Any port in a storm? No, Tenby.
After crossing the Irish Sea on our new adventure, we looked forward to visiting some of the beautiful Welsh coastline. Sadly, we didn't anticipate just how close we would get to it!
We thought being in the Bristol Channel our worries were over after a very typical Irish Sea - rough!
But no, all was not well. Due to the rough crossing, the fuel tanks had 14 hours of rocking all the dirt at the bottom of the tanks.
Soon, before Tenby, we lost one engine due to bad fuel, but having two engines, we thought we could make it to Tenby harbour. Yes, you have guessed it, the other engine packed in. I have been sailing for many years, but have never been as afraid as losing both engines right in the middle of Caldey Island.
Thankfully, quick sense told us to drop anchor and get into the engine room, all the time having our VHF CH16 at hand. After a few attempts, we finally got one engine going, so we headed again for Tenby habour.
Things were going fine, until the engine went again. This time we thought 'sort it, the best thing to do is beach the boat', so we did.
That is when the remarkable, friendly, kind and every other term of kindness in the English dictionary kicked in.
Our first port of help came from Tenby Sailing Club. We were welcomed by the steward, who made us feel right at home with a few much-needed pints!
After explaining what had happen to us, he was on the 'phone sorting out who they described as 'the best man for the job' and by God were they right!
Dave Ford turned out to be one of the most experienced and honourable gentleman I have ever met. Not only did he sort the engines, but came back three times just to make sure things were still OK. And all this for less than you could buy a filter in Ireland.
Dave, combined with Chris, the duty habourmaster, and everyone around the habour, made our otherwise stressful time a very enjoyable time all in all.
We look forward to a more enjoyable stay the next time we stop over in Tenby, which we look forward to very much.
Thank you to all who helped in any small way.
Frank and Adela,
'Armanda'.