Zen Again 139

 Technology, in combination with croissant consumption, turns out to trump shoe leather, in finding a solution to Stargazer's sudden power outage:

As Stargazer exited the Alderney Race, on passage from Saint-Malo, her domestic battery bank sprang an unwelcome surprise. In the space of thirty minutes, depleting from seventy odd percent, to completely flat. Leaving navigation systems down and lights out, as dusk gathered.

Back in May, leaving Belle Ile, something similar occurred. The anchor windlass flattening the batteries, within seconds. Which I had put down to my misreading their initial charge state, after several days on the hook. In both instances, the engine could be started (using its dedicated battery) to restore voltage across the system.

And so it was, that Stargazer sped through the night, toward Cherbourg, propelled by wind and tide. Her lights and navigation systems powered by the throb of the Yanmar diesel. There are no outward signs of anything awry. However a cell (or cells) are clearly down in the three domestic batteries. Which are about seven to eight years old. . . . and were scheduled for precautionary replacement this winter. . . .

From an installation point of view, it would be simplest to fit identical Varta batteries. Both to ensure that the link cables are the right length; and that the batteries slot into their compartment and its inversion restraints. A Google search shows several Varta stockists within walking distance of the marina. However, when I visit them, this information proves incorrect. Although, in the third, I am supplied with the address of a car parts centre, across town, who should be able to help.

But, it being midday and we being in France, not until fourteen hundred hours, after a pause for lunch. I return to Stargazer, via a patisserie. Whilst I eat, I Google some more. Discovering: Firstly, that our exact Varta battery model has been discontinued; . . . .

Secondly, that a dimensionally identical model replaces it; and thirdly that I can (apparently) order the batteries on line. For delivery to the marina. (Which solves the problem of how to transport heavy batteries, to the boat, on foot). Except, when I confirm my delivery address, my order is rejected: Following Brexit, 'We are no longer able to deliver outside the UK.'  

This tantalising brush with success sows a seed. Which blossoms, as the effects of fresh croissant and strong coffee take hold. What a sensible idea, a two hour lunch break is! I log onto the marina wi-fi, with the lap top. Whereupon my Google search results become French based. (Whereas on my phone, with UK SIM, they are UK based). 

I am, I discover, now able to log onto Amazon France, using my UK account credentials. Where no amount of fiddling with the phone app would previously allow me to do so. Stargazer's batteries are available. They can be delivered to the marina office. Tracking will be provided, to notify me of their arrival. If the helpful and attentive marina team do not do so first. Now, all we have to hope is that, during the model change, the geometry of the battery case tops has not been altered, so as to interfere with the routing of link cables.