As we zoom along the south coast of Newfoundland at over 20 knots, pushed along by a brisk south-westerly wind of some 15 to 20 knots, we think back to last year. Our Atlantic crossing from New York to Lizard Point followed this same route to St John's. I remember our being in big following seas in pitch darkness, and whilst the bow frequently crashed into waves, we were more concerned about the possibility of crashing into ice.

Today it's beautiful. Although the air is pretty cool, the sun is out. I spot a pod of killer whales just after coming on for my second two-hour watch, their distinctive dorsal fins looking like sails as they cruise through the waves. Not much later several dolphins pass the boat, leaping out of the water as though in joyful appreciation of a fine sunny day.

We're hoping to get into St John's late Saturday. Last year we went from a big following sea to a big head sea as we turned the south east corner of Newfoundland and started heading north. This time we should have it somewhat better. We won't be able to refuel till Sunday morning, so we should get a decent few hours of sleep into the bargain.

Today Alan has been messing about with the transfer pump responsible for keeping the main fuel tank topped up from the other tanks. Bought in America to replace one which had burned out, this one is going tick - tick - tick - tick, when it should be going ticktickticktickticktickticktick!

The upshot of it is that after squirting a cleaning spray into it, mounting it in different positions, not to mention the judicious application of violence in the form of several whacks with a large hammer, it's been pronounced well and truly beyond help. So instead, a hose has been run from one of the side tanks outside, through the doorway and under the rear seat with the fuel fillers to ensure the main tank which feeds the engine has plenty of diesel flowing into it. Nothing more than a pipe dream...

Clive Tully

Copyright Clive Tully ©2002
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