Boat Jobs


After a tricky departure from the pontoon in blustery conditions, we returned to the boatyard to investigate the overheating propeller shaft. We made repairs, replaced damaged cutlass bearings, and recalibrated the alignment between engine and prop shaft. Back in the water, testing showed no overheating, allowing sailing plans to resume.

Why Did We Have An Overheating Propeller Shaft?







Whilst sailing from Ibiza to Mallorca, the wind died and we had to motor. Just after switching on, the engine stuttered and died. Diesel bug had blocked one half of our fuel system. Read on for how we dealt with this.

Attack of the Diesel Bug



We were finally able to leave the marina two months later than planned and headed out a short distance to Cabo Tinoso. Emerald wasn't going to let us relax however, and threw several unexpected problems our way.

Little Steps to Freedom 2020



There are many bad things that can happen to a boat. Earth (running aground), water (sinking) and air (wind and lightning) are all enemies to our floating home. Right now it was water that was threatening us. As we motored away from the Krka river, a hideous, high pitched squeal had emanated […]

Emerald has a Set Back – Taking on Water in ...



Emerald must have been saving up her breakages this winter. After the leaking rudder we have had problems with old petrol for the outboard, a perished outboard fuel line and worst of all…. a blocked loo! Just a few blogs ago I wrote how Colin had had his worst day […]

Malta – Rinella Creek


Thursday morning was mass exodus day from Marina di Ragusa – the first calm weather day since Saturday. We were in the first batch of departees at 6am when the marineros came on duty and could help us and others without those new-fangled bowthruster gizmos to turn in the narrow […]

Sicily to Malta


Whew! Doesn’t time fly when you’re working hard? April has zoomed by with lots of activity in the marina as boats prepare to leave for their summer cruising. We had a long list of get-gone jobs – transforming Emerald from her static winter state so that we can head off for our […]

A Frenzy of Get Gone Jobs