Recuperation in Historic Harlingen

The last three weeks have been difficult, mainly because of engine problems from air in the diesel fuel supply which resulted in:

Five stressful port entries .

Forty five minutes of pounding surf and loss of engine when we crossed the numerous sand bars as we left Holland for Helgoland.

Six miles outside of Helgoland – a powerful microburst storm that buried the starboard deck of Adventuress.  The wind speed was measured in the sheltered harbor of Helgoland at Beaufort 12 (65 knots.)  We estimate we had apparent  wind at 75 to 80 knots…..and two subsequent storms at   40 to 45 knots.

Having to be towed into Helgoland harbor by a very efficient and helpful German SAR crew.

We thought we had solved the air in diesel fuel problem when we left Helgoland, but no!  After 19 hours of motor sailing down wind and just as we are sailing upwind in the channel to anchor behind Vlieland  (it is pitch dark at midnight), we lost the engine and once again discovered air in our diesel.  We tacked to our anchorage with the engine on low RPMs and dropped anchor.  (The mechanic we hired in Helgoland foolishly inserted a gasket in the compression fitting fuel connection at the top of the diesel tank.)

So, we hope that this is all behind us and we have just  spent three relaxing days in Harlingen, a beautiful Dutch city, enjoying the architecture and old streets bustling with all kinds of interesting little shops. And last night we had a delightful fun evening with our good Dutch sailing friends Werner , Ad, and their daughter Ann: we shared a tasty dinner at Restaurant Noorderport and swapped lots of stories.

 

Here are some pictures of this beautiful old trading harbor:

Here's to better sailing!  Cheers!

Nancy and John Knight

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