Windy_Wayra · video

What this video covers

The autopilot on the 40-ft sailboat Wayra repeatedly failed during a passage from Sardinia to the Aeolian Islands due to voltage drop in the NMEA 2000 network.4:07 The electronic compass, essential for heading data, malfunctioned because the long cable runs prevented sufficient power from reaching the sensors.4:13 To resolve the issue, the crew installed an additional 12-volt power injection point in the stern using a T-connector, which stabilized the network voltage.4:07 Despite this fix, the crew steered manually during a high-speed run to Messina, where they reached 11 knots under spinnaker.5:35 They sought refuge in the port of Messina to avoid an approaching storm, noting that the marina is expensive at 120 euros per day plus utilities, lacks protection from ferry wakes, and suffers from significant surge.9:54 After departing Sicily, the owners completed the final leg to Greece shorthanded.7:52 They ultimately returned to their original boatyard to haul out for long-term storage, citing its status as the most affordable facility in the Mediterranean.12:41 Proper voltage management across the NMEA 2000 backbone is critical for reliable autopilot performance on long cable runs.

Boats in this video

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