Malua is at 34:29.97N 13:35.13W at sea on 1/10/12

Yesterday after the strong winds of the previous night was great sailing.  The wind was aft of the beam and we were romping along with one reef, stay sail and Genoa out.  There was a bit of a cross sea so all was not smooth down below.  Pete and I both caught up on some sleep.  I ran the generator for two hours to charge the battery because the autopilot and fridge was draining is at about 10 amps.  That done we settled down to a easy passage through the night with a big full moon.

Suddenly a call on the radio.  Please look out for the two yachts on a collision course with you.  The AIS had just picked up on at about five miles on the starboard side and well clear.  I could not see the other on the AIS or radar so I called him on the radio.  Do you have AIS and how far are you ahead of your mate.  The answer was no AIS and at least 5 nm.  It was nothing to worry about so I turned in asking Pete to call me when we were closer to the leading yacht.  About a half hour later I was on deck with the stern light of the yacht off the starboard bow but we were closing fast.  I adjusted the helm and we slid past his stern and we were off on our course to Madeira.  They more than likely to the Canaries.  That is at least 6 yachts we have seen on that route – why not stop at Madeira?

This morning I could not start the generator so turned on the major Yanmar engine.  It did not sound right.  I looked over the side and no water was coming out the outlet.  Stop the engine.  I knew I should have changed the impeller while in a marina.  Out with the tools, take the cover off and there appeared to be nothing wrong except I could not get the impeller out.  Apply some Australian lanolin.  Turn the engine over and the impeller slid out easily.  I replaced it from my store and put everything back again but still no water.  I filled the filter and the inlet hose, started the engine and the full flow of water gushed over the side.  One of life's little mysteries that make a simple day at the office at sea quite challenging

A magical moment on Malua