Suez Canal part 2

Funny how things pan out. The sequence of delays this morning really took the shine off the excitement of driving through the canal. Although the sights were every bit as special as yesterday, I couldn't help but focus on how far behind our planned timings we were, and how that was going to equate to a really long slog tomorrow. The pilot let us push the speed up but we still ended up in Suez, needing a refuel, with little time before sunset.

The debate of 'shall we push on to get 90 minutes under our belt' or 'should we stay in a safe anchorage' was solved when the right engine starting problem recurred. At this point the day was looking pretty grim. The pilot was hard work and argued persistently for a wholly undeserved increase in tip. The refuel was shambolic and I felt we were being fleeced by the agent, we had a long day ahead, and now the engine wouldn't start.

I proposed a take-away, work on the engine and get things in good shape for an early get away. Craig and Gordy got on with the work. Back in Paphos we had proven the starter on the quayside so the electrics were the suspected villain. Every battery was individually disconnected and checked in the sauna that is the engine room after a day's motoring. The girls got more provisions and the marina manager, Karkar, mucked in. After the batteries all proved to be good, we were back to the starter motor. Although it works on the quayside, maybe it struggles under load. Craig and Gordy removed both and did a side by side comparison in the salon. The contacts were dirty and one was a bit loose - maybe that was the snag. The good starter was fitted to the non-starting engine and disappointment was huge when it still wouldn't start.

By now Karkar had proven his worth and morale was on the up, despite the engine frustration. It was nice to meet someone who was genuinely keen to help. He organised a take-away of bbq chicken and kebab, bought battery connectors and other missing spares and generally ran around solving problems.

By 2200 we were still working the problem when the port police, who are paid off by the agents, called the agents to let them know that Karkar was helping us. Recognising, that they were missing out on commission, they rocked up with an engineer. The fella was not welcomed with open arms, but Craig walked him through the 5 hours of non-stop work that he had done. It became apparent that this fella knew his stuff. He was a whirlwind of action, picking up the analysis quickly and moving on. About 3 minutes after arriving the fault was known - the positive in the ignition circuit was dropping to earth. Another 5 minutes and he'd checked the switches and found the faulty wire on the engine harness.

Obviously, this has been great banter for me. Craig spends days working the problem without success; along comes a local and the boat's completely sorted in 8 minutes. I'm not admitting that his work allowed the local to discount a whole series of potential faults, saving hours. Clearly Craig has been put on review and warned that the local may get his bunk!