7.03.2006


About 3o minutes away from the Edem Harbour...the engined stopped and we were out of petrol. I guess we thought we could make it without the reserve, but the boat's grumbling belly thought otherwise. This meant bleeding the engine. Mike and Ash have attempted this on cars but never on boats so they gave it there best shot (following the manual) but after the upteenth time hearing it just roll over...the discouragement set on amidst the crew as Ash kept us sailing around outside the harbour. The screw that keeps the air out of the engine was stripped so there was no way we could do it. We began to make our plan and Steve got the dingy ready. It was so hot outside and we were so close but now so far far away from getting there as there is no way you can sail into harbour without an engine. No go. Luckily, we had shaggy on board who, as a training Electrical Engineer, had been killing for a little project so he went at it and produced a washer for the screw ( and I seem to remember dental floss but that could just be me making him into a real life McGyver) to stop the air. We all felt a wave of encouragement until they turned it over once.....twice....three times....and on the fourth Mike told Ash to keep it going and we heard....urrrr..URrrr....UUUURRRRR........UUUUUUUURRRRRRUUUUMMMMM!!!!!!!! It was a go, we all clapped, and hailed Shaggy (and all the boys) for their fine efforts and back to the harbour we went. I was so relieved so was Ben as he didn't have to get Christos (the boat owner) to have to tow us in. What a last minute hitch/adventure. Posted by Picasa

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