Saturday 29 June Usukan Bay

Our next stop after Gaya island on our way to the north tip of Borneo was Usukan Bay. As we were approaching we were overtaken by a sudden squall with winds gusting over 30 knots. Our sails were reefed and the seas developed a short chop, but nothing bad. It passed quickly and we were able to turn into the bay. On this part of the coast there isn't anywhere to really get away from a westerly swell. We found some shelter deep in the south part of the bay but we still rolled a little.

It's the time of the year when the south westerlies are starting to fill in and flex their muscles. With the weather forecast predicting further storm cells working their way up the coast for the next day we decided to stay for a day and let it pass us by. It was like being given an unexpected day off work; we lay in the cockpit and read just like people who go on holiday. It was lovely.