Thursday 26th July '12

At 09:51 hrs The Kipper updated us as follows:

'Morning, having motored all night in a very light westerly wind (draught more than wind) we are now about 30 miles from Almeria.  We are considering keeping going to Torrevieja (another 24 hours from this eveninng).  We could then meet up with Dano and Viv (aka Alan & Vivien).  Will keep you posted.'

Given the report of the light wind conditions, The Sribe enquired if the nasty, scheming, vicious little sail had been given it's freedom.  The report at 15:04 hrs was as follows:

'That recalcitrant sail has been kept safely buttoned up in the forepeak.  Had a couple of problems during the night, the engine almost died, appeared to be cured  after I bled the system.  It died again at lunchtime and wouldn't clear so sailed into Puerto de Aguadulce.  On the approach to the harbour tried the engine, it started and ran correctly.  Will change all filters on oil and try again.  A frustrated Kipper.'

The Kipper sent this picture of the windscoop working it's magic - present from The Scribe prior to leaving the UK









By 20:16 hrs, The Kipper wrote:

'Job done with able assistance from the crew-of-two.  Engine restarted first time and sounded like an engine should!  See what tomorrow can throw at us!'

By 20:19 hrs it seemed things had changed...

'Will be working on fuel system changing filters this evening, keeping fingers crossed it all works.  Will have a 24 hour run up to Torrevieca to try it out.'

At 18:37 hrs on Friday 27th July they were well on their way again:

'Left port this morning at 09:30, decided to give the engine a good run before crossing to Ibiza.  So the wind decided to blow in our favour for once, had a brilliant sail, maintained 6 - 7 knots all day.  Wind has now died off to 8 knots so can now try out the engine.  Heading for Torrevieja, should arrive by about 10:00 in the morning.'

At 19:46 hrs, The Kipper wrote:

'Violence has broken out on board...fly killing is back on the agenda!  Where do they come from?  I know where they go...fly hell!!!'

If anyone reading this might know of a good entomology professor who could help with this problem, could you put them in touch with The Kipper.  Thank you kindly. 

That was the last update from The Kipper and the crew-of-two, hopefully they should be nearing Ibiza and will soon be ashore exploring the sights and sounds...and no doubt, the bars...