GIRL ALONE in the middle of NOWHERE; the BEST days of my life [ep 71]
June 22, 2023 · 30 min · 3.8M views
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigates a 30-mile passage through coral-strewn waters in the Bahamas, relying on satellite imagery to dodge unmarked heads while managing persistent autopilot failures.14:44 The autopilot, a Garmin unit, repeatedly loses calibration and struggles to maintain a heading, forcing the sailor to hand-steer or motor-sail through squalls with only the jib deployed.17:00 During the transit, the sailor uses Starlink to monitor weather radar and avoid rain clouds.17:49 Upon arrival at a remote island, the sailor explores local reefs by paddleboard, noting the presence of thimble jellies and sea lice.21:21 The vessel experiences significant interior disarray during the rougher segments of the passage, with gear shifting and items falling from shelves.19:38 The sailor emphasizes the necessity of choosing favorable weather windows for off-grid exploration and the mental challenge of managing technical failures while solo. Consistent calibration of the compass and heading sensors remains the primary, though inconsistent, fix for the autopilot’s erratic performance.8:50
Boats in this video
More from Lauren Landers Sailing
From Lauren Landers Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.