A DAY TO REMEMBER

by Imelda Farrah Zohre HA

AS soon as we arrived at the meeting point at around 6 am for a sailing trip, we've waited for the bus to come but to no avail. Unlike our previous trip, this time no transportation provided to transport us to the Serasa beach.

Then we make a move ten minutes later after a discussion with BEACA members to drive all the way to the meeting point. As soon as we arrived, we waited for the Dream Charter's crew to come. While waiting, we were instructed by Dr. Irene to apply for a sun block and insect repellent as to avoid those unwanted insects to attack us nor to blackened our younger look skins.

Depart from the beach to the sailing boat.

Once we are done with the self protection, those from the Dream Charter arrived with a small boat at bay of the Serasa beach and instructed us to enter. Few of my mates went on the first 'encounter' (could be first experience for some of them for sitting on a small cute boat).

And this doesn't stop there as the boat suddenly capsized in the middle of the way before reaching 13m long and 3.6m wide 'Jenny'. It looks like a big chaos from our eyesight. We were panicking seeing this. Dr. Asmah is one of the passenger on the boat. However, the Dream Charter crew who has vast experience are the hero of the day as they managed to saved all the buddies and bring them at bay.

The boat capsized...

However, as this might be their first hand experience, some of my mates looks traumatic and sad for what happened and not to mentioned for those who carries their expensive gadgetries swam together into the deep salty water.

The "survivor" being calmed down by Dr. Irene....

After everything is back to normal, all of the BEACA members were on board the steel constructed 'Jenny' which is safe on ocean going vessel. The vessel is 18t that can carry a maximum of 25 guests.

We were briefed by Aideen, the Dream Charter crews about sailing terminology, besides some of sailing safety tips. While Captain Peter captaining the vessel from Serasa beach to the checkpoint at Pulau Muara Besar, we can see the scenery of our beloved country who kept unthinkable of unexpected treasures.

The panoramic view of the Petima.

At Pulau Muara Besar, at the place where we anchored, we then swam down the South China Sea while some took some pictures for something to be remembered. After that we boarded back the vessel and on board the 'Jenny' then start to experience the many functions that the vessel has to offered first hand.

First hand experience taught by Aideen

Some of the lesson we were taught is about the knots. It was told that the bowline sometimes called the 'King of Knots' is one of the most useful knots to sailors. It can be made quickly and easily and will never jam. The rabbit comes out of the hole, around the tree and back down the hole.

On our way to the Serasa beach, at some point the Dream Charter engine stopped. While waiting for it to be fixed, we saw some boats passing in our sail.

It was a worthwhile experience and not easy to forget.

Hep!...Hep!... Hoorrrrrrraaaayyyyyyy!!!!!