A beautiful morning this morning, 19 Feb, for our short 15 mile step up to Balabac town. A bit of a false start though when the alternator belt let out a warning squeal just on getting the anchor up. A quick check revealed the alternator bracket had broken so it was down with the anchor and off with the alternator. We started the generator to boost the batteries and set off once again for Balabac. We had a light 10 knot NE and some current with us so it was a pleasant passage and we dropped the anchor off Balabac in Calandarong Bay about 1130. A dinghy ride ashore found a small town with lots of shopfronts selling a selection of fresh 
produce and grocery items plus the usual hardware shops, clothing shops, etc. The friendly locals seemed pretty happy and returned our greetings. We soon found a mechanic who could do the welding of the bracket for us so we waited for that to be done, bought some stores and a sim card and headed back to Tweed.
produce and grocery items plus the usual hardware shops, clothing shops, etc. The friendly locals seemed pretty happy and returned our greetings. We soon found a mechanic who could do the welding of the bracket for us so we waited for that to be done, bought some stores and a sim card and headed back to Tweed.Entering Calandorong Bay to visit Balabac Town.
It was then a short 6 mile hop up to Candaraman Island where we anchored off a white beach, 08 deg 04.612N, 117 deg 05.795E. For once we had some current with us - 3 knots for the last mile or two!!
Jon has been busy since, trying to re-fit the alternator. The weld was slightly off in angle so he has had to improvise with a few extra washers for the alternator to sit correctly. A late dinner tonight.
