Al is able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as he has been relieved of broadcasting duties.
The RIB has stayed inflated overnight which has been a good test.
Al arranges some help from the marina’s line handlers to assists turning the boat around on the dock. They eventually show up and the task is completed without a hitch. Pointing into the wind allows us to put the furling fore-sail/genoa back up.
Al ties on and leads all the sheets back to the cockpit. He works on the foredeck slotting the sail into the groove. I get to flex my muscles grinding the sail to the top of the mast.
It’s hard work especially in the heat and we almost at the top when Al spots we have the sail upside down. We just hope none of the neighbours noticed. So take 2 is even harder and I am in such a full body sweat I have had to delete the video (not a pretty sight). We furl the sail away and congratulate each other on another task that can be ticked off.
Wikus our South African mechanic turned up today just after 2.30 much to our surprise and relief.
After an explanation of the history from Al, he quickly gets his tools and sets into motion. He performs a new compression test on each of the 3 cylinders and identifies this is not where the problem lies. Compression is good, and the previous marina test must have been performed incorrectly!
The engine is contaminated with sea water largely caused by the previous efforts to restart the engine. Wikis sets about drying the engine, but after a number of hours concedes defeat. The best thing is to leave the engine open to hopefully dry out overnight and try again tomorrow afternoon. Wikus has vowed to return tomorrow at 2pm.
Fingers are crossed and Wikus seems to know his onions so has our complete trust. I still fear there may be a more hidden reason for the failure to start.
The boat is slightly dishevelled with the engine compartment being left open and the boat smells uncomfortably of diesel. We have a Guinness for St Patrick’s day and eat out for a change at the Marina bar!!