keeldraggervideo
Sailing Solo to Hen Rock, Catalina Island (September 2023)
18 September 2023 · 38 min · 785 views
What this video covers
A solo sailor transits from San Pedro, California, to White Cove on Catalina Island, navigating a malfunctioning autopilot and light wind conditions. The autopilot, which initially displayed a "no pilot" error, intermittently recovers to "standby" mode, suggesting a potential SeaTalk networking fault rather than a mechanical switch failure at the quadrant.18:19 During the passage, the sailor monitors AIS to maintain a two-mile buffer from commercial cargo vessels, including the 186-meter *Mandarin*, while crossing the San Pedro Channel.7:15 The return trip involves motor-sailing in light winds, during which the sailor identifies a recurring issue with the mainsail halyard snagging on mast steps.25:56 While monitoring VHF traffic, the sailor observes Baywatch Isthmus responding to a vessel taking on water near the Isthmus.29:19 The trip concludes with a whale sighting near the Palos Verdes peninsula.35:10 Future maintenance plans include replacing existing wind and depth instruments with B&G Triton units and rewiring the NEMA 2000 network.20:19
Boats in this video
More from keeldragger
From keeldragger — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.