104 from Hell

Let me hasten to add this was no reflection on the people involved. A fine bunch of guys who had nothing but fun.

The boat on the other hand, which shall remain nameless to keep the lawyers at bay, lived up to its name. One head didn't work and the second stopped working on Sunday. The fail safe battery system (three batteries two house and a seperate engine) failed Saturday evening. The engine battery was a failure, one of the house batteries had no water and the third was probably the only one working, masking the fault in the other two. Result, couldn't start the engine. So we had to sail of the anchorage and sail all the way back to the slip... Except the wind dissappeard mid morning. No batteries - no VHF. Fortunately my cell phone could get service so we called vessel assist for a jump start. When we got back the holding tank pumpouts were out of service and the one that was working was packed with boats. When we did finally squeeze in, the holding tanks acted like they were empty. That boat needs a full refit....

I was only along as a "Cruise and Learn" to make up the numbers and only one guy was doing his 104 exam. He had better pass to make this weekend worthwhile.... though to be fair he was an excellent cook. Dinner, breakfast and lunch were great. Cheers mate.

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