It turned out more than a voyage from A to B, or rather from Miri to Nuku'alofa, capital of Tonga
We don’t know any rightful seaman who doesn’t love sailing in the tropics and on to one of the beautiful Pacific Islands. Landlubbers don’t know what they are missing and don’t have a clue how nice, peaceful and quiet it is on a tropical night with a fluorescent sea. Especially when not in a rush, nor time pressed by schedules and charterers. No need to lock doors, no traffic jams or crowded tubes or rains going to work.
Very fond memories returned when we received the enquiry and were awarded the contract to deliver a Landing craft under own power on he own keel from Sarawak to Tonga. It turned out more than a voyage from A to B, or rather from Miri to Nuku'alofa, capital of Tonga. The LCT Voea Late is a donation of the Commonwealth of Australia for the Tonga Navy.
The Voea Late was handed over to us of Redwise by her proud and professional builders Berjaya Dockyard together with representatives of the Australian Navy. Rather than heading to Tonga, we were directed to Singapore first to load equipment for Tonga before proceeding to her new homeport. The ensuing voyage was great: South China Sea, Java Sea, passing the Sunda Islands, Timor Leste and on to Torres strait. The Coral Sea provided a spell of typical rougher seas, with the sea and swell coming all the way from across the Pacific. The vessel held well and without a glitch while rolling and pitching like a rollercoaster, or as one would say the inside a washing machine for a few days. The same applies to our four guests from the Tonga navy that had joined the vessel for familiarization and training during the voyage.
Altogether a truly enjoyable voyage for all, at a steady 7- 8 knots (except the Coral Sea). We received a warm welcome after arrival, after which an extra five days training and familiarization of her new crew started.
We at Redwise have been delivering vessels under own power since 1906 and prefer it any and every day above the rat race to meet berth slots, terminal requirements and demands from those that do not understand and appreciate the wise open sea, its beauty and her challenges.
