Some updates: the cumbersome but entertaining process of matching sailing intentions to bureaucratic possibilities has started. Going to straight to Labuanbajo is fading as an option but hasn't actually evaporated yet. A person in the know suggested that one doesn't actually have to clear in near landfall, as long as the vessel is en route to a place where the boxes can be ticked and providing one proceeds in an inconspicuous manner.
Next- there's grace on the CAIT- it can now be done within the month, so 1/4/11 is the new deadline and that's not a joke. Bear in mind the passport has to be valid for SIX MONTH AFTER ARRIVAL. This certainly screws me up, I have to go to Perth in person to get fingerprinted for the new Dutch passport.
But my demands remain! I shall not become an Australian citizen until I'm either excused voting duties or Australian politics become less of an embarrassment. Secondly, that a national bushflyexterminationstrategy be implemented- I think that civilisation cannot gain a foothold in a country where you need both hands (opposing thumb or not) to shoo them away.
Thirdly- There is the emerging possibility of making a one-way trip, and to keep Tribute in Indo for a season in Ace's new marina on Lombok. By the looks of the pilot charts (see http://www.offshoreblue.com/navigation/pilot-charts.php) the winds become increasingly southerly after August and certainly no sane Carnarvonite would ever encourage sailing southward from the Northwest Cape then on any sort of schedule.
So that may mean keeping Tribute in Indo for nearly a year. Assuming this is possible paperworkwise, it would also mean that the voyage would likely follow a similar route to the 2009 one. Having a boat in Indo is of course a good thing with lots of exciting possibilities, but not having a boat in Carnarvon sux.
Deliberations, negotiatons and peregrinations continue... Feel free to contribute to the cloud of uncertainties while I wish you all, unseen, the best of possible vibes.
