Sam Holmes Sailing · video

What this video covers

A solo sailor navigating the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia experiences a total failure of a Simrad autopilot unit, marking the third autopilot loss—including one Raymarine model—during the voyage.9:41 The device malfunctions by steering hard to port or starboard despite attempts to reset the system and protect the electronics with tape.10:10 The sailor opts to hand-steer for the remainder of the passage rather than pursue costly repairs or replacements.10:25 During the transit, the boat encounters 25-knot gusts and close-spaced, two-to-three-foot waves while maneuvering through island passages near Mljet and the surrounding archipelago.6:45 The sailor utilizes mooring balls in protected bays to avoid anchoring fees, noting that mooring costs vary by location and color-coded buoy systems.7:56 The passage involves frequent sail adjustments, including putting a reef in the mainsail to manage weather helm as wind conditions shift between 12 and 15 knots.11:10

More from Sam Holmes Sailing

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