pmagowan
Well-Known Member
Yesterday I went to the boat in Glenarm to take off the anchor chain so that I could have a run down to the chandlery to buy a new one. Weather was lovely so decided that I would head out with my parents for a quick scoot about and to test the new genoa tracks. Once out, the weather really was lovely, although not enough wind to get sailing and we started to think about going a bit further afield. Now, we are not fully preped yet and so the boat only had half a tank of fuel, a bit in a spare plus the emergency 10L can. Sanda was mentioned and without an official pre-prepared plan we turned to starboard and chugged along at a pleasurable 5 knots hoping we would have enough diesel to make it.
Now, this all sounds like the start of a disaster and we really should have been more sensible. Anyway, arrive off Sanda and went to drop the hook. When I got to the right spot I put the boat into reverse and instead she increased speed forward. Had another go with the same effect. Both ways on the throttle gave me forward and neutral gave me forward as well. Took her for a spin round to prevent ramming the Island and stuck my head under the cockpit floor to find that the little connector between the gearbox and throttle had dosed and fallen off. Just a matter of pushing it back on temporarily and we had full controll. Dropped the hook, out with the rum (which luckily was still floating about the bilges from last year) and Mum found a couple of packets of chilli con carni from the 'Look what we have found' range.
Beutiful sunshine, an otter passed by, a couple of puffins bobbed about and the sound of the silki's could be heard on the still eavening air. Nice bite to eat, turn about and head the 20nm to home. Sunset was spectacular and all the nav lights still work. Got home at 1:30am and straight to bed. Did it all wrong but had a great day out.
Now, this all sounds like the start of a disaster and we really should have been more sensible. Anyway, arrive off Sanda and went to drop the hook. When I got to the right spot I put the boat into reverse and instead she increased speed forward. Had another go with the same effect. Both ways on the throttle gave me forward and neutral gave me forward as well. Took her for a spin round to prevent ramming the Island and stuck my head under the cockpit floor to find that the little connector between the gearbox and throttle had dosed and fallen off. Just a matter of pushing it back on temporarily and we had full controll. Dropped the hook, out with the rum (which luckily was still floating about the bilges from last year) and Mum found a couple of packets of chilli con carni from the 'Look what we have found' range.
Beutiful sunshine, an otter passed by, a couple of puffins bobbed about and the sound of the silki's could be heard on the still eavening air. Nice bite to eat, turn about and head the 20nm to home. Sunset was spectacular and all the nav lights still work. Got home at 1:30am and straight to bed. Did it all wrong but had a great day out.
