Brian, Spot on - the fourth most populace country in the world, but nevertheless a stack of people illustrated to make a point. In 2009 I have entered my N55 SKIE into the Sail Indonesia Rally www.sailindonesia.net leaving from Darwin late July. It is expected that 150 - 200 odd boats will be in it and I expect that I will be the first power passagemaker to enter (although I expect others will join me) This Rally has been revived and is now under the auspices of the Indonesian Government for reasons of healing wounds etc (Bali bombing), and building tourist dollars. What I have been told and read, it is the best possible way you could see this unbelievably beautiful archipelago of 1700 odd islands by boat with everything laid on for security, hospitality, and entertainment. An extra tack on rally then goes up to Langkawi Island in Malaysia. Those heading westwards to the Med from then on, are basically on their own. Anyone flirting with the idea of doing this adventure should enter now, and reserve a marina berth in one of Darwin's marinas for at least two weeks before departure. No obligation until late 2008 or early 2009. So the moral of the story here is that if you get into any strife, you will have physical help all around you from other rally vessels, organisers, Government agencies (including the Navy, and positions/wellbeing will be reported constantly on the log. No need to set off the EPIRB that may be ignored by some bureaucrat at a long lunch in Jakarta or wherever. For US yachties, smarter to ring 911 on the sat phone. Had a private e-mail from a listee saying I was too harsh on my "idiot, butt kicking" comment and that I should consider what his poor wife went through. Give me a break. Who really let the wife down? Peter Sheppard PS My wife and I have stayed at the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Bali for 14 years until the Bali bombing came along. In peaceful tranquillity I never left the hotel compound without organised security. Love my kid/grandkids too much to have them anxious.