Work on a traditional Malay wooden sailing boat, Malaysia
ReportLocation: Langkawi, Malaysia
Hello, my name is Christoph.I am a German sailor and run an old style classic Malay sailing junk here in Langkawi. We were building the boat in the years 2004 to 2010.
This boat is quite unique as it is a traditional Malay wooden junk schooner of almost 100 feet and the only one of her kind for charter in Malaysia. In 1980 I built my first Malay junk in Kuala Terengganu and sailed it round the world. These traditional Malay boats are built in an archaic technique with wooden dowels and caulking bark. The art of building them is rapidly dying out and very few masters are still alive and practise this skill on the island of Duyong in the estuary of the Terengganu river on the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula.
Since August, all Corona restrictions in Malaysia have been lifted and people can enter and travel the country again freely.
But the tourist business has not bounced back yet, so the boat is currently not doing any charter work or sailing. I am living on board and do little maintenance works. If you are here in Malalysia, you are most welcome to come and help. Lots of tasks!
I am always looking forward to share my knowledge with one or two helpers and teach them how to maintain a classic wooden boat in return for their help. No knowledge of boating is required but a will to help and an ability and a liking for manual tasks. Carpenters, mechanics and electricians or other trained craftsmen are always welcome. I will be delighted having you.
If you come with a lot of time on hand, you are welcome to apply. Since it needs time to get accustomed to boat life, I do not take short time helpers. A minimum stay of 4 weeks is expected.
If you have enough time, this is an opportunity to live on board a unique wooden sailing boat, learn a few things about wooden boats, lay back, relax, put in a bit of work and explore the island of Langkawi.
The boat is sitting on a safe mooring near down town Kuah, the capital of Langkawi we have a car and a motor bike to go shopping and see the island. There is a motorised dinghy to go on shore and return.
This might be for you!
Check it out!
