Passing the Chinese Outpost

We spent most of the day getting past the disputed Parcel Islands... which is where the Chinese outpost
I have to admit it was a little nerve-racking for the entire crew going near Woody Island. We didn't know what to expect. We got to the channel that separates the islands for a huge atoll . We discovered a major shipping lane. We got in line with all the tankers and container. About 10 ships pass us every hour.

We have another day of sailing up with until we hit the big winds off of what used to be South Vietnam
The winds should take us on a reach across to Malaysia.

Bathing suit and T-shirt all day and night. Water temperature is 31°C (if you do the math its about 90 F )

The catamaran is a delight to sail with narrow hulls and a powerful sail plan. Everything is soft shackles.
The crew is in good spirits

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📍 1. China’s Buildup of Artificial Islands & Military Bases
• Since around 2014, China has reclaimed and militarized reefs and shoals— particularly in the Spratly and Paracel Islands—adding airfields, radars, missile systems, and even facilities capable of receiving bombers .
• The Pentagon has identified dozens of such outposts, including runways and support infrastructure.Read more