We slipped ropes as planned and under the kindest blue sky we sailed out of falmoth. The sails unfurled in the light wind and the engine provided a comforting hum keeping us on course.
Moral was high and the team were teaching us how to control the sails. The engine stopped and the golden sound of motion from the wind embraced the crew and a sense of euphoria kicked in. After a few moments of pure joy. I realised the engine was not stopped deliberately. It had infact failed. The Spirt was making way undersail but our engine had failed.
The challenge of what we were about to do was suddenly clear. This is not just a holiday on a boat. After some some time in the engine room utilising knowlege from my service it was clear we needed a new part. With dropping winds spirit was really only drifting. Our other two boats the september and quivera majestically sailed around us bringing the feeling of comfort only brought by good friends. The moral on board instead of plumiting impoved. The crew took control and guided us threw what was needed. Everything was calm and everyone was happy as we were towed back into falmouth by the RNLI under the cover of darkness.
We were back along side in falmouth and if i were to say the spirit sighed with a chuckle under her breath you would not belive me. She is a wiley old girl making sure we are worthy of her company as she undertakes this journey of a lifetime. Maybe she though we had gone the wrong way out of the harbour when we turned left after all we should have probably turned to starboard.
Stay safe, speak soon
Russ
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