28 January 2011 | Eng hrs: 1889.0 – 1926.0 | 2,400 RPM
Painful slog against consistent 1.3kts of current. Engine is groaning every time we smash into 3 waves in a row, bringing our speed through the water down to 1 kt. Some close calls with big tankers, and some very large waves washing over the cockpit and even down the companionway, but otherwise uneventful, difficult sailing. At 9:30 in the morning on 29 January engine RPM began to fluctuate and then the engine died. This has happened several times before, mostly when bashing into waves. We think the problem is either clogged fuel filters (we have no spares) or turbulence + ½ tank of fuel + heeling to starboard leading to air in the fuel lines.
Tried to sail with just the mainsail for a while but we were not making any headway, even in 25 kt winds. The sail simply does not translate wind into boat speed at any point of sail that we can figure out. Do not know why. Let the boat flounder unattended while we go below.
We put in 1.5 jerry cans, cleaned the primary bowl, replaced the secondary filter with another used filter, and then bled the system. Engine started really rough, and we had to give some revs so it wouldn’t die. In the process, we burned off the alternator belt.
Motor straight for Sabang, eventually coming into the lee of Pulau Weh from several miles off. After we changed course to be more easterly, the current against us eased, indicating that the current we have been fighting for two days is more southerly than easterly.
Engine holds up all the way to Sabang with speed increasing near the end of the journey. Drop anchor at 1am on 30 January 2011.
Indonesian numbers from US coast guard: +62 21 352 1111, +62 21 3483 2901, +62 21 550 1512
Sabang local rescue – +62 65 133 876
Indian coast guard: +91 3192 245530, +91 3192 242948 (fax), mrcc-ptb@indiancoastguard.nic.in
