A priceless day slips through our fingers as 'life'gets in the way....
So here we are where every day is golden to us. We just need one more good day where it all comes together.
Today we got the former but not the latter.
It was/is a great day. We called everyone in and prepared to hit the course once more.
Helena noticed that the data logger for the TACKTICK weather station was left over at speed-spot so she went over there to collect it.
On the way back the RIB bagan acting funny. I went and tried it out. The RIB cut out 50 meters from the yacht club jetty and wouldn't start again. There seemed to be no electrical power getting through. The alloy webbing fastner for the battery box was corroded so I cut it off with an old rusty knife we had on hand... a little later I noticed that I had also cut my shin to the bone! No pain and not too much bleeding... but a nice wound. So I waved down a guy on the jetty who towed us back in and we pulled the RIB out.
I had a look around but didn't want to waste the day so we called in the local Yamaha outboard guys whilst a local friend went and got a DIY first-aid stitching kit.
It really was the day we had been waiting for.
I was uploading the latest sailing video to youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X6l-xFFP7A) whilst Helena tried to stitch up my leg. I can tell you this... skin is bloody well tough stuff.
So we isolate the problem with the outboard and it seems to run fine. My leg is all bandaged up so we head for the boat ramp. I decide to jump in the boat so as to keep my leg dry. Helena and Hiskia are pushing the boat and trailer and as it comes off the ramp and onto the sand... the damned axle shears off and the RIB goes skidding into the sand. I was holding on but the anchor came and cut open my little toe.... more blood.
This day is cursed.
The outboard seems to be running fine but there is a new noise. I don't like new 'noises' in engines... I don't think anyone does.
I decided to shelve sailing for today. I hate the fact that we have missed a potentially great day. I don't think it would be strong enough for 40 knots but it would have been a very constructive day for practice and refinement.
We need to be 100% confident in the RIB as its failure could have all sorts of knock on effects.
So here is the video of our last run where the 'black box' flew off. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X6l-xFFP7A I will try and make it better as it is a bit crappy on youtube.
Meanwhile Pi Research have dispatched a new box which should be here in a few days. we decided that it was absolutely essential to have it.
We really do only have a scant few days of decent tide left. Then we have to make another big decision. The trouble is that the change of seasons will present the ultimate answer.
Aye yi yi... some days you just have to shake your head.
Cheers, Paul.
Today we got the former but not the latter.
It was/is a great day. We called everyone in and prepared to hit the course once more.
Helena noticed that the data logger for the TACKTICK weather station was left over at speed-spot so she went over there to collect it.
On the way back the RIB bagan acting funny. I went and tried it out. The RIB cut out 50 meters from the yacht club jetty and wouldn't start again. There seemed to be no electrical power getting through. The alloy webbing fastner for the battery box was corroded so I cut it off with an old rusty knife we had on hand... a little later I noticed that I had also cut my shin to the bone! No pain and not too much bleeding... but a nice wound. So I waved down a guy on the jetty who towed us back in and we pulled the RIB out.
I had a look around but didn't want to waste the day so we called in the local Yamaha outboard guys whilst a local friend went and got a DIY first-aid stitching kit.
It really was the day we had been waiting for.
I was uploading the latest sailing video to youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X6l-xFFP7A) whilst Helena tried to stitch up my leg. I can tell you this... skin is bloody well tough stuff.
So we isolate the problem with the outboard and it seems to run fine. My leg is all bandaged up so we head for the boat ramp. I decide to jump in the boat so as to keep my leg dry. Helena and Hiskia are pushing the boat and trailer and as it comes off the ramp and onto the sand... the damned axle shears off and the RIB goes skidding into the sand. I was holding on but the anchor came and cut open my little toe.... more blood.
This day is cursed.
The outboard seems to be running fine but there is a new noise. I don't like new 'noises' in engines... I don't think anyone does.
I decided to shelve sailing for today. I hate the fact that we have missed a potentially great day. I don't think it would be strong enough for 40 knots but it would have been a very constructive day for practice and refinement.
We need to be 100% confident in the RIB as its failure could have all sorts of knock on effects.
So here is the video of our last run where the 'black box' flew off. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X6l-xFFP7A I will try and make it better as it is a bit crappy on youtube.
Meanwhile Pi Research have dispatched a new box which should be here in a few days. we decided that it was absolutely essential to have it.
We really do only have a scant few days of decent tide left. Then we have to make another big decision. The trouble is that the change of seasons will present the ultimate answer.
Aye yi yi... some days you just have to shake your head.
Cheers, Paul.
posted by Paul at 4:24 pm
2 Comments:
you had your friend stitch you up....not gonna lie....thats pretty hardcore...good luck on the next few runs.
hello Paul and Helena
There's a long time that I haven't send you a small word, but I always follow your story. I am really interested in all your acts and conmpletly with you. I am impressed in your ablility to realised your dream.
All my best wishes
Florian
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