So, What the hold up? Maybe David is scared of the 3000 miles of the next leg?....procrastinating?.....wants to live in Galapagos?........hmmm....could be.

But more to the point....there are some problems with Shearwater and her engines. To set out on the next leg, the longest and, one that puts one truly out of reach of anybody, it is crucial that all systems are working. And right now, they are not. The Port Engine on the last leg developed a overheating problem that is damnably elusive. This morning after days of work on it, I pulled up anchor and put the engines to the test.....the Port side failed again.

Additionally, the S Engine has developed leaks in the Sea Water Strainer....this is the filter that takes out any big engine-clogging stuff that comes in with the cooling sea water. The problem is the following: small cracks have developed in the strainer's plastic like cover ...they are now leaking. If that cover cracked, suddenly there could be a catastrophic amount of water coming in....many gallons a minute that would soon overwhelm the pumps. And within a few minutes the S Engine could be under water.

Thanks to my dear sister Lesley, the new strainer is in Panama...but no way to get here. So, do I head out into endless ocean and hope for the best?...or?

So, waiting, wondering, worrying.

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