I left Guapa last night feeling confident that everything would be done when I arrived today at 16H00. I had even left a little list of 8 items to be completed. Was everything done? Of course not - can't say I was even surprised. Angry? Yes. But surprised? No.
Of my list of 8 points 2 had been done, but it seems they frittered away 4 precious hours on minor cosmetic details, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this was the final day, that we were sailing - no matter what. Good craftsman, but couldn't manage a piss-up in a brewery.
Now what? We sail at 23H00 - you've got till then.

With Alain as crew we left our berth at 22H30 to bunker. Still some jobs left undone, but I was past caring. The boat could sail and I just wanted to get out of the place.

The moment we left the dock I felt like a weight had been lifted of my shoulders. She was mine again. Motoring down the Scheldt river with the tide. Quiet and almost relaxing.

The peace and quiet wasn't going to last long. Just short of Zandvliet the engine spluttered and then died. There was some wind from the right so I quickly hoisted the sails. Speed had taken a knock, but at least we were still moving.
Then the wind - of course - veered. Bang on the nose. Tacking downriver across one of the busiest fairways in the world. Centrale Zandvliet on our case: 'What do you think you are doing?' - or words to that effect. I explained our predicament and they were most understanding and promised to 'keep an eye on us'.

And so it continued - not everyone was so understanding (Centrale Hansweert and Flushing in particular). One even sent the police after us. Had to promise to keep out of the fairway 'as much as possible'. We tried.

The tide had turned against us, so I started fiddling with the engine. Cleared the cooling circuit and changed the impeller. Job done. All OK for about 15 minutes... then the stern gland started smoking. Another check - added extra grease. Next: splashing sound from down below. Engine more or less afloat. Stern gland had been crying it's eyes out. Pumped out and stern gland nuts tightened.

We skipped the scheduled stop in Breskens, it would have been a shame to waste the favourable tide. We finally secured in Ostend at 18H00. Ninety-six miles in nineteen hours. Not bad under the circumstances.

I need sleep - lots of it. Our mechanic will have his work cut out for him in the morning. It never rains but it pours.
At least the family would be over for the final stretch home.