Position: 34 46.47 S 138 29.40 E
Alongside RSAYS Marina, Outer Harbor, Adelaide
Wind: N, F4 - fresh breeze
Sea: calm Swell: nil
Weather: partly cloudy, mild
Day's run: 31 nm

Ada and I have enjoyed our weekend in Port Vincent.

Yesterday morning at 1015 we slipped the mooring and sailed out of the Port in a light N'ly breeze to meet some of the yachts coming across the Gulf on a passage race. At midday, having met with some of the yachts, we tacked and started heading back, proceeding alongside the Port Vincent marina at 1310. Once Sylph was squared away we walked the two kilometres into town to do a bit of shopping and to have a beer at the pub. Then in the evening we shared a BBQ with fellow sailors from the Squadron and the CYCSA.

This morning the wind was considerably fresher, blowing 15 to 20 knots. At 0900 we manoeuvred out of the marina and, once clear, set sail with a reef in the main and the jib furled down to 60%. As we were clearing the marina I noticed that the engine throttle was not responding and subsequent investigation revealed that the morse control cable had become disconnected from the throttle lever. I was relieved that the problem had not happened at a more inconvenient moment, in particular as we were attempting to manoeuvre in or out of the marina berth.

We sailed close hauled on the port tack to round Middle Spit after which we were able to ease sheets and make directly for Outer Harbor on a close reach in the fresh NNE breeze. We had a mostly pleasant sail across the Gulf, sailing in company with the other Squadron and CYCSA boats, some eleven in number, and at around the halfway mark the wind backed more into the North and eased slightly, so I was able to set the full jib and the ride became significantly more comfortable.  Here I took the opportunity to fix the throttle cable and, after only a few curses as I squeezed myself into the cockpit hatch, I managed to make a temporary repair using some seizing wire.

The remainder of the sail was uneventful. At 1355 we entered the shelter of the Outer Harbor breakwaters then handed sail and proceeded under motor, coming alongside the Squadron marina at 1415.

All is well.