Back In Mackay

Wednesday 18^th August

Back in Mackay

I spent two very comfortable nights at anchor off Newry Island, before returning to Mackay yesterday morning.

Just outside Mackay Harbour, I turned into wind, left the engine on idle and went up and pulled down the main. When I went to power up for the final couple of hundred meters into the harbour, the engine played up. No power, fluctuating RPM, just like had happened to me before I came away. The engine died altogether and, as I was between the beach and a small island I put down the anchor and called up Sea Rescue. About 45 minutes to get the crew in and get to me. After a short while waiting, I tried starting engine and got it going enough to limp very slowly into my berth. I cancelled Sea Rescue.

When I investigated I found fuel filter blocked, so changed it and now all OK. I must have picked up a bit of dirty fuel somewhere as it is less than the prescribed number of hours since I changed it. Got 3 spares when I went into Mackay this morning.

Just about ready for Chez to arrive tomorrow, stores all on board, washing done and boat cleaned.