We attempted to go through the Gibraltar strait this morning! Did all the proper sailing rituals, like waking up in the middle of the night and all that, but it was not to be.
30 knots on the nose, pretty big waves, fog, just about everything. First the oil indicator collapsed, then, while investigating that I had to bleed the engine too, since I turned it on with the fuel shut-off valve closed. Predictably it died after about 20 seconds, as fuel wasn’t exactly on the way :-). It really was not meant to be, we decided, heavy motor-sailing is not fun. So turned back to Barbate, going to stay here for a few days, long overdue repairs and all that. The engine mounts are starting to go, which is the main worry, and both bilge pumps have kicked the bucket, 2 days apart! Can you believe it. So time to relax and fix things!
Meanwhile, it’s 30 degrees, and The Admiral and myself decided that it could be a lot worse, like in Scotland or something, with -10C and freezing cold seas. At least it’s hot! 1300 miles and counting, just not for the next few days.
Hope all is well with you all, Tingara out.
Tags: Plan of action, Spain