Jester Challenge - 5 Days to go

Frustrating day, every job that I did on the boat uncovered some other problem that needed fixing. 

I spotted water in the bilges, which is always the worst thing, as all sailors fear about leaks. 

The first thing to do is check that the water level is constant, to see if water is still coming in. Fortunately the level was not changing. 

The second thing to do is taste the water - is it salty or fresh. Salty suggests a leak below the waterline - not good! - whereas not salty suggests a leak above the waterline - which is less worrying. 

Difficult to tell through the hint of diesel(!) but it was not salty, so is probably rain water. 

Further investigation showed that a floor plate in the cockpit - which once supported a table - was leaking. It has corroded underneath and all the sealant has flaked off. I won't bore you with the details, but after much cursing and moaning - it is now fixed. 

Vanessa is oblivious to my problems - as she has her afternoon nap!

Anyway, the forecast is good for the next few days, so we will be visiting the beach and will forget the boat for a while.