Bon/Cur Milward,5.9-11.9.25

Beeeeeep...suddenly it sounds...everything was so beautiful that day. 16 knots of wind, a broad reach, Code Zero, the white 70 sq m sail was perfectly positioned and pulled us the 25 NM from Klein Bonaire to Klein Curacao in three hours.

Where's the beeping coming from? I frantically check everything. The port engine's warning lights are flickering. I quickly turn it off. The engine hatch is open, and bright smoke is pouring towards me. Cause?

The V-belt has ripped apart and lies shredded on the ground.

Anchoring off the dream beach now has to be accomplished using only the starboard engine. The boat's leftward tilt can only be countered with the rudder by moving forward at full speed. And when I drop anchor, I want to reverse.

Now, I'm going into the gap between two boats. Let them coast to a stop. Steve drops the anchor. We're drifting sideways, and I can't do much with an off-center engine. We're dangerously approaching the neighboring catamaran on the starboard side. The anchor slides across the bottom, the chain jumps. It can't get a hold, and we're in deep water.
Second attempt. Same thing, but then it holds... for half an hour.
The anchor alarm goes off, and we glide out to sea.
Up it goes. The anchor chain groans under the 80 kg of chain and 30 kg of anchor weight. Finally, it's up.

I choose another spot to the north, above the motor vessel "Mermaid." We drop the anchor very close to her, and it holds on the first try. Relief.

Now, a nap first, and then try to repair the engine.

An hour later, I'm sitting on the engine block, sweating while putting on the new V-belt. The smoke was the smoldering coolant from the internal cooling circuit. Steve helps me refill it. The oil level is fine.
The floor is black from the wear and tear of the torn V-belt.
After some effort, the alternator bolts can be loosened and the new V-belt is installed.
We start the engine. The V-belt is running perfectly, and the impeller of the seawater cooling system is also spewing seawater outboard.
We are relieved.
Both engines are ready for use again.Read more