Best laid plans
11 December 2016 | So near
Ian Sales
We thought we would keep the autopilot on with the hydrovane and we had been running the engine for 2 hours each evening to charge the batteries. As we had 60 litres fuel in cans on deck I thought we should top up a bit. We knew this would not be easy in 20 knots with 3 metres swell rolling us around. The plan was to decant half a full can into an empty which gives 2 cans that are more manageable and allow me to tip them into the filter which fits neatly into the deck filler. We have a pressure pump which is OK for this as it can be done in the cockpit. The first half can went in OK, but the second either because it was fuller or we were rolled badly spilt some on deck. My foot slipped on this and I kicked the filter overboard and spilt a bit more. Net result we got about 15 litres in the tank with a bit left in the can,Diesel spilt on the deck ,my shoes, one of the cockpit cushions and a modicum of criticism. So we forgot about any more topping up! Later in the evening about an hour before dark we were sailing along under poled out headsail and I was busy doing calcs based on boat speed, miles to go to calculate our ETA. A favourite perch of mine is to stand on the companionway steps looking back. I noticed the steering wheel was not moving which it normally does as the autopilot adjust the course. On investigation the steering wheel was not connected to anything...aaaargh!. Now a logical thinker would know the autopilot does not need the wheel and was probably working OK, but I turned off the pilot as I was not sure what caused the problem. I then made it to the stern and attached the emergency tiller, after rolling away the genoa and putting out the mainsail. Lots of difficult fiddling about trying to get the boat on track, secure the tiller and get the hydrovane to steer. Finally managed this as it got dark and we ended up on course for the night. I reflected on all this and reckoned we could have just carried on as we were using the autopilot, so in the morning I would change back. The decision was made for us just after dawn as a squall hit, one of the lines to the tiller broke and we ended up hove to, safe but not going anywhere. I disconnected the emergency tiller and engaged the autopilot and as expected it all worked and we are on our way again. I have advised rally control that we will probably need help mooring up but should be able to get close to the dock, lets hope we are not prey for the boat boys and are cleaned out before we begin. Just to add insult to injury we will probably arrive too late on the 13th and have to slow down to arrive first thing on 14th, another night at sea, at least we have plenty of Fray Bentos.