Voyage across the South China Sea to Raffles Marina, Singapore
February 3 - February 21, 2001

The Heraclitus anchor was raised and the crew returned to voyage mode and what a voyage!  Pilot whales, dolphins and strong winds all the way.  One determined gust caused a jibe which weakened the rigging then a few days later a storm came thundering in at 8 in the morning - the rigging fell apart on the mainsail, blocks broke into splinters that flew into the grasping swells.  But with such constant wind the ship made great speed and arrived early in Singapore, docking safely in a berth at the front of Raffles Marina after just 18 days at sea.  The passage down the Singapore Straits was a strong test in the seamanship of the crew, demanding constant attention and vigilance for fast-approaching cargo ships and barges cutting across the bow at close distance.

The people here in Singapore and at the Marina are old friends of the ship from the Aseanarean Expedition two years ago.  During this stay, the ship made new friends with many parties, slide shows and small theatrical performances including a celebration of both hers and Michel's (Captain and Expedition Leader) birthdays.

With the help of good friends and cooperation from embassies, the lost paperwork was retrieved and the crew began to explore this city hub of Asia - its museums, the incredible zoo, the shopping malls and nightlife.  The generator which was stuttering badly as they arrived finally gave up the ghost and departure from Singapore was delayed while engineers put their heads together to solve the problem.  But eventually the Heraclitus was fully operationable again and ready to explore the islands of peninsular Malaysiaís east coast.