I’m back in civilization (Jakarta) at a hotel with real internet..Yay! I just spent 12 days on the Dewi Nusantara (formerly the Paradise Dancer). Probably the most luxurious liveaboard dive boat I’ve ever traveled on. Some fun facts for the sailors…she is a 180ft long wooden-hulled, three-masted, American-style schooner with a beam of 37 ft. The hull is made of ironwood, she displaces 800 tons and she is rock-solid in the water. When the boat was commissioned in 2007, the owner specifically didn’t want his flagship to be of the Indonesian Pinisi-style most every other liveaboard in the region adopted.
Unfortunately (or fortunately for those with landlubber stomachs), the winds were either too light or in our face, so we never put up the canvas. This was, after all, a diving charter..not a sailing charter..and we were on a schedule. The lack of wind made for an incredibly smooth trip and all the diving went off without a hitch.
I first laid eyes on her during my week at Raja4Divers, when our paths crossed near Fam Island. First impression from the beach:
But up close…wow…she’s just gorgeous.
I’ll give the sailboat enthusiasts a moment to wipe the drool off their keyboards….
The craftsmanship was noticeable everywhere. This was my cabin and bathroom:
I’m not into taking marketing shots of the other living areas for the charter company, but you should check out the galleries on their website. Its just beautifully detailed workmanship. Here’s some more sailboat porn:
View looking back from the bow:
Sunset:
Yay. I've found you - even if you haven't sent me the link yet ! Was lovely to meet you. Hope things are going well back at home. Had a really great trip. Looking forward to seeing the photos.
Gabi x
Posted by: Gabi | April 25, 2012 at 06:21 PM