Geezer at the Helm
Worthy Sailing Mojo
Paul Worthington
Mon 4 Dec 2023 15:25
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14.28.35N: 47.27.86W
So - Sunday afternoon and 900 miles short of
our destination we suddenly lost steering whilst changing a sail. Out with the
toolkit to remove the steering inspection area to find that the autopilot motor
/ gearbox had failed -jamming in one position.
So with some quick thinking, and removal of
the connecting rod between the auto pilot gearbox and the rudder we were freed
of the jammed gearbox and steering reinstated to a great deal of relief all
around, not lease from the Skipper...
We got the trade wind sail back up on a
temporary bow fixing to replace the one that failed on Saturday. The winds got
up and after all the excitement of the steering we decided we needed a period of
calm so set up a smaller sail configuration of just the main sail and have been
sailing under that for the last 24 hours. A very peaceful night - all slept well
and we continue today - although the wind and seas have got up again which is
leading to some exciting sailing.
A few more boats are now coming on to our
radar as we gradually converge on St Lucia with just 780 miles to go. We reckon
on arriving on Saturday and
the Skipper has been told that we need to
arrive during daylight for maximum reception...
Ate well again last night on Paul's Chilli con
Carne - and extra G&T for passing 45 degrees west and thus in to -3hrs GMT
time zone.
We are now out of fresh food save three apples
and half a dozen oranges but I'm assured it takes at least a couple months
before scurvy sets in.
There's a lot of rocking and rolling going on
right now - and that's not only the music playing loud but the following wind
and swell.
More tomorrow!
Colin
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