Two SLOW Hours and an Engine Repair! (Day 012)

West River, Galesville, MD Anchorage MM 59.6 to Mill Creek Solomon Island, MD Anchorage MM 97.5

Distance = 48.0

Time = 8:45

Average Speed = 5.5 mph

SUNSHINE under sail

Weather and Comments: What a mixed weather bag! Depending on the time of day, it was at times cloudy, partly sunny, and overcast with rain showers. We were able to motor sail with the both the Mainsail and Jib for two hours as the wind was out of the east. At around 1000 hours, it clocked to the south and was on our nose for the rest of the day. We rolled up the jib but kept the main up, hoping to get some lift. When the sail started to slat, we lowered it.

M/V Reflection

At 1300 hours, we motored into an area that provided 2’ chop that became progressively worse until we made the Pawtuxet River. Dark clouds and rain descended upon us and the going dropped to 4 mph. As conditions worsened, the chop increased to three feet. Our speed dropped to 3.5 mph and eventually we were lucky to sustain 2.5 mph. We were taking water over the bow and at some point, the starboard side lazy jack lines chaffed and separated. We’ll need to have someone go ½ the way up the mast to replace it.

Once in the Pawtuxet River, conditions improved dramatically! We had to slow down to the 6 mph speed limit in Mill Creek. We anchored a good distance up the creek in the company of Tally Ho and Reflection.

USCG Pautuxet River Channel mark Maintenance Detail

After setting the anchor, my task was to change the spark plugs and fuel filter in the port engine. We have been having some trouble with the engine for a couple or three days. It won’t idle and runs rough at lower rpms. I suppose there is the possibility that one or both of the new plugs (60 hours) is defective.

In no time I was able to fire up the port engine. It did not stall out. Success? We hope so, but even though it idled at 1000 rpms, it felt as though it “wanted” to stall. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!

That’s our SUNSHINE Story for today!

SUNSHINE under sail