VDLC - Day 5 cont... and Day 6

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After replenishing a few supplies at Coles Bay yesterday, and enjoying some of those famous scallop pies, we motored to Promise Bay where most of the cruise fleet had anchored. A beach BBQ was planned so we launched Penelope (Odyssues' tender) and motored ashore with our food and drinks. About 50 other boating and yachting folk had already assembled and in true cruising style, created an instant community of sharing and acceptance. The blustery night that followed resulted in us having to move and reset our anchor at 1am. When the sun rose and the morning radio scheds rolled out, it became evident that a number of other boats in the cruise fleet had similar problems and also had to move.

After breakfast, we motor sailed to Passage Beach where we plan to remain until midnight before passing through Schouten Passage and head north up the east coast. Over the past few days, Nick had identified an emerging problem in being able to sufficiently charge our batteries. He decided to use the time to identify the cause and fix it. To our surprise, he produced a brand new alternator and tirelessly spent the afternoon fitting it. It fixed the problem and we were all relieved as it had the potential to significantly interfere with our trip.