So, the day has finally come, when we run round like headless chickens trying to get everything made ready for the big off. Let’s get that liferaft properly fitted to the stern, we need five 20l jerry cans of fuel, quick – Sainsburys is closing and we need to provision the boat etc.

 

But, all was made ready, we were looking all good to go. We slipped lines at Falmouth and waved our last goodbyes to loving family waving at the dock (James’s uncle Richard and auntie Pam doing a valiant job of representing all our families!).

 

Fantastic, we were off into the blue, start the log, the adventure has begun…

 

Until…

 

Hang on, no revs showing on the engine counter. And the wind generator is going like crazy but we’re showing battery discharge right now. What’s going on???

 

Clearly there is some problem with the alternator (she says with the air of confidence of any mechanic in training…) which means a few frantic calls to our engineer and electrician back in Mylor (not ideal last thing on a Friday) and a swift return to our home berth.

 

Upshot is that we had to get a new (second hand) alternator fitted and fingers crossed we’ll be all good after that. Watch this space…