Just back from a very full few days on the water which included a good lesson on listening to uncomfortable pangs within.

It was the first day of sailing for most onboard and amongst safety briefs we looked at the engine, noting the automatic extinguisher which we put in place just over a year ago, as additional security against possible engine fire. While checking the engine I noticed the low water level in Koru’s sea water filter (which moves from here to the impeller to be pumped around the engine to keep it cool).

I felt uneasy but, having spoken to Steve, our mechanic, and checked the impeller (on his advice), we started her up and checked the exhaust for flow. All fine, so off we set.

After some good sailing practice on Portsmouth Harbour, it was time to head out into the Solent. We sailed towards the entrance of the Harbour with the wind almost fully behind us, and making great speed in the spring ebb tide. Quickly approaching the Small Boat Channel, (where engines are required if fitted), we went through the starting routine, immediately checking for sea water flow from the exhaust- only this time there wasn’t any.

Not wanting to be swept any further out of the Harbour with the tide, we beat upwind into the Harbour (which was enjoyed by all onboard) and finished with a tow close to the marina, courtesy of James (our Berthing Master) and jelly.

With the sea water filter completely dry, it surely meant there was a blockage between the engine seacock (water intake) and the filter which was therefore preventing flow to the rest of the engine. With Steve, we pumped water back from the filter to the seacock. Job done…there was flow again.

We must have picked up a plastic bag or some rubbish. If I had just listened to the nagging voice in my head, we would have made Cowes a lot sooner. However, to everyone on board, it seemed to be a positive experience and they loved beating up into the Harbour and the drama of being towed in!