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Timshel - Cape Town to St Helena Day 1 and 2



Bit of a groundhog day for us. Left our berth, negotiated the 2 opening bridges, actually got a good position at the start though only because forced to tack to avoid another boat, found ourselves nicely placed at the end of the line and Thomas on Adrienne who was on starboard gallantly waved us through. But less than hour on sailing well the Raymarine system started to go into meltdown, obviously the various components were not updating each other, alarms going off and the autopilot was out of action. So we returned to V&A marina contacting an electrician recommended by John of Madrigal en route. Carl met us on the dock and immediately started pulling the boat apart, saying it must be the backbone. Eventually he located a corroded component right aft behind a panel. The panels were put back, we saw the marina office fixed a couple of other things - a small diesel leak and a cupboard catch, then set off one bridge opening behind Airpower who was starting late. We recalibrated the system and all seemed OK so we went on. Meanwhile we heard catamaran Misto was returning due to a broken bow sprit and damaged cross beam. Poor Ros and Howard. We passed them by Robben island. We started with a boisterous reach but wind gradually went down ended up motorsailing in the early hours wind only 5 knoots from ahead. And it was freezing! Had to put on thermals and even socks, I guess socks with crocks is not a good look but no Style police on board to see. We motorsailed on, the sun came out, and this afternoon got wind to sail closehauled on the correct course. Just heard from Misto that their repairs will be completed tomorrow which is fantastic but they may have to wait till Monday for a weather window to set off.


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