Day 4 - Sailing at last
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Thu 18 Jan 2024 17:06
Another 40 litres of fuel added at daylight, just 20 litres left in cans, no plans to use that for motoring yet, especially as totally overcast today so no solar charging relying on methonal fuel cell.
At midday we switched off the engine as we could sail. What a relief. All morming we had about 4 knots on the nose and a 2-3 meter swell coming at us, then a very heavy downpour with a big shift and 12-14 knots of wind. Since then it has not been as sready as we would like as still shifting around, dropping to 4-5 knots then 22-24 knots. It should settle down in the next few hours and get 15-20 knots if forecast correct. We are enjoying the vibration free and quiet sailing. We have normally been above 6 knots sailing as opposed to just about 5 motoring.
Engine start battery voltage fluctuations solved. Loose connection of the meter line on the battery terminal. Oil leak source still not identified, nothing showing seepage where engine taken apart' Have some paper towel around dipstick connection on bottom of sump. Will check tomorrow state of the paper.
Not all leaks in forecabin solved, appear to be 2 small ones compared with previously. Forehatch window is one, when dry will duck tape external area. The other one still a mystery, will continue investigations. Did disturb some mosquitos when up there, got 2 of the blighters, think another one still on the loose.
Dinner will be Chicken Balti, peas, mash, cheese and half pears for sweet'