⛵️NO ENGINE? No Problem! Worst Timing😳 | Sailing Joco | Hallberg Rassy 352

Sailing Without an Engine – A Harrowing Yet Successful Experience

In today’s episode, we’re sailing to Bäckviken. It’s pretty rough, but I think I’m finally getting my sea legs until this happened and we got knocked off course. Our engine wouldn’t turn on, and we started drifting out to sea. We survived to tell the tale, greeted by a rainbow and a storm.

The Adventure Begins

We have left the marina and are off to Bäckviken. ‘Beachway, we go!’

Despite sporty conditions that afternoon (morning), we felt comfortable despite averaging 6 knots, having 20 knots of wind and being healed over a little bit. We had a double reef in the main and a single reef in the headsail. Jeff prepared snacks down below as Chrissy kept us on course.

Surfing with the Swells

The biggest difference was the wave height. Combined swell and wave height is around 6 meters (feet) here, and we were definitely getting some big ones! Despite initial discomforts, Chrissy felt they might be finally getting their sea legs.

An Unexpected Issue

However, trouble loomed. When we dinked ourselves while trying to start the engine, it refused to cooperate.

A Diagnostic Adventure

After diagnosing an intermittent issue (with a relay that sometimes failed to let power pass through), Chrissy decided to jump the relay manually, which allowed us to get the engine started! This was a new experience for them both.

Arriving at Bäckviken

We made it back to Bäckviken, just in time for a store Arma (a deconstructed roast chicken dish) and another rainbow appeared.

A Perfect Spot

After successfully anchoring in our perfect spot, we settled down to deal with other issues – like corrosion on certain engine parts.

Finding the Perfect Relay

The challenge was to figure out why this issue persisted. They soon discovered and cleared up corrosion on the starter relay body.

Moving Forward

After making a few necessary changes, the engine started with no issues. It’s safe to say they felt confident in their skills and teamwork, but it wouldn’t hurt to have that hand-crank available.

A Perfect Ending

Feeling accomplished, they enjoyed a meal and local brew at the nearby pub – and just like that, another day turned into paradise.

With this experience behind them, Chrissy and Jeff are more prepared than ever to handle any issue their vessel might present, with good humor and determination. To view the next episode of ‘Sailing Joco’ and learn about other nautical adventures, hit the subscribe button!