Ben Edwards, crew 7th Oct
Hello. So the big news today was the refleks. We had tried and tried again to light it and it kept going out until no diesel came out. Mike then went upon an endeavour to discover and rectify the problem, whatever it may be. First he took the pump valve out. It was full of diesel bug, a form of fungus that lives in diesel and clogs up any kind of system it comes in contact with. So we cleaned that and tried again. Nothing. Then Mike checked the valve pump, clean. The transmission pipe, diesel bug, cleaned it, nothing. The ramrod that goes into the burning drum. Covered with soot, cleaned it, nothing. This left us all pretty stumped. The the wind came onto our head and we took the sail down. And the refleks started working again. It seems that for some reason the heating system only works when we’re not on a port tack, don’t know why. Probably won’t ever.
Not only did that piece of excitement take place but we’ve just come across a fishing vessel. I don’t know who they are but they’ve got to be pretty determined to go half way across the Atlantic Ocean for fish. I am impressed.
For the first time in quite a while I am experiencing proper rain. During the passages there was basically a lot of drizzle where as now we have proper heavy drops. Proper rain! It’s wonderful. Weird thing to get excited about I know but it’s really really nice. I’ve always loved being inside and warm when it’s raining outside. Even better when there’s thunder!
Looking forward to Britain (and Ireland first), see you tomorrow.
2 Comments. Leave new
Hi Crew,. Michael Brogan here Crew Northabout 2001-2005 (and after).
Congratulations all on a great achievement.
The run from Greenland home in October was always going to be challenging both for the Crew and boat. Where do ye intend to make landfall in Ireland.
From your position anywhere from Kilronan (Aran islands ..Southwards,,Kilrush.( 14 miles up the Shannon)…Dingle..Kinsale.. Any of These ports have good facilities and great for a bit of R&R .
You mentioned Bantry sometime ago. It wouldn’t be on the radar of most sailors on transit as its out of the way by sea and difficult to get to by land by car or especially by public transport if there is any exchange of crew.
Talking to Jarlath could meet ye and use our transport for your needs, and we have friends who would do the same in Kilronan /Aran/
Safe Sailing
Michael brogan
00353872510922
See ye in Ireland!!