A Stuttering Start 40:33.0N 25:42.2W 116 miles from Terceira and 1034 miles to go to Pwllheli
Ellatrout3
Mon 4 Aug 2014 20:39
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The above position is at Noon GMT Monday 4th August
2014
We planned to leave at 0900 yesterday and were ready by
1100. Unfortunately the engine did not want to leave this lovely warm
climate and refused to start. The heater plugs appear not to be working
since leaving Plymouth but the engine has always obligingly started - but
not this time! It is Sunday in the middle of the festival, no chance of
mechanical assistance; What to do?? What all enlishmen do in a
crisis - put the kettle on!! We drained the water out of the engine and
filled it with boiling water out of the kettle, fingers crossed we hit the
starter button and reluctantly she started. We finally got way at 1210
with good wishes from our new aquaintances and a bottle of port from
Pedro.
This time we sailed out of the harbor with our passports
checked so did not have to return to base to see the customs man like last
time!
The sail started welll, the sun was shining, the sea was
calm and we travelled at a respectable 4 to 5 knots, all feeling jolly pleased
with ourselves. No one was feeling illl:))
About 5pm however we noticed that the sail repair done by
Shauna, Dad and James was beginning to come unstuck! So Patch and I crawled
along the deck(yes Niall we were harnessed on) and took down the jib and
replaced it with a smaller one. Dad has spent a large part of today sewing the
patch back on (not the Patch...he's still running around free!!)
The weather has been just as beautiful today but with a
bit stronger winds so averaging just under 6 knots. Dad was up a lot last
night due other ships and wind changes so we're hoping for a quieter night
tonight.
lots of love Poppa/Dad/Roger
Sarah/Mummy and Patch xxxxxxxxx
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