SV Ultimate Dream undergoes extensions in Thailand.

After giving it much thought we decided it was time to give Ultimate Dream bow and stern extensions. There were many benefits to be gained and we were enthusiastic about undertaking the project. Originally we had hauled out (in Chalong, Phuket) for our annual maintenance work and it was not long after that we committed to the project and work began.
Week 1 begins....

Haulout at Coconuts Chalong, Phuket.

Original shape of stern.

The rudders now dropped and layers of anti foul were ground away.
Last years hard work now gone.

Forming the structure.

A little help from our friends.

Beginnings of bow extension.

A Lightwave catamaran with Bob Oram inspired bow structure.

Wow, its real now.

Koh Phayam, West Coast Thailand

After 4 days we moved around to Ao Khao Kwai the northern bay, to find we were the only yachts. Another quiet anchorage; we settled into our new location.  With dinghies landed we went in search of lunch on the beach front overlooking our yachts. Picture perfect.

The dinghies landed we headed to lunch.  SV CanKata,  SV Aqua Dreams and SV Ultimate Dream.

Richy,  Julie and Steve SV Aqua Dreams (left to right)

Another shady lunch spot.

Cashews everywhere.

Koh Phayam and Koh Chang grow an abundance of cashew trees. In fact they were ripening and falling throughout the time we were there. All over the walking tracks, leaning over restaurants roofs as far as the eye could see there were cashew trees loaded with juicy cashew fruits. Lucky we didn't have one fall on top of us the fruit swells and when it falls it lands heavily. Once the fruit has fallen it must be dried then the husk opened to extract the nut and roasted. 

The drying process not very complicated; leave em out in the sun.

Local art.

Buddha high up overlooking the eastern coastline.

Local rubber plantation in the background.

Koh Chang (Thailand border of Mynanmar)

Another fabulous island paradise we loved. Even fewer tourists with plenty of beach front bungalows and a very lay back vibe. Long beach stretches with shady trees protecting cute bungalow style accommodation nestled amongst the trees.

SV CanKata and SV Aqua Dreams stayed at the anchorage 2 days before we said goodbye as they headed back down to Phuket. The only cruising yacht in the anchorage we were surprised at how few yachts were visiting this great island getaway. Far from the noise of Patong and the hussle and bussle of southern Phuket we were happy to spend one month getting to know Koh Phayam and Koh Chang.

Darrel, Julie, Steve and Loretta from SV CanKata and SV Aqua Dreams (left to right)

Jungle environment.

Richy at sunset under the shade of our covers.

SV Ultimate Dream.

Ranong entrance to market place.

Ranong ferry arriving back to Koh Chang.