Fazham Fadlil (65) loved the ocean since childhood. After living within the US for 20 years, he decided to return to his Indonesian hometown in Indonesia, sailing across the ocean. What was his story?
Fazham Fadlil, referred to as Sam, was born in Buluh Island, Riau. He was related to marine life since childhood. When he grew up, he worked in a big luxury cruise company owned by Holland America Cruises. This took him on an extended journey to many countries. He finally docked in New York, USA within the Seventies.
“Since then I have settled in Brooklyn, one of the boroughs of New York,” Sam told brilio.net/en.
In Brooklyn, he worked as a dishwasher, a train food vendor, and a takeout delivery boy. In the evenings, he read books at the town public library and took art classes. Eventually, he got a gradual job at a graphic design studio as a calligrapher.
As he recounts in his book Mengejar Pelangi di Balik Gelombang, “Chasing the Rainbow behind the Waves,” as Sam earned a cushty living, his passion for sailing was rekindled. He managed to purchase a ship within the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. He named his boat “Stray.” His desire to return to Indonesia on “Stray” began to grow.
Finally, after much preparation, in December 1992 he set off on a sea voyage from New York to Indonesia. From the primary day and for several days thereafter, Sam struggled with unpredictable weather and waves. After seven days of sailing, he felt he could not handle the massive waves.
“I finally decided to go back to New York because I was afraid I couldn’t handle it,” he said.
Six months later, after further preparation, he attempted one other journey. During his travels, he needed to cross the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Panama Canal, after which the world’s largest ocean: the Pacific Ocean. After crossing the Pacific Ocean, Sam needed to cross the Torres Strait before entering the Arafura Sea.
On the primary day of the journey, he adapted to the waves. Sam had his sailing routine and created a schedule. The first obstacle was the Gulf Stream from New York to Panama. Then Sam needed to navigate through the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. In this ocean, he needed to fight storms and broken navigational tools.
These challenges were expected, because it is rare for an extended sea voyage to go completely easily. Sam’s obstacles included a faulty GPS system. Fortunately, Sam was capable of use the sun, moon, and stars to pinpoint his location.
“I read the prayer book and Al-Koran every day,” he recalls.
Things got worse when his engine stopped working, leaving Sam adrift in the course of the ocean. He spent his time reading while he waited for the wind to proceed his journey.
The wind blew and Sam continued his journey to Panama through the Mona Passage. Upon arrival in Panama, his boat was repaired. The engine needed to be completely dismantled and a few parts replaced. His funds were dwindling. Fortunately, with the assistance of friends he had made during his journey, he managed to lift the cash to set sail again. Sam was able to face the vast Pacific Ocean.
From Panama, Sam sailed south towards Indonesian waters via the Torres Strait with a three-day stopover in Papua New Guinea. Although tough, the journey through the Torres Strait was uneventful. Eventually, Sam reached the Arafura Sea in Indonesia. She then temporarily docked in Bali before finally docking in Tanjung Priok.
“When I arrived in Bali, I had no rupees in any respect. I only had 5 US dollars. As soon as we docked, the very first thing I did was call my mother,” he said
Sam’s journey lasted 5 months and covered 15,000 miles. Amazing!
Source : pl.brillio.net
*all photos are from Chasing the rainbow, chasing the waves -UNRI Press
