The locals had a better day than us.
After a great day out and about in the countryside, we arrived back in Deshaie. We decided to continue our French themed day, picked up some cheese, a fresh baguette and some Bordeaux. So far so good but then we had one of those moments. The outboard dies about 6ft from the boat. We started drifting back as it was blowing like a lot. I picked up an oar and Paul picked up the other oar that promptly fell in half. It seemed the pop rivet that holds the two halves together had popped out and the paddle half of his oar was afloat (thank goodness they float.) We finally managed to pick up the half oar we had lost after going around in a few circles with one oar. But now it seemed we were moving out to sea at a great rate of knots. We finally managed to grab one of the anchored boats and they generously allowed us to tie up while we sorted out the outboard. We checked for the obvious – have we got fuel. Next, as Paul took off the fuel cap for the outboard, the clip that holds it on broke and the fuel cap fell into ocean. The fetch was enough to get water into the dinghy and I could see the baguette being ruined. I managed to save half the baguette. Eventually we got the outboard started and made our way back to the boat but it really needed some TLC; minus a fuel cap. But the day got better; I was able to resurrect enough of the baguette to enjoy with some very nice Brie and Bordeaux. So a good ending to a good day. And all we need to do is fix the outboard and oar. That is the other side to cruising – fixing the boat in yet another exotic location.