Friday April 24th,  2015

Nanny Cay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands 18 23.9N 64 38.2W

Today's Blog by David  (Time zone: BST -5.0; UTC -4.0)

So, after the boat had lain in Jolly Harbour for two months, plugged into the shore to maintain the batteries while we were away in the UK, earlier this month  we slipped our mooring late afternoon with fully charged batteries and went out to anchor overnight before an early departure to St Barthelemy.  Twelve  hours later the battery voltage read 23.9V.  (For those of you who do not know – this was not good news L )  Deepest joy!

We spent a couple of days trying to assess whether we could get the boat back to the UK in this state – i.e. coax and stroke the batteries  for the 10 week journey.  Well, we might have done it – I don’t know - but once we determined that there were 12 brand new,  identical  batteries available to  us in BVI,  common sense prevailed. 

All that was left was the logistical problem of getting 12 new batteries – each weighing 58lbs - to the boat -  and onto  the boat – while simultaneously removing 12 old batteries from below the floor, to the dock side and then disposing of them.  

Meticulous planning was required. Fortunately,  we were able to secure a berth in Nanny Cay where the battery supplier was located.  They delivered to the dockside and collected the old batteries.  We devised a bridle and used the topping lift to remove the old batteries before  bringing the new ones on board:

Lenie: In charge of battery movements

All that then was left was to stitch the system together.

Peter doing the difficult bits  - David doing the knitting

I am happy to report that this job was one of those few yottie jobs which went entirely according to – and indeed faster than - plan.  From docking the boat, to the celebratory ‘Splice the Mainbrace’ on completion,  only four and a half hours had elapsed. We were – and we remain – pleased with ourselves!  (Pride before  fall – and all that! - Ed)

Today,  we stayed in Nanny Cay, attached to the shore power in order to allow the batteries to equalise and more generally to get accustomed to their new home.  

Tomorrow? Off into the wilderness.