Update Las Palmas post all traumas
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Wed 1 Nov 2023 16:23
John has been busy sorting the boat initially cleaning and drying all the knooks and crannies initially. Then he removed the damaged bow pulpit.That was done by Sunday evening having arrived Saturday 1400. On the monday found someone who could rectify the pulpit, modify the leecloths so they do not break when heeled over like one did coming down here to add to our other woes. It took time but an engine man turned up on Friday morning and was unable to get it going. Injectors and high pressure fuel pump thought to be causing problems. He needed a special tool to remove injector pump which he did Monday then he found some water in it. The pump is away getting serviced. Also found was a cracked return pipe on the pump. All items are on order not sure when will turn up. Monday? We requested an investigation of where the water came from, it appears maybe in the tank, With the storm coming down here and the knockdown we had probably disturbed muck and water in tank and caused the i
ssue.
Tomorrow we should find out if fuel can be cleaned or how to get rid of it an refill.
Today Tuesday is the 1st time there have been 2 of us working the boat. The big plate supporting the inner forestay was removed as we suspect that was the source of the major water leak in the forecabin. We have refitted it with a thick layer of epoxy under it so there are not any voids under so the plate cannot move up when under load causing wee holes and then leaks. Tomorrow when set will remove bolts one at a time and sikaflex each one. The repair bow pulpit was refitted and sikaflexed in. Th eleaking port stanchion near the galley removed and sikaflexed in too as suspect the was the main leak coming into the main cabin.
Within 10 minutes of being tied up in Las Palmas, after our tow in I was in a taxi the hospital. lots test done suspect Gallbladder stone and infection. The hospital could not deal with me after 24 hours of tests and not eating as on econsultant away at a conference and the othe ill. I was transferred to th esouth of the island and another 3 days of not allowed to eat or drink only through drips. Still gallbladder problem but now was being treated by antibiotics as no longer in pain. I was now to eat no fat in the diet. I was getting pasta without any sauce and dry fish. I like wet food and not a fan of pasta. After 9 days in hospital got out late yesterday. I do need to back to UK for a wee op then plan to be back here end December beginning January to sail across to Caribbean to get the races in.
We will not be competing in the ARC. With engine issues not being resolved before this Sunday we would havebeen able to compete and that would have been very hard to swallow if I was fit and healthy.
Next blog will not be until we are going sailing again.