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(Page 11).

11.30hrs
I've phone Seamark Nunn in the UK and was advised their Yamaha engineer would be in tomorrow. If I talk to him I will at least have a better idea what the problem is. Both engines when they run for the few seconds smoke heavily. I'm beginning to suspect that I may have 100 litres of bad fuel in my main tank.

16.30hrs
I've re routed all the fuel lines to the standby tanks, drained both engines carburetors and YES all is sweetness and light after 3 hours of work. It is fatal to jump to conclusions, we were convinced that the entangled fish net was the problem, WRONG it was a wild coincidence. However logic saved the day in the end.

I must admit to being mighty low this morning. Fae told me to "get on with the job"!

There is a big gale near us and if the wind swings we may have to leave here in a hurry as there is already a swell sending us backwards and forwards several meters.

The mooring chains and metal springs are on the main warps to take the snatch loads.
However, to hear those engines purr again was pure joy. I'm going to consider what and how we deal with the fuel problem. I need a replacement fuel filter for the main tank. I suspect we will have to drain and clean it totally.

1.05.2001
Stern-to at Patitiri
39.08.70N 23.52.00 East
14.00hrs
Temp 24.1C
Humidity 24%
Baro 1021
Wind N 6/7

Last night we were woken up at 02.30hrs by a severe increase in the swell. The ship was moving backwards and forwards at an unacceptable rate. A Bavaria 32 charter boat with four young French aboard, which was next to us, was having a torrid time of it. As the swell increased it was becoming dangerous for them. They borrowed some of our warps and laid out extra lines. By 03.30 hrs they decided to relay their main anchor further out. I took their lines and held their second rope anchor while they maneuvered out and reset their chain anchor much further out. The operation went well but to see their boat picked up and moved backwards several meters, in seconds, towards the concrete quay was a sobering sight in the dimness of the night.

By 04.00 hrs, it was too dangerous for them to stay, the snatch loads were enormous. They prepared to move out into the harbour and anchor free of the quay. Within 20 minutes the swell reduced slightly so they stood anchor watch till first light while rolling and snatching violently. Quite a holiday I suspect!

Below is a share ware weather chart for midnight tonight the 1st/2nd of May 2001.