At anchor

Altea
Fri 15 Aug 2014 12:01

31 July 2014

J and L went ashore in the dinghy for a recce and to do some shopping while S and I mended the anchor foot switch, which had faltered the previous evening. The switch is a simple device where a metal disk is glued inside a rubber dome, which sits above a positive and negative terminal. Press down the rubber dome and the connection is made. I had assumed it would be much more sophisticated. Water had got in during the rounding of Cap Corse, when we got a couple of waves over the bows. It was a simple job to mend the dome (a new one is now ordered) and to re-locate the terminals.

Although the genoa furler was now working fine, we also practiced using the emergency furling mechanism that disconnects the hydraulics and allows the motor to be turned either by hand or by an electric drill. Both work well, so we are well prepared for any future issues.

After the girls get back we all brush up and pop into town for a drink and dinner. It is a picture postcard harbour and a pretty town behind with a square and narrow streets. We decide to eat on an inland street, as we have seen a lot of the sea lately, and have a pleasant meal before wandering around town in search of music. We don't find any, but stand and admire a troop of line dancers, dressed in white with stetsons and cowboy boots, very earnestly going through a routine on the harbour front road. There is a comedy scene when a motorist tries to get past in his car, and a number of camp men in white trousers flap at him in their best attempt at intimidation, insisting that he wait until the number is over. This is clearly important work, and not to be interrupted.