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Solstice - Gulf stream crossing



Quote of the day: "Not only is the sea unspoiled and without artificiality, there is a primeval quality, a purity surrounding its environment. Maybe you appreciate the sea because when you are lost upon its vastness your life is not jammed up with the trivia, the meaningless detail, and the foolish stuff of civilization." --Hal Roth

[Don] SV Solstice is happy to report that though our GenSet is down and out for the count, we've been able to get our engine repaired and we're back underway. The engine repair took a back-seat while the winds were strong and we were able to keep the batteries charged by other means, but after the wind generator got stuck by a flying lanyard and the GenSet died, it became clear that we didn't have enough solar charging to keep up with demand. So at night without solar, we sailed without autohelm in two hour shifts. (I personally enjoyed the experience to get back to basics.) Push came to shove with regard to engine repair when the refrigerator warmed up, meaning we would be out of fresh food fairly soon. 

The engine repair became more pressing. All day Friday we sat without wind and spent the afternoon working on the engine. At about six PM, we started her up and she maintained temperature and we were back underway, moving at 5+ knots and charging batteries.

Today, we're still in doldrums. Motoring on, and on, and on....incessant rumble, "...that tin Judas down below." --Frank Wightman 

The theme for this trip is "all or nothing". 

We're also happy to report that Ray's injuries were not as bad as first anticipated. He's back to his cheerful self and working hard. We are in great spirits and having a blast. Tom is looking forward to that first rum punch at dockside.

A quote for yesterday and bloody engines: "Now, motors, like women, are not all bad, but it must be admitted there is a great difference among them. I prefer the simple, clean, reliable ones, and admire the economical ones, and almost love the quiet ones that are small and don't smell..."

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