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
(If you with to provide feedback, please post directly on the blog or email us at: jfk48jfk@gmail.com or nshaubknight@gmail.com.
