant overhaul during the new year break. Nestled in the Langkawi hardstand, Joe and the crew have been tirelessly working to resolve several crucial matters. They've tackled issues with the sea chest and various hull openings essential for our onboard systems. These fixes, combined with our annual tradition of painting the underwater hull with antifouling, have prepared SilverLining for her upcoming voyages.
One fascinating observation during this maintenance was the tenacity of marine life. Despite our efforts, cockles have a unique way of clinging onto the hull, thrusters, propellor shaft, and even sneaking through the openings passed the boat's hull. Nonetheless, SilverLining triumphantly returned to the water on Monday 22nd, ready for her next chapter.
Enhancing Safety and Performance
Welcoming Stan again on board marks the beginning of another exciting phase - installing brand new Hydraulics controls for our sail systems. This upgrade will touch every aspect of SilverLining's operations, from stays, sails, furlers, and winches to thrusters. We're confident that this will significantly boost both safety and performance as she continues her journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Embracing Digital Navigation
In an era where digital is king, we've embraced the shift from paper charts to a state-of-the-art digital system. With Admiralty notifying the marine world about the ceasing of the production of analog charts by 2025, we've partnered with Bogerd Martin to source and install a cutting-edge digital solution with its redundancies and weekly updates of the navigation charts and maritime information. This system complements our existing Navionics mapped tools and ensures that SilverLining remains at the forefront of maritime technology.
Charting Our Course
Looking ahead, we've mapped out an exhilarating 18-month program. From February to June 2024, our focus will be on exploring the pristine waters of Eastern Indonesia, from West Papua to Bali. We anticipate some world-class diving experiences in Raja Ampat and the surrounding areas.
Come end of July 2024, we embark on a grand voyage towards Japan, tracing the coasts of Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and our home port, Hong Kong. Winter 2024-2025 will be spent in Japan, after which we aim to set course for Alaska – a journey promising adventure and discovery in the USA's largest state.
Kristin’s Road to Recovery
On a personal note, Kristin's resilience in recovering from her ankle injury has been nothing short of inspiring. Although not yet fully healed, her progress through intense physiotherapy and exercise is remarkable. We'll continue to support her towards complete recovery with exercising on board, a lot of swimming in the warm waters of Indonesia and some soft trekking and visiting ashore.
Stay Connected
As we set sail on this renewed journey, we're excited to resume our regular blog updates (www.pacificpassion.org/blog) and social media interactions (Instagram @pacific.passion). Stay tuned for more news, and please help us spread the word about Project Pacific Passion's latest adventures!
Keep exploring,
With the New Year's days and festivities now behind you, and buoyed by numerous best wishes from a multitude of friends, it must be a gratifying sensation to once again step aboard the SilverLining for 'the next chapter.'
Simultaneously, the absolute joy of discovering the SilverLining in superb condition, having undergone thorough overhaul and adorned in vibrant colors, must be exhilarating. It now stands as state-of-the-art, ready to traverse the seas once more.
Why am I not surprised to learn of your embrace of digital navigation? Philip, as I have always known, 'digital' is your second nature, if not your second name. When it comes to all things 'digital,' you have consistently been at least one step ahead…
Bon vent!