Well we're under way at last - not without the, apparently compulsory, unexpected last minute reminders from Neptune as to who is really running things. Destiny was sitting quietly in the pond at the Squadron minding her own business and being stuffed with food and wine, when the lift pump to our header/day tank failed while we were filling said tank. It had been showing signs of senility for some time, and at least had the good grace to shuffle off while we were still alongside. Scott Griffiths, the mechanic at the Squadron, had previously given us a spare that he had lying around, and this was called into action and bolted in place after a stout bracket was hastily welded up. It is a geared pump and is actually much better than the old one. John then did a quick engine oil change and replaced the cooling water pump impeller, and finally changed a length of old hose in the cooling system - better to anticipate than react!
So with all T's crossed and I's dotted we slipped the lines, rounded Bradley's Head mast and left Port Jackson, helped away by Bob and Marion. A short day-sail to Coaster's Retreat for what felt like a well-earned libation or three, then in the morning a motor-sail upwind to RPAYC where we met up with our good friends Mike and Lynn Brown on "Wombat" - they are South Carolinians who sail an Australian-registered Beneteau. Mike is a very generous soul with whom we exchanged favours and help last year - including John sewing back Mike's nearly-severed little toe after an accident in Vanuatu.
Mike had his mast craned out yesterday and John had volunteered to help him, along with John Cerutty from "Aurielle", with swaging up terminals and cutting rigging wire for the new rig. John admires Mike's courage in doing his own rig, but Mike seems pretty confident in his approach. We will stop here helping Mike for another day; when that is done we expect Alex and Di on "Kukka" to join us to head north to Coffs Harbour. It's just as well we have Mike's job to help with, as the weather is cloudy, rainy and cold - not ideal to be at sea.
Cheers,
John and Shauna