Dear all, I have now set-up the system to be able to provide short text updates (no photos) via HAM Radio. My HAM call sign is DL9BS. It will come into play at the time leaving teleco networks further out at sea. On the last leg from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Cherbourgh we had no telco coverage for about 20 out of the 26 hours. As we are heading more towards open sea in near future, this system shall be very handy to stay in touch. It will also support us to get updated weather information while out at sea. Fair winds…
Keep sharp lookout - floating object sighted.
Nice warning received from a motorboat heading towards our direction. Shortly after, Inge from SY malwieder, spotted the object and warned SY Collette and myself following their wake. 👍
We have decided to bite the bullet. As the wind is not getting more favourite over the next week or so, we will use a weather window of “no wind and minimum swell” to run under engine through the night to Cherbourg. Not preferred by anyone but the desire to get out of the English Channel into real Bluewater in near future is dominant and we accept some pain to come with it. Fair winds…
Today we reunited with Inge und Ralf from SY malwieder as the engine problem discovered got rather quickly resolved in IJmuiden and with a lot of hardship they made it back to catch us here in Boulogne-sur-Mer! 😀 At 9am they passed Cap Gris-Nez, where I welcomed them via VHF Radio by taking a morning bike ride to the cape. We are now planning next steps after a decent brunch together. Fair winds…
Our Fischer Panda 6.5kW generator has only accumlated 170h in 19 years. Basically it is brand-new but…aging pays its tribute. It only reluctantly started the last few weeks until it completely stopped 2 days back not giving any kind of signal anymore while pressing the START button. Reading, research and testing got intensified and the culprit was found this morning…a 10$ relay, which deteriorated over time until complete failure. Spares are ordered. Boat life…