Shifting Sands 3

Simon, who has the physique of a Springbok prop, bodily lifts Stargazer's engine off its mounts. Wrestling it clear of the saildrive aperture. His apprentice-for-a-day looking on, saucer eyed.

My chance to shine comes, as the freshly liberated gearbox is lowered to the ground. Where Simon has set up a portable workbench.

Once released from compression, it is quickly evident that the diaphragm has fatigued and begun to fail. A split is visible, when Simon flexes the membrane . Stargazer has had a fortunate reprieve, from a watery mishap.

Within the flywheel housing, there are signs that the gearbox oil seal has served its time. The inner surface glistens, with a sheen of atomised oil. Which should not be there.

Whilst the drive leg looks in fine fettle. As it should, after last year's rebuild.

Salt water, seeping in through the split diaphragm, has pitted the alloy casting onto which it seats. Simon suggests that he take the saildrive back, to his Brightlingsea workshop, overnight. Where the casting can be refurbished and the oil seal replaced.

Next morning, Simon sets about reuniting engine, diaphragm, saildrive and gearbox. The latter two, freshly repainted. Leaving the installation as good as, maybe better than, new. 

Across the Atlantic, the 'new sheriff' pummels America's traditional allies, neighbours and trading partners. Whilst playing footsie with a former foe. Disrupting diplomatic mores, worldwide.

Mr Mayagi's "wax on, wax off" technique works wonders. Upon Stargazer's topsides and upon her skipper's Zen level. (Think ‘The Karate Kid,’ if baffled by the preceding two sentences)

Picture Credits

Trump diplomacy. Courtesy of Carlos Osorio / Reuters