Shan Ding Lu

We have recently been very fortunate to have my father visit us here in Taiwan. Being an unconventional sort of dad he arrived in Taiwan in a very unconventional way. Aboard his home, lifestyle and well traveled 32 foot yacht Leprena II.

Currently based in the Trobriand Islands of Papua New Guinea he didn’t hesitate to up-anchor and sail the 5500 odd kms to visit us. After 8 weeks of sailing and stopping off at small islands through PNG, Indonesia, Micronesia and the Philippines he finally arrived in Kaohsiung. Thanks to a good mobile phone reception just beyond sight of land north west of Luzon I quickly alerted him of Typhoon Nuri that was looking like crossing his path in the Bashih Channel between the Philippines and Taiwan. An extra three day anchored down in the shelter of Santiago Island, Luzon, meant he arrived in Kaohsiung Harbour on the 25th of August. Just 3 days before we departed to Japan for 2 weeks.

Though the timing was bad for us, it fitted in nicely with the Kaohsiung International Regatta held on the 6th and 7th of September, a practice run for the World Games here in Kaohsiung next year.

Keen to enhance the race’s “International” standing, Leprena II was enthusiastically encouraged to participate as the Australian entrant. Two TV stations and a newspaper interview helped promote the event and catapulted this solo-sailor into a minor local celebrity.

Wearing a fisherman’s hat and white beard this old man is Peter.

Although approaching his 70’s he is still as fit as a young man. It took him a month to sail to Taiwan for the upcoming event.

He sailed alone with his yacht from Australia and on the way he was robbed by pirates in Indonesian waters.

 

He tried to combat the pirate with a shotgun but couldn’t and was later tied up and beaten. There are scars left from knife wounds both on his arms and legs but such an ordeal does not dent his courage. Instead it adds more life experiences.

There is a deeper reason for his drive to come to this beautiful island of Taiwan. His son has found his roots in Taiwan.

 

..which has also made him a “Taiwanese” grandfather. Taiwan is just like a second home to him. You may catch a glimpse of Peter at the yacht display area of Glory Harbor this Saturday between 2 and 4 pm for public viewing. For those who are interested please come along and discover the charm and beauty of yachting.

FTV reporter Liao Jing-Hsiong, Kaohsiung.

 

Correction: The pirating occured 3 years ago in PNG waters

 

The regatta and race by all accounts were very successful. Though suitably built for distance racing, solar panels, wind generator, a hull full of belongings along with a quickly convened crew of locals meant Leprena II came in 5 minutes outside the race time limit to score a DNF (Did Not Finish). Though he was very impressed with the pre and post dinners, hospitality, crystal participant’s trophy as well as a substantial participation reimbursement.

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It is fair to say that very few yachties make it to Taiwan. It took half a day to clear customs and immigration on arrival. A simple sail outside the harbour requires lengthy crew and itinerary registration. Motoring inside the harbour is apparently not permitted as we discovered during a leisurely Saturday cruise.

Leprena II has been moored at the Shaochuantou yacht pier at Sizihwan opposite the ferry point to Chijin Island. It is a great location in the hustle and bustle of Kaohsiung harbour. A popular destination for outdoor wedding photo shoots and now very crowded on weekends as the port-side destination station of the newly opened orange line of the KMRT.

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Both Grandpapa and the boat are a huge hit with the kids. If the success of a sleep-over is measured by how little sleep is achieved I think Leprena II ranks most successful.

He is currently in Hong Kong where his partner Frances will join him. They will return here for another month by which time this very busy typhoon season will have hopefully subsided. They intend returning to PNG via Philippines and perhaps Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Tags: Children, Kaohsiung, Travel, Weather //