Fresh Water Day

As I mentioned, one of the larger issues that arose on Day One was that the water tank became contaminated – cloudy and soapy. Rather a big deal no having potable water. I have a 7 gallon jug in reserve that I started to use yesterday and this morning.

After pumping out the tank, I got the water maker started and it’s been putting out the 1 gallon per hour for a few hours now. First the jug was replenished, now there are a few gallons in the tank, which I will swish around and pump out again. Repeat until the water is clean and refill. The watermaker then gets run about an hour per day to keep the membrane fresh.

After some analysis, I determined that the pex to hose joint must have leaked, allowing some lose dirty bilge water into the tank. A bit of a mystery, really as the tank didn’t leak out, but perhaps Sparrow was leaned over so far the pressure was only in? Deck fill leak was ruled out – no salty taste & it didn’t explain the soapyness. I put some Life-Calk on the joints and it should hold. Anyway, my stress level is way down with the watermaker happily cranking away.

Regarding progress, last night was an up and down night with both drifting with no wind and enjoying a light breeze with the Code 0. Ran into an autopilot failure, but I was able to troubleshoot and get the system going again. It’s been 12 hours without a hiccup. Currently faced with a southwesterly breeze, so opted to dive South. A bit annoying having both major weather models being so wrong and now I face 14 knots of headwinds. I admit however, I am enjoying putting Sparrow into better shape, settling in with better places to stow things, and generally being in cruising mode. At least for now.

The last major item from Day One is the leaking coachroof crack. I do not believe it is structural, which is to say Sparrow will make it around if left unaddressed. More that it appeared as the hull and deck flexed in the rough seas. It is, however a leak nuisance. I put some duct tape on it today as a temporary patch while I figure out a more permanent solution before 40S.

Finally, I’m emotionally settling in, getting used to the idea that I will be out here for a while. Trying to savor those moments with the rising waning crescent moon, and the beautiful skies.

Hoping for warmer weather soon!