Tue 28 Jun
We had a puzzle to solve… the diesel gauge bleeped a warning “reserve tank” with no indication of the actual level. We had left Cawsands with 31% (60 litre) and motored for only 45 minutes (sailed 15 hours!) Reserve kicks in at 20% and anything less is not showing on the gauge.
The nearest fuel station is Guernsey however it’s hard to reach under sail (against winds and tides). After looking at all our options, we planned to sail easily to Jersey tomorrow and refuel.
Greve de la Ville has 10 mooring buoys and the anchorage was full of yachts. We sat at anchor ready to pickup one of 4 that was suitable for our size. Slowly, as everyone began to leave, “let’s hook on over there” Engine on, anchor raised and off we go. Nearby another yacht saw the opportunity and the race was on. Revs increased and it would be close … boat hook at the ready and attached safely. Our foreign challenger returned to their buoy heads bowed. We were secure and ready to go ashore.
After climbing up the steep cliff path and along narrow dusty roads, we arrived on the main street. Tractors whizzed by “doing jobs”. We were prepared to ask one of them for diesel and by sheer coincidence we found the farmer who provided fuel for yachtsmen. Unfortunately this needs a high tide to allow Liquid Asset to get close enough to the harbour wall.
Everyone on Sark was so helpful and of course the hardware shop sells diesel in Jerry cans. Sorted.
We finished our shopping trip and called in to a favourite island hostelry where the locals are indifferent to any visitor. It’s an experience never to be missed and we enjoyed the comforts of homemade furniture.
Back on board and 10 litre of diesel was added to the tank and gauge now reading 26%. The big question remains ‘why did the gauge not show a reading below 20%’?
After a fine meal on deck and listening to music we heard shouting in the distance again and again. Our dinghy had slipped its knot and was floating away towards the shore. Without delay our dinner table was cleared, navigation screens on, engine on and anchor raised. With all the shouting, everyone was out to see the show.
Liquid Asset powered up and set off in reverse towards the dinghy (and the shore). With 20 metre of water to spare and depth still 9.5m, the dinghy was recovered and so full forward back to the mooring buoy.
The audience returned to their places and the show was over. Many had been prepared to launch their dinghy to help.
Diesel in the tank, until tomorrow “good night” zzzzz
Experience Sailing 