DECEMBER 2017Debbie and Paul Johnson
Yacht: Asia
Length: 98ft
Year: 2009
Location: South East AsiaHow long have you been cruising in Asia?
For 20 years now. We write the Mergui
Archipelago and Andaman Islands sections
of the Southeast Asia Pilot, which featured our
yacht on the cover for the past two editions
Where’s the best wind? That’s a tough one,
as there is always good wind to be found
out here. The Andaman Sea is best from
December to the end of April each year and
you can expect steady north-east winds
of 10 to 15 knots. Late February and March
generally have the lightest breeze of
the season. Further south to Indonesia, the
best season for great sailing, fine seas and
dry weather is June to late October
Have you got a favorite destination?
Indonesia, due to its vastness and endless
opportunities for adventure. The waters
abound with whales and diverse marine life.
Indonesia has hundreds of live volcanoes,
spectacular diving, surfing, fishing and
thousands of uninhabited islands to explore
What are your top tips for someone
looking to take their boat to Asia?Don’t be afraid of this region – it’s relaxed
and very friendly. It offers a wealth of skills
in carpentry and painting. Maintaining
a superyacht is achievable and much cheaper
than elsewhere in the world due to lower
marina costs, cheaper labor and generally
cheaper supplies and goods. There has been
exponential growth in the marine industry
over the past 10 years in South East Asia, and
more superyachts are making it their home
The boat’s for sale – are you exiting the
superyacht world? Asia is listed for sale with
Fraser. After 20 years permanently at sea we
are keen to head back to Africa with our two
young children and place them into formal
schooling. We plan to stay involved with
superyachting in South East Asia and may
buy a yacht in the future. Watch this space
What will you miss most? The amazing
food, as well as the variety of opportunities
for exploration and adventure, although with
our personalities and zest for life, I doubt
there will ever be a non-adventurous day
PHOTOGRAPHS: GET T Y IMAGES; DOMINATOR; COURTESY OF OWNERS or dull moment!
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