Chios to Samos & the Hot Wait

This last leg is from waypoint #3 to the red arrow (Posidonion) on the island of Samos.

We passage planned for 60 odd miles and 12 hours underway.

The boat was prepared the night before for a speedy and early departure at 07:00 obviating the need to let Lilly out, and more problematically, getting her back in. I think I need an extra column in the log for cat effects.

The forecast was NE 18-30 kts. It was going to be a rolly downwind sail.

We had all the genoa out and the cat was settled of sorts in her “berth” a 12 inch or so square shelf in the forward cabin.

At 10:00 having cleared the Chios Chanel we set course for Ak Prasson ( The NE cape of Samos. It was now 45 miles and an estimated 10 hours away.

At 15:00 as a result of a wind drop we had to put the engine on and were motor sailing. There was a distinct change in the engine revs then they picked back up again, but there was a different sound & feel from the engine. A bit more vibration, after all these years you get used to a sound.

We checked the weld repair on the engine leg and that the new feet themselves where tight. All OK.

I went over the side to check if the prop was fouled. No

Given the lack of wind we had no option but to put the engine back on, but I wasn’t happy and was glad when we could manage to sail again.

At 20:00 we anchored in Pythagorion bay; 62.5 miles in twelve & three quarter hours, and nine of them under sail, not bad.

Having had time to ponder I said to Louise I reckon its one of our fuel pumps. She remained unconvinced hearing little change herself in engine noise. But she drinks a lot more than me & I think its affecting her hearing ,lol.

However after 2 nights in the bay , 1 on Nicolas’s boat having Chablis and Louise’s pasta…..

…….we decided to go to Pythagorion, 6 miles away, and have Kleanthis, an engineer we know there, to have a look. Turns out it was indeed a failed spring in the aft most fuel pump.

One of the three pumps

Spare springs have been ordered but they are coming from Europe,via Athens to Samos. Hope they get here soon. We are hot & sticky and stuck outside the “Blue Bar” Loud music until 03:30 lol.

Boats @@@@@

There are some compensations