Log Entry No 4 - 17th Dec 07. (Discoverer)FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN Delay, disappointment and determination . . . . . . 
The character of the team continues to be tested. Following the telephone diagnosis, the combined efforts of JSASTC Gosport, the expedition office and Raymarine succeeded in procuring and delivering the most likely required spare parts to the Falkland Islands. Mario fitted them but sadly this has not solved the problem. Back to the manuals and wire diagrams. 
Mario’s has now identified 3 further components which might be the source of the trouble; it seems most likely that these were destroyed by a surge current caused by a lightening strike in the storm at the end of leg 3 (See Log no 5) - LTTA. 
These components have now been ordered and we await there arrival in Mere Harbour. Of course, it’s not that simple, Mario is now away in Chile and there is no one else capable of fitting the system; early next week is our best guess. 
Whilst this particular plot of Discoverer’s story has been playing out centre stage, the exercise author’s designed a side show with an interesting sub plot to test skipper and Gosport further; a minor engine fire caused by a loose fitting fuel pipe shorting across the starter motor terminals. The skipper who was in the engine room at the time emerged with dignity intact and despite a potentially nasty experience, immediately set about repairing the fault. The astute reader will not be surprised to learn that the particular type of pipe required is not available in the Falkland Islands. No matter, engineers from The Falkland Islands Naval Engineering unit, HMS Clyde, HMS Nottingham, The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, The Royal Engineers, and RAF ground engineering pooled their resources and set to with gusto. If willingness to help was the sole consideration then we would have been assured of a gold platted fuel pipe but of course there is a very unusual tapered connector at one end of the pipe . . . . . . !!! Our deep thanks and appreciation to those who tried. Anyway, the expedition Office and JSASTC Gosport are now so well rehearsed in rushing spares to RAF Brize Norton that this was scarcely a surprise or speed bump to them. I am happy to report that the pipe is now fitted and diesel is now flowing. 
Having reconciled ourselves to this further delay, we have taken the opportunity to make the most of our enforced stay. Richard Clements has turned us into crag rats and we have all benefited from progressively more demanding rope work exercises that have simulated hoisting and lowering loads or ourselves into and out of crevasses, we have slickened our drills for roping up and moving and have gained confidence and knowledge from each other. On Tuesday we walked the battlefield of Tumbeldown, combining both military history, fitness training and remembrance for the achievements and losses of the soldiers who fought that battle 25 years ago. As part of our multi disciplined approach to the curriculum Connor Ryan, who we should congratulate for his recent award of a PhD, took the opportunity to point out some of the geological features of the mountain and practiced us in identifying dykes as well as recording their dip and strike. In the afternoon we descended into Stanley and visited the museum. Not only is it a fascinating record of Island life but of particular interest to us is the history of the whaling industry and of course the events of 1982. That evening we relaxed over a crew meal in Stanley and later some took in the local night spots where “The Duke” out performed the Disco with his pipes. 
Back on the water, we conducted more training with our inflatable boats. In the last log we showed some of the safety drills being rehearsed. Operating these small boats is vital to our plans but fraught with potential dangers. We have now concentrated on developing the helming skills of some of the less experienced. This will give us more options for deployment and add to their own personal fulfilment and participation. 
Now that Discoverer has a working fuel system, Andy has been able to move her and take us out day sailing. Sticking to deep water channels has overcome the lack of a depth gauge and in truth there is some benefit to practicing without instruments as it allows the development of other skills and techniques, so often overlooked by the (over) reliance on electronics. So, although we had hoped to be on our way and won’t conceal the frustration at not being, neither will we bemoan the opportunity we have created to conduct continuation training and to sample more of this unique Island and Command. Not withstanding here’s to Mario!!
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