Another sunny out here and still no wind.  After yesterday’s exertions we’re making the most of it being a Sunday and still to have a lazy day.   Thank goodness for the “iron horse” or we’d be going mad by now.  At least with the motor running we create a bit of a breeze to keep cool by.  

The genoa fuller’s problem is now diagnosed - broken motor and broken drive belt.  Totally ker*%@$ed.  We have a manual override which does work although it’s fiddly, so we’ll only bother when the wind’s worth it as continual adjustment is now out of the question. 

We emailed a fellow ARCer for some suggestions about how we might fix the genoa (before realising it was a gonner) and he emailed us back with a catalog of equipment failure he’s experienced so far.  Having experienced it now first hand, I can see why this crossing puts such a strain on the equipment. 24 hr sailing (or motoring), often with the sails set in a constant trim where the ropes all contact the fixings at the same point for hours on end, can create the same amount of wear that might take a year or more under normal Solent cruising conditions.  Glad Qing is a tough boat, even if things do break she gives confidence that she’ll get us there in one piece.

Tommy - I’ve followed your suggestion of making a solar still and have a prototype on the deck (see photo) to try.  I’ll let you know if it works. I have a suspicion I’ll have to modify the design if it’s to make enough water to survive on!

Hope you’re feeling better Jaynie.

Lots of love to you all,

Tom xxx