The Marinervideo
After the Sh*t Show | The Hard Yards of Solo Sailing
July 15, 2025 · 6 min · 3K views · Atlantic Ocean
What this video covers
Chris encounters 45-knot winds in the Atlantic, significantly exceeding the 35-knot forecast provided by PredictWind.▶ 0:23 The 25-ton vessel experiences heavy slamming in steep seas, causing the stove to dislodge and three rips to open in the mainsail near the clew.▶ 1:08 The Raymarine autopilot repeatedly fails during these conditions, triggering "drive stop" errors whenever the boat is pushed significantly off course.▶ 4:26 Chris maintains manual control for six hours before the wind subsides enough for the autopilot to resume operation.▶ 0:30 The vessel remains structurally sound despite the interior damage and sail degradation.▶ 0:56 Chris is currently seeking crew for the Middle Sea Race, the Caribbean 600, and the Newport Bermuda Race to fund necessary repairs and future project costs.▶ 1:08 The experience highlights the limitations of current autopilot systems in heavy weather and the necessity of verifying weather routing models against actual conditions.
More from The Mariner
From The Mariner — 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.