Download PDF - Oyster News 66 - Oyster Yachts

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ABOVE: Yolanda and Rolf
RIGHT: Moana anchored off Coron Island
Philippines - Our
gate to South Asia
By Yolanda Danioth, Oyster 56, Moana
Two main characteristics describe the diverse Philippines: over 7000 islands and more
than 95 million people. This is a country with rice fields in the far north, long sandy
beaches in the south, hanging cliffs in the west, rigid mountains in the east and remote
lagoons and small islands in the centre.
Nevertheless, in comparison to other countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines are not
equally included in most of the important travel catalogues or visited by many yachts –
this is incomprehensible! These islands are singular in their place in the world; they are
green, clean, organised, laid back, unique and reflect a simple, idyllic life virtually
empty of tourism.
We enjoyed sailing the archipelago waters of the Philippines. It was easy sailing;
there is no ocean swell and Moana moved fast in only 10 knots of wind and flat
seas. Finding a place to anchor was simple because there are no restrictions, no
reefs and the bottom slopes up from deep water to sandy beaches most of the
time. As soon as you are in anchor depth water, just drop your hook and enjoy
your stay. This presents the best conditions for cruisers to go and explore!
One point you have to bear in mind in parts of the Pacific Ocean is the
threat of the presence of hundreds of fisherman in the archipelago.
The crackle from their two-stroke air-cooled engines can be heard from far
away. They move fast, almost flying over the water, in long outrigger canoes
headed for where the birds are feeding. They bring their nets and get the
fish spotted by the birds. The scene looks like confetti flying all over the
surface: yellow, green, red and violet painted canoes hunting for the fish.
When you see this you know why nobody likes to be at sea during the night
– it is too dangerous to navigate.
We concentrated our cruising on the beautiful Visayas, the central part of the
Philippines exactly as Ferdinand Magellan did some centuries ago when he arrived as
the first European in Cebu.
Closing in on Cebu, the capital of the Visayas, we realised the effects of the big city.
Outrigger canoes got fewer and fewer; ferry boats and cargo ships dominated the location.
Due to pollution the colour of the water changed suddenly from blue to brown, the air from
light blue to black and the land from green to brown. However, after months in remote areas
we looked forward to our arrival in a vibrant city and our first South East Asian town. >