Fai Tira Blog Monday 22nd August

Mackay 21:06.67S 149:13.63E`  

 

We arrived in Mackay having been towed by Blue Magic for 52 hours. We were met on the quay by Jenny Morton who lives with Keith in Mackay.  After a small celebration with Mark and Chrissie whom we had followed for all those hours, we started to investigated the problem of the engine not working. The problem always pointed to fuel and the only filter we hadn’t changed was the one on the engine, the reason being that we hadn’t a spare, it being a bespoke Vetus filter.  Anyway, I approached the local marine mechanic and he had a Volvo filter that fitted.  The engine burst into life and ran as if there had never been a problem.  Keith turned up later and we headed off in search of replacement filters.  We arrived at a local firm that specialised with fuel and air filters.  They told us where the problem lay and we promptly ordered a selection of new filters.  The next morning we were due to be lifted out to enable us to anti-foul.  Please see the pictures below of the lift out and lift in and check out the difference 5 days of hard toil produces.

 

Before

After

 

I was staying with Bridget, whilst the boys stayed on board.  Bridget kindly lent me her car to do the running about in.  I dropped her off at work at 7.00am and the headed for the ship yard where Fai Tira was waiting to be pampered.  

Please note this is not a holiday.

 

 

This the team that helped out.  Note that beer was involved.  Thanks Hans.

 

 

It was a long way up as the tide was out. 

 

After working hard all afternoon I headed back to Bridget’s house and was confronted by a big green frog.

 

 

Big green frog.

 

 

John and Bridget.  She brought us cake so we set her to work scraping (no, not really).  Note John’s fashionable shorts.

 

Saturday night saw us at the yacht club where the BWR crews enjoyed a night of eating, drinking and dancing.

 

 

A great time was had by all especially the American contingent as you can see. 

We say goodbye to Peter and Marg from Peregrina. We are going to miss you guys.

There are also a number of other boats leaving the rally in Australia we wish them all well and pleasant sailing.

SEE YOU IN DARTMOUTH.

 

 

 

Metal boats need a lot of maintenance and we worked hard to make sure Fai Tira was going to look good.  Lots of scraping, painting and filling required, followed by more painting. The result was great.  Thanks to Jeremy who worked long hours to support the Fai Tira team.

 

 

John spent all his time working, he hadn’t left the marina or seen anything of Australia.

 

 

All ready to go in the water.

 

 

Back in the water.  She still floats.

 

 

Mackay marina with its lighthouse bar.  We spent a lot of time here.

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We would like to thank Bridget, Keith and Jenny for their help and support over the last few days. 

You guys have been fantastic. 

 

Keith and Jenny

 

Also we would like to thank Ron and Connie Morton and Hilda for giving us a lovely send-off party and meal at their house.

 

 

We are now heading off to the Whitsunday Islands.

 

More later.  Pete, John and Jeremy.