Position: 34 51.1 S 138 27.3 E
Course S Speed: 2.5 knots
Wind: SW F3, slight breeze
Sea: slight Swell: S < 0.5 m
Weather: sunny, warm
Day's Run: 6 nm

Last week my friend Ada from Sydney flew in for some time on board Sylph. Unfortunately, primarily due to ongoing engine problems, we have not been able to do much in the way of sailing. However, this morning after completing engine checks I decided a short sail would be okay so we have at long last thrown off the dock lines, motored out of the RSAYS basin and set some sail. Our goal is to get down to Port Noarlunga, fifteen miles south of our current position, to anchor for the night and hopefully do a bit of snorkelling tomorrow morning.

Thus far the winds have been very light and we are working our way slowly south with the big red code zero drawing us along at a sedate two and a bit knots. The wind is forecast to back into the SSE and freshen this afternoon, so I expect we will be changing the code zero for the jib soon and having to beat to windward. It is likely we will not get to Port Noarlunga until late but hopefully by then the winds will return to their usual overnight light airs which will make for a comfortable night at anchor.

As for the engine, having consulted with many experts I remain puzzled as to what is causing water to get into the injection pump chamber. The general consensus is that the most likely cause is a crack in the block or a damaged head gasket. As the latter is the less problematic of the two scenarios, I have ordered a new head gasket and when we get back to the Squadron later this week, I will take the head off and see if I can work out what is going wrong.

In the meantime we will enjoy a little bit of sea time.

All is well.