Charlie and Nicolas First Visit!

The previous weekend we had endured the engine cutting out and were still unsure why. Boats have a wonderful tendency to go wrong in the very worst of places and as we motored out down the busy River Hamble the engine cut out again. A change in fuel tanks didn’t solve the problem as it had previously but a change to a different fuel filter did the trick. Sounds simple but it’s heart stopping stuff!

Off we headed as Tom had set a course to explore shallower waters on the way to Chicester. That plan didn’t last long as the wind direction meant deeper waters.

The next bit of drama was the smell of fuel. Initially thinking it was passing ferries, the persistent smell called for investigation, and fuel was discovered flowing out of an exhaust at the stern! Heart-stopping time again! It was going to be one of those days! As it turned out the change in fuel tank was fine but it was pumping back to another tank and was overflowing. Tis a learning curve indeed.

We tackled the main passage of the submarine cable for something slightly different and then headed up into the Chicester channels. It certainly was a busy day with a lot of boats but pretty nonetheless. We arrived in Itchenor to be met by friend John Robbins in his new rib, and against a heaving tide rafted up alongside a LCSC boat on a Cowes Week cruise.

John who is fast becoming our engine tutor jumped onboard and diagnosed the dreaded diesel bug is what is causing out problems. And being the damn nice fellow he is, supplied some treatment to cure it. We’d be lost without John!

Dinner was onboard and Charlie and Nicola like us enjoy good wine and had excelled themselves in bringing along some very nicely drinking vintage bubbly, Riesling and a Chablis! In addition a lovely bottle of sloe gin made by themselves was presented and is now to be found in ‘Toms Bar’ ready for suitable evenings.

A trip ashore on Johns rib for a pint in the pub, back to the boat for a whisky, and the next morning I was feeling a tad worse for wear. Something that happens often when on the same boat as Charlie.

A late start, we explored some of the Chicester Channel, and slowly motored back home.

Totally pleasant weekend and affirmations from Charlie and Nicola that they will be joining us in the Med and maybe even further. Splendid!