Lauren Landers Sailingvideo

NO autopilot, NO PROBLEM; OFFSHORE ALONE for 3 DAYS [ep 96]

28 December 2023 · 26 min · 306K views · Karakou, Grenada

What this video covers

Lauren Landers completes a three-day solo passage without a functioning autopilot, relying on manual steering and bungee-cord tensioning to maintain course.16:45 The autopilot repeatedly veered up to 100 degrees off-course and eventually failed entirely, despite attempts to recalibrate the unit and remove potential electronic interference from nearby pumps and an air conditioning unit.5:44 During the transit, the boat encountered 27 to 30-knot winds and rough seas that soaked the interior through a broken hatch.19:31 With no Starlink connectivity and limited navigation equipment, the passage required constant hand-steering and sleep deprivation to manage the vessel through two storms.11:56 The boat maintained speeds of 5 to 7 knots, occasionally self-steering for short periods using bungee tension on the wheel.22:44 Upon arrival, the owner concludes the autopilot unit is irreparable and plans to install a new system alongside a Hydrovane in St. Martin.26:08

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Boats in this video

Beneteau Oceanis 510Their boat

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