A high pressure system has moved across the Atlantic, bringing lighter winds and calmer seas. Yachts like us have been waiting for this opportunity to cross the Bay of Biscay and beyond.
A week or so ago we battened down the hatches for the forecasted 99 mph winds - not an accurate forcast as the morning after the Marina office weather display showed that it only reached 98.2 mph. Ha ha. Even moored in the sheltered Marina du Chateau, here in Brest, we had a very uncomfortable night and I was seasick come the morning.
On Sunday yachts started leaving. David, Elaina and friends set off for Lisbon.
An American family set sail for the Canaries. Two more Yachts left for the same destination. None were going to La Caruna (our target) unfortunately, as we would like some company.
We decided to go Monday. The day came, we were looking at an 11.30 cast off. The washing we didn't do the night before at the laundrette, due to torrential rain, didn't go well. The machines had developed a fault and took longer than expected. A mad dash to town for supplies ended up us having to hunt high and low for a tabacconist that was open on a French Bank Holiday. Just about still on target we decided to fuel up while waiting for the washing. The new engine start battery was flat.
That was it. We weren't going anywhere.
That day and the day after, with the help of our neighbour Lauren, we tried to find out why the new battery with the bright green 'ok' indicator had not been charged. Had our previous exploding battery damaged the electrical system?
We missed the leaving of Sodebo the huge French trimaran going on a solo circumnavigation. We were down below rewiring the battery charger connections.
After tracing and labelling every cable - a very worth while task, you find things you didn't know you had and stuff you don't need - we sorted out a sure fire charging system. The battery was left to charge for the afternoon. Still wouldn't start the engine but read over 12 volts. The other batteries when switched in, started the engine easily.
Conclusion - Duff battery. We trollied it back to the Chandlers before they shut for the day. Once there I put my Multi tester over the terminals one more time. 9 volts. Jeeeez.
They exchanged the battery no problem. We paid a little extra for a different brand that had a good charge when tested.
Back on the boat the engine started. So if it's still ok in the morning we are finally setting sail.
We were invited aboard Lauren's catamaran to share the wine we gifted him and partake of o'deuves prepared by wife Celia and the company of their two darling daughters.
Previously we had been entertained by Mark, Sarah and boys x3 of catarmaran 'Tarquilla' for a bonfire night celebration (the English Bastile day?). The Wildes' are an English Family who have been cruising the coast of France for 2 years. They are a lovely family and a mine of information. Look up the name of their boat to read their blogs.
sarahontarquilla.blogspot
During our time here we have done plenty of maintenance on the boat.
No comments:
Post a Comment