The kindness of Yachties

LandM

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12 Mar 2008
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Brighton Marina
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We are anchored at Rothesay. Looking forward to a good explore today. Just one snag....Flipping outboard won't start so its a row to shore and tried to forget about the row back later.

On our return to the dinghy, the OH starts rowing into the waves.....progress slow, when our neighbour, who we don't know from Adam (but sails a Sun Fast called Aztec), whizzed over in his outboard to ask if we need a tow.

Tow gratefully accepted...saved about fifteen minutes of gloom.....led us back to the boat, a cheery wave and off he went.

Isn't that wonderful.......I've read so much about yachties helping each other and now we have our first experience of it. Would like to thank him again if he reads this forum.

Outboard still Not started though so off to Largs tomorrow to seek out a mechanic
 
LandM,

I'm sure this is quite usual between boat owners, power or sail.

I've had various help from mobo's ranging from being adrift in the tender in a gale to needing a box of matches / bottle of wine when the pub was shut, all offered not requested !

I'd like to think we reciprocated on the way, that's what it's all about ?

Have fun,

Andy
 
Thank you for posting this.

I enjoy sailing for the shear delight of being out here. It is helped tremendously by the friendliness of other boat owners ..... a true community that helps one another.

The only time I found the life wanting was when I cruised through Florida ...... and then it was only a few selfish motor-boaters that were objectionable. On the other hand cruising Alabama and Louisiana was an absolute delight.
 
I was out on the Crouch last week on my bilge keeler and towed a broken down jet ski back to the landing ramp at Hullbridge. Many will say I should have sunk it!!
I hope Dylan doesn,t read this!!!
 
If your outboard was functioning well the last time it was used, the cause is almost certainly that the spark plug has been overwhelmed with liquid fuel before it had the chance to ignite the vaporous stuff. Before going to the trouble and expense of getting someone to look at it, try unscrewing the plug, close the throttle and turn the engine over for a few times. Dry the plug if it looks wet, then attach it to the lead and balance the business end of it on the cylinder head near to its screwed hole. Turn the engine over again, with any ignition switch turned on, and you should be able to see the spark at the gap. Then put the plug back and try again, but don't overdo the choke at first.
 
We were in a Cala in Ibiza the other day when a forumite and his wife we had never previously met dropped in to see us on his boat. For the next two days they plied us with drink, cooked an amazing meal for our boat and another we were sailing with and gave us two wonderful days we will never forget. They were perfect company. When you are sailing on a tifgt budget things like this mean a lot but the best part was just meeting them and spending time with them. I hope one day we can do the same for them.
Don't let anyone say that the Scottish are tight. thanks "Babycakes"
 
A yacht anchored next to us, solo sailor who looked exhausted. Sent the Boss and dog over to invite him to join us for supper, he declined as was so tired and said already had his meal on the table. They chatted for a few minutes, dog was exploring the yacht, made arrangements for the next day. Boss heading back, man shouts "your dog ate my supper" - don't think he appreciated our attempted kindness... Sent Boss back with a meal, funny old life :)
 
Don't bother with Largs, pop up to Port Bannatyne and get the boatyard there to take a look. You can short term berth in the marina there.

Ironically, we were supposed to head to Port Bannatyne last night but decided to stay at Rothesay, ready for the Largs trip which now won't be happening due to the "warranty dealer" not agreeing to look at it under warranty! OH just having his bran flakes then off to investigate Vyv's suggestion. Thanks Vyv (there we have it....another helpful yachtie!)...We need to learn to fix this stuff eventually after all, just hoped we might have the thing more than a month before the first problem cropped up!
 
Don't let anyone say that the Scottish are tight. thanks "Babycakes"

I could also have called this the kindness of the Scots......we just spent an idyllic few days at Rhu marina seeing friends from Helensburgh and Glasgow. During that time we were ferried to Aldi, Asda, Farmfoods for shopping, fed and offered the luxuries of a bath and use of their washing machine, treated to two BBQs, a trip to the Highland Games and more. We took the family out for a trip on Pension Games, where we were taught to fish by them and ended up catching five mackerel. Even then we had to force them to take some back with them.
 
Dunno what make of OBM you have but on my old Honda the kill cord switch was a bit erratic and sometimes decided not to allow the thing to start. Changing over the red clip solved the problem.

I only found this fault after taking most of the engine to bits....
 
Yes people can be very kind-I was talking to a couple at Neyland Marina a few years ago and was admiring his new and large plotter and we were taklking about equipment etc. He then came over and said that he had upgraded his radar but that I could have his old monochrome system that was working fine. Sent a courier to collect and installed it and soon all working fine. Still not very good at using it mind!
 
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