[password] 8Tarnhows
[position] 34 57.17S 136 00.16E
[speed] 6.5
[heading] 150M
[status] Hi all,
We departed Port Lincoln Marina at 0700 hours this morning after loading diesel fuel AND after a fairly hectic and somewhat nerve wracking, couple of days of maintenance and preparation, tied up in the marina, next to Cookie, in her beautifully maintained Island Packet yacht, Island Pearl.
A potentially major issue arose when we went to lift the anchor after our last fishing stop on Tuesday at which time and quite fortuitously in retrospect, the anchor winch failed. We managed to retrieve the anchor using one of the jib sheet winches to assist.
At this point we had stayed the previous night in West Bay on Wedge Is and had a reasonable haul of whiting, flathead and squid on board after working our way along the coast of Thistle Is. during the day. Some of these have now been consumed but we have a couple of seafood meals in the freezer for our trip across the Bight.
But back to the winch.
Our best hope was that the winch would prove to be repairable in Port Lincoln without the need to fly in parts such as a new gearbox or motor. Thankfully the diagnosis turned out to be a failed bearing which was available locally for the princely sum of $19.
With some hard work by Gary and Peter and great service by a local auto electrician we were able to demount, disassemble and then reassemble the winch which is now working a treat. I should add that our stay was not all work as we had a couple of great nights out with old friends. The marina was also abuzz with yachts and crew who were participating in the Lincoln Week regatta.
Currently working our way south, under motor, past Memory Cove towards our turning point at Cape Catastrophe when, hopefully there will be enough wind for us to set sail.
Forecast for the next few days is looking pretty good at this stage and Ambler is well victualled.
Jim (still scribing) Peter and Gary

Sent from my iPad

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