Good news and bad today! The circulating pump (which pumps cold sea water into the condenser) decided to stop working in Cowes. Normally this would be a disaster, but after this winters improvements to the steam and water systems, we can convert the boat to non-condensing (puffing) running.
As this was the first time this system has been used in anger, I made sure that we were on tow coming up river...just in case! Luckily though, we made it upriver from Cowes to Newport Harbour under our own steam before lashing the tug to the boat to maintain full control in what was today, a very busy harbour. Obviously we had to hold the engine back quite a lot to conserve water, she still managed to hold a very impressive speed over ground and she sounded beautiful as normally the wonderful whoosing of the steam is silenced by the condenser.
So, although disappointing, a safety system has been proven to work; and this is great news really! Luckily, another pump is sitting in the workshop ready to be transplanted and we should be back in service before anybody can blink! With this experience safely in the memory bank, we will fit an auxiliary manual circ pump to the boat shortly as yet another safety system.
At the end of the day though-it proves just how safe steam power is-when a boat with an internal combustion engine has a problem they just stop....not us though!!
Anyhow, sailings are happening every day this week-with the exception of Friday and Saturday which are hallowed maintenance days. So do pop down the quay to see your beloved Skipper wading about in thick, deep mud wielding a paintbrush and trying resolutely to remain upright.
Until next time, oh ye nutters of steam,
The Skip
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