Day 1 - Gran Canaria to Antigua (belatedly)
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Mon 15 Jan 2024 16:53
Update from last blog.
I, Donald, left John in Las Palmas to monitor boat engine fixing, whilst I went back to have a gallbladder removed. My bit worked like a dream, removed 4 December back out here 28 December. The engine is another story. The fuel had water contamination and so was all disposed of, 90 litres, tank was cleaned. High pressure fuel pump was removed and sent away for checking then rectifying. Whilst I was in UK John saw the installtion of pump but still engine would not run correctly, some valves were found to have stuck in open position. Head removed and some valves and seals ordered, 2 items not available in Europe. John the went back to UK for Christmas and New Year. Parts all arrived 4th January including 2 from Japan. In Spain 5th is half working day as 6th January is Epiphany, their present giving day so no work until 8th. Afternoon 9th engine started and ran, but seem very difficult to get going. On 10th more setting up done and bad starting. Eventually starter motor failed,
when
removed smelt badly of electrical burning. New starter motor available in Tenerife. Arrived next day, fitted starts brilliantly now. Took boat out on engine test with mechanic, all good.
We have/shall miss our first 2 events we planned to compete in, Barbados and Grenada. We are now heading directly to Antigua to participate in the RORC Nelson's Cup and the Caribbean 600 which starts 14th February.
Now for today, Monday 15 January 2024 1655
Cleared immigration at 1230 and then got fuel, 173 ltrs (100 in cans). The sea is very lumpy and no wind initially now we have a little on the nose so continuing to motor with main up to get south as there is an unpleasent band of wind coming if we stay on rhumb line or north Thursday/Friday. Today the weather is not nice with low cloud, 100% cover and temperature dropped to 18C.
Watch system will start after evening dinner at 1800UTC.
Evening meal will be irish stew, fresh bread, cheese follwed by pineapple in juice.