As on 12/28/25 (5 months ago) M/Y Vanguard II had suffered major port (left) gearbox failure. It’s taken 5 months of repairs, tweaks, to get her into a sailing state so she can move under her own propulsion. Now she moves under her own power.
As the private berthing contract had expired on 3/31/26, Vanguard II needed to be moved onto a visitors berth – so that I could carry out repairs and tweaks to her engines. As of that Vanguard II’s port engine was repaired April 2, 2026, within 45min, of us moving Vanguard II ourselves with using my former berth owner’s tender, with my 6HP RiB Tender outboard engine, and using starboard engine. Vanguard II was able to move under her own steam.
My former berth owner, Mr. Jasmin said: “I would recommend taking her out, to get rid of this excessive smoke, as you are the owner and captain of Vanguard II.” So with that planned, I then made my contact communication with the MCA, as they needed to be made aware of the maintenance Sea Trial, after the catastrophic gearbox failure back In December 28, 2025 (5 months ago), not last year! MCA approved the maintenance Sea Trial, then I informed the marina on VHF Channel 80.
Actual Time Departure (ATD): 4/2/26 @ 12:24.
I then proceeded out to Conwy Bay to perform the Sea Trial, went as far as towards Great Orme, sea trial was good, and was good to get the old classic M/Y out. Finally, after months of being stuck in the marina. With me scratching my head, why Vanguard II Port Engine kept on cutting out. When I am on either our client’s vessel, or our own vessel, I use an App called Boat beacon, which I’ve already paid for – that gives me navigational aids, and gives me AIS (Ship Radar). As you can see the image below this sentence. The weather on 4/2/26 waves, half a foot, not as windy, rain: clear.
If you are interested In the Boatbeacon App, you can get it for either devices from the following links:
IOS Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/boat-beacon/id494877039 $14.99.
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.electricpocket.boatbeacon&hl=en $14.99.
Please be aware, you will need to have your own authority ship MMSI number, that has been generated to you.
Actual Time Arrival (ATA): 4/2/26 @ 13:07.
When I went straight over the sands, on high tide – Vanguard II’S official draught is: 1m.
Next Tasks to be completed, before Second Maintenance Sea Trial:
- Remove paint streaks off wheelhouse forward windows.
- Clean Forward Sea-salt off Wheelhouse Windows.
- Re-Comission Auto Pilot.
- Fix (NO FIX) On Radar.
- Install ORCA Maritime Navigation.
- FIX High RPM’S On Strbd Engine.
- Fuel Governor screw needs alternating on both Port/Strbd Engines.
- Replace Navigational Lights.
- Fix Radar Tower Mast.
There is no color scheme at Conwy Marina, I decided that I’d paint Vanguard II Orange Color, some people have been throwing silly comments of myself painting my own yacht orange. It’s boring seeing white colored vessels. Even though half of the marina’s, ports have just white boats in the U.K – yet I’m changing that one. People should keep their opinions to themselves, whatever I paint my vessel on whichever colors I see fit. The U.K is a continued country, full of drama. Passage upcoming April 10, 2026 depending on weather.