Hole in Our Hull (EP 52)

There's a hole in our sailboat and we don't know if we will still be able to make the deadline to the Miami Boat Show. There's still so much work to do to get our performance catamaran AWEN put back together and it's a race against time!
⚓ Join us as we learn what it takes to circumnavigate successfully and make the transition to liveaboard cruising. Our channel is ultra raw with little time for production and editing so you will see the experience as it is.
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⛵️AWEN will be featured at the MIAMI BOAT SHOW! Meet us there!! Learn more about the show dates: www.miamiboats....
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🎶 MUSIC by Epidemic Sound
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Hello! We are Holly and Stephane 🇺🇸🇫🇷
We have made the transition from full-time software professionals from the SF Bay Area to liveaboard sailing explorers who always keep one eye on the weather and our hearts in a song. Our goal is to complete a circumnavigation and we recently transitioned to a performance catamaran and are madly in love with our Outremer 52. We are working with Outremer in France (with the help of Google translate) to launch our boat project and start our journey as sailing vagabonds. While it’s not a race or speedtest, we are doing our first Bluewater crossing this year and we are excited to see AWEN stretch her legs and dance on the water. Join us as we share what we’re learning living without Amazon, (but with Starlink), and attempt this new life of travel and adventure on the ocean. Please be patient with us as we continue to improve our KZbin vlogging skills. Our goal isn’t to make our life a movie, it’s to give back to what others have shared with us, which is why we don’t monetize our channel.
More about us here: sailingawen.co...
#outremer #boatlife #catamaran #travelvlog #digitalnomad #lifestyle #sailboats #stayhealthy #learning #vlog #podcast #live #motivation #travel #nomad #boattour #sailingadventure #bucketlist #adventure #mediterranean #nomad #retirement #adventureawaits #ocean #learning #boatshow
© Sailing AWEN 2023

[@waltervanderboor]

Its obviously a matter of opinion what to do. The repair would be my priority, and its nice if you can make the show (if youre into that) but I would priorities the repair 100% and not stress to get to the show day one. (we actually have a project, and, in the contract, which has yet to be signed we opted out to be in any show) I don't think that being at a show is worth any risks you would otherwise not take. Like I said. opinion. Happy to see you have professional hands working on Awen.

[@SailingAWEN]

Agree 100%!

[@suzannebohbot530]

On the other side, these races against time of the 2 outremer for the Miami boat show are as tragic as they are absolutely thrilling. Cross fingers

[@dreamofsailing]

I am so impressed both on how you guys are handling this terrible situation and on how well Outremer is getting all the work done so quickly! Seeing the hole cut out really breaks my heart!😢

[@mountaindweller9118]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around (as I'm sure that you are as well) how someone can t-bone you at ramming speed while on the hook. You have made the best of a tough situation and I love your positive attitude. 🙏

[@SailingAWEN]

We were anchored they were going too fast through the very spacious anchorage and somehow lost electronics and engines. He said the steering worked but he froze.

[@mountaindweller9118]

@@SailingAWEN I just sent you a pm on FB

[@borisdyakonov9831]

I think whats likely is a drunk crew on the offending boat (

[@cliffbenford]

you guys are very capable people, Don who runs the GGR & OGR says it's all about three words'; planning, preparation & execution and you seem like you're all over than despite the stress & trauma you're going through, good on you! the future will take you where it takes you but it seems like Awen is in very good hands, good luck :)

[@kcsunnyone]

I would skip the boat show this year. You've got a lot of pressures without it. and there are weird super cold weather fronts over SE USA this year. I'm in Nashville and it is 0f right now. Windchill is -11f. Glad the repairs are going so well.

[@CapDave720]

We sailed Antigua to Miami last year on our Chris White Atlantic 57 cat. We left Feb. 18, and it took us six days exactly for 1,245 miles sailed. It's all about the cold fronts. We had a Goldilocks Gap between fronts, and went up the Old Bahama Channel. I would absolutely not do that if I thought there was any chance of a front coming through. It's shallows and reefs one side and Cuba the other side with little sea room for tacking and nothing to do but heave to or go backwards in a fierce frontal passage (wind against the current too). In that case it would be better to be outside in the Atlantic, and worst case you could probably organize a stop, or at least keep sailing close hauled on port tack and make some progress north, eventually tacking over to starboard as the wind veered around. I did that route once before in a 40' sloop, and met such a strong cold front in the NW Providence channel that we were forced to run back to Nassau for shelter - had no other large scale charts aboard for that delivery.

[@SailingAWEN]

That is such great information, thank you!!!🙏

[@PalinDesign]

On the bright side: As someone who knows composites quite well, you are very lucky that the damage happened at that location. You do not need to take the interior apart to make repairs which makes for a better, more streamlined fix! The repair will be virtually invisible and AWEN is getting a good nip and tuck. As for that timeline to get to Miami, even though you’ll “owe” Outremer, I wouldn’t stick to a timeline that I do not feel comfortable with. Disasters at sea (or in the air) normally happens because of a series of bad decisions and often starts with weather decisions.

[@SailingAWEN]

100%!

[@carlosvallejo4926]

Hello AWEN crew, really sorry to see her like this. All the luck in the world. Best wishes from Canary Islands.

[@mikehill4940]

Very happy to hear it's getting addressed so quickly. Like you have your own pit crew. Keep your eye on the crew working on the boat. Especially on the day they do the major setup for epoxy in place as you will want to know the process they use to tie the old to the new with lots of film / pictures. I'm sure they taped everything off so the dust can't get back into the boat but be sure its closed up tight. Very lucky where you were hit that it wasn't the forestay or sidestay stress areas. Can't believe we might still see you in Miami. Enjoy your time in Martinique

[@LaurieShannon-gr2ts]

I loved the lead in to the recap. Your review of events covered it all. Fingers crossed on speedy repairs and no new surprises. Chin up Awen, this too shall pass.

[@tip0019]

Recap came across to me as dead weight.

[@razordogman]

Mona Passage is supposed to be rough waters but if you pass buy there i would recommend that you make at least a mini stop around or go close to Mona Island for the view and beautiful water.

[@gabsi64]

Wow - am deeply impressed by the sheer speed of the repairs. I hope you don’t feel under too much pressure to make it to Miami - the weather is the goddess in charge. But good luck, you’re both incredibly stoic under the circumstances!

[@patrickmatte178]

Good news after all! Sure it is heartbreaking but everyone is in good health, you need to be positive about every experiences, good and bad👍🏻 it will be quit a challenge and an opportunity to speed up to the real potential of your outremer 😉 you will have time to visit and take your time on the way back! Hope you will find 1 or 2 other crew member to drive this formula one of the seas🤩 bonne chance et continue de suivre votre super aventure❤️❤️❤️ je pense à vous du Québec sous les 80cm de neige en une semaine🤪🤣

[@minimalistinmotion]

We understand the emotions, it’s got to be tough to see holes in your brand new boat. On the upside, it looks like you couldn’t be in a better spot to get AWEN repaired and back in the water where she belongs. We hope you find someone like Nikki to join your passage from Martinique to Miami. 💚

[@laurence9695]

Thank you for the update. Im sure Outremer will come thru with a professional skipper. Its all to their advantage to get you there. Id imagine Outremer team has lots of great skippers up their sleeve. It's all a process. And learning to manage the stress and the emotions.😢 😢 you got this.

[@thermathome]

Good to see Awen is getting a hole lot of love, a hull lot of attention, a boat load of tlc. I believe monohull youtuber Lauren Landers is in BVI - you could maybe pick her up en route.

[@laurapitre5797]

That looks like the preferred route assuming no nasty weather crossing the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Expect lots of traffic in the Old Bahamas Channel above Cuba. The other danger area would be crossing the Gulf Stream with a strong North wind. Good luck with the repairs and have a safe passage!

[@SailingAWEN]

Yes, we hired a weather router to assist us

[@fabricecolleu6464]

finger cross...quelle experience terrible, et douloureuse...MAIS, c'est une experience salutaire pour vous, et nous, votre nouvelle communauté que de vivre cela avec vous...vous etes assurement a la hauteur de l'évenement, dignes, objectifs, sinceres...vous serez a miami !!

[@barrygriffin6653]

You are in safe hands with these repairs. You shouldn't put yourselves under any pressure to meet the Miami deadline. You have built a very viable bridge to get over this problem. Just let it flow and things will come together. Chill and relax. You have deserved it.

[@garyr1522]

Goodluck with the repairs guys, and the sailing that awaits. A great adventure.

[@SailingAWEN]

Yes, thank you 🙌

[@casperthijssen]

Good luck on the race to Miami! Wish I would be able to help out as delivery crew..

[@jwfox54]

Jack Whitaker from sailing zatara might be someone to check into. He has tremendous experience on large catamaran and they are headed to boat show in Miami. They may already be in your area right now, Just a thought thrown your way

[@gailzuskin1152]

Funny, I had the same thought!

[@SailingAWEN]

I think he's busy sailing his own boat there :-)

[@geoffthefarmer]

I'm sad for you both also. I hope the repairs go to schedule and the weather is perfect for the passage to Miami.

[@bishopkinlyside8477]

Hi guys, wow that’s a major surgery on the catamaran it’s such a traumatic time for you guys and hopefully and will be strong stress. If you’re going to sail around the world are you going to get that window fixed here to you or you have to wait? Keep up the good work. I love the videos Cliff from Logan City Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺👨🏻‍🦽

[@SailingAWEN]

Thank you! Hatch has already been replaced 👍

[@rickdoner5181]

I'd suggest Bobby from @Sailing Doodles He has sailed those areas for years, and I am sure he would have great advice.

[@SailingAWEN]

Thanks for the tip. I’m sure he’s busy this time of year but he seems like he would be fun to sail with!

[@dc1544]

Outremer if you are reading this, be the first company to make a respond team or 2. Having a crew that could fly anywhere fast and repair damages correctly for your customers would be ground breaking. I already know you guys go above and beyond. This could be a right off (tax write off) any difference from what the insurance pays. You could also have a Charge at first sale and 2nd sale of these boats say $10,000 which would put these boats on the fast list. A piece of mind for your Owners would set you apart from the ones who are right with you for quality and performance. An adjuster who also knows how to prep any boat for repairs while 1-2 people fly in a day or 2 later with supplies to repair the damage. Being organized and showing customer support would mean you would be #1 for sure.

[@SailingAWEN]

They have done so much of this, they came to the Canaries for our fist round of fixes and have people on the ground here in Martinique. Their after sales service is the second reason we went with Outremer. The first being the boat 🤗

[@edenjsailcharteradventures9408]

Hi Holly and Stephane, we strongly hope repairs are proceeding super well! We were looking at a previous video of yours during the Transat and noted that you were using engine alternators to recharge the batteries housebank and you have chosen not to have a genset on board. I would like to do the same on our catamaran, by dismissing the current genset. I would be grateful to know how many nominal Amps each of your Alternators have got and how would you judge your overall experience so far having high output alternators and no genset. Congratulations again to both of you for your amazing approach, you really are an inspiring example for my wife and myself (and I guess for many, many, of us sailors). Elli & Daniele

[@SailingAWEN]

Great question! We will get back to you in that one! 🤗

[@JRTurgeon13]

The commitment to make it to the Miami Boat Show sounds like: "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" It doesn't sound so bad, if the weather cooperates. But it's a big 'if'. You must have a plan 'B' to give up if the weather doesn't cooperate, whether it be no wind or too much wind/sea state. There is no point in pushing the boat beyond its limit just to attend a boat show.

[@SailingAWEN]

100% agree!

[@Coleen_West]

I think that your 52 Outremer may actually look better than the 55.. Just seems to sit in the water and have a better stance and better looking lines...

[@SailingAWEN]

If you come to the Miami boat show then you will be able to compare them in person 😉

[@Cheers_Warren]

Years ago I worked for a large powerboat mfg and the guys would be rushing to shows and even polishing the boat using the onboard generator for tools. So if there has to be cleaning and sorting or whatever on passage don’t delay to depart if boat can get going!!!! Safely of course …..

[@brettgraham1966]

Man it’s still heartbreaking to see them cutting a massive hole in your boat, can only begin to understand your emotions 😢😢 But you’ve got the right team so will be back as good as new…👍

[@SailingAWEN]

It is heartbreaking but boats seem to require resilience, maybe that’s the lesson😂

[@rileybri]

You want Meredith and Nills Ericson (formally of Gunboat) to help you. No one knows those water better then those two.

[@SailingAWEN]

Thanks, is there a way to find them?

[@rileybri]

I'll hit you up in IG with that info.

[@philipwright7186]

That must be a bitter pill to swallow on a new boat. I've got a bit of catching up to do on your channel but it's interesting to me that when you upgraded from your previous boat, you decided that the boat had to be quicker. In monohull circles, people upgrading would mostly choose a heavier more robust boat for world cruising, with performance not being a critical factor. Perhaps each respectively believes they are making their type of boat 'safer'? Or maybe it is something else? Good luck with the repairs in any case!

[@SailingAWEN]

Thanks for the questions, we weren’t going for quicker as a requirement. We are going for more sailing, less motoring and bigger sailing range on a catamaran. This leads you to a light displacement boat. Speed was never the goal, being optimized for a circumnavigation is what’s important, along with the ‘joy’ of sailing. We did a couple videos early on about this. Check out EP 1-4. Cheers! 🤗⛵️🏝️

[@wineguy47]

I don't know if it hs been asked and answered, but what is the origin of the boat's name - AWEN ? Thanks

[@SailingAWEN]

Stéphane is originally from Brittany in France. In old Breton language, AWEN means divine inspiration and was used to describe the 'flowing energy that is the essence of life. ' It also refers to the muse who inspires us all towards our destiny and was derived from the word 'breeze. ' We believe this is quite fitting!

[@FREEDOM195844]

The hull doesn't appear to be very thick. What would happen if you hit something in the water?

[@SailingAWEN]

We actually felt the opposite when we saw the damage. The bottom of the hulls has quite a bit more reinforced fiberglass so that’s very strong. The level up would be an aluminum boat. I guess the answer to that would be, it depends on how big the object was and how fast we were going. It’s also why we opted to get a Sea.ai camera on the mast.

[@FREEDOM195844]

I'm a full displacement trawler guy and we've had DeFever and Selene yachts. The whole hull is very thick. I guess your boat is for speed.@@SailingAWEN

[@robertlaird6746]

Get some crew to help you. I'm sure that the The O'Kelly's would be up for the adventure.

[@SailingAWEN]

They O’Kelly’s are crossing now on Moonshot 👍🏻

[@robertlaird6746]

@@SailingAWEN They decided not to cross the Atlantic Ocean due to Megan getting sick. Not sure what they will do now.

[@SailingAWEN]

Nick is back on the boat now based on the latest news. Megan will meet them in BVIs.

[@paulbritton9926]

Can you tell me the name of the composite company that you used for the repair??

[@SailingAWEN]

Alizé Composites, located at the boat yard Carenantilles in Le Marin. The owners are Manu and Nico. They do a really awesome job!

[@paulbritton9926]

@@SailingAWEN do you have a contact No. I can’t find anything online

[@SailingAWEN]

facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064945470095

[@SailingAWEN]

Nico - [phone]

[@br5927]

I would avoid the Republic domican north coast, I did the same trip in reverse, fort lauderdale to Grenada, I would stay north until Nassau latitude and turn east

[@SailingAWEN]

That’s quite a detour to the latitude of Nassau. Could you explain more your reasoning? Thank you

[@user-ku9wf3si5c]

That’s hard for you to witness but then composite construction can be repaired🤞for some competent crew to get you to Miami

[@SailingAWEN]

Thank you!

[@CapHein]

I'm not sure sailing the thorny path is the easiest route to Miami for you but if you need help let me know. I have another friend who is a captain named Mike who would most likely be available to help get you to Miami also

[@CapHein]

Mike lives in the DR and I will be back in Miami in a few days.

[@SailingAWEN]

We don’t want a thorny path either. Is that what they call it?

[@CapHein]

Technically the thorny path is from Florida down to the leeward Islands but with high traffic zones (from sailors and commercial vessels) it can be a hectic route this time of year heading NW. The most congested area with the potential for high Northerly winds aggravating the seas between Puerto Rico and the DR (and the rest of the way up the Gulfstream) will certainly call for attentive watchmaking. Weather should be in your favor for the most part but you'll need to be alert especially in that area.

[@SailingAWEN]

@bdcmanagement is there a better route?

[@CapHein]

​@@SailingAWENprobably less hectic, or less chance for a Northerly blow to slow you down and create ugly chop against the Gulfstream to sail up to Turks and Caicos and then you can decide if the weather looks good to sail up through Bahamas towards Miami or to stay on a Northerly heading on the outside and then due West to Biscayne Bay. It opens the door for options and gives you a shorter timeframe to trust the weather window. Doesn't add a huge amount of distance to your route but could save you time and abuse if you have to fight the headwind and associated seas in the Gulfstream. Basically it just opens your options to be able to choose a clear sailing route later in the passage without adding too much distance.

[@jasonw8325]

If you need an additional Crew to help to Miami let me know!

[@SailingAWEN]

Thank you for the offer!

[@sebastiensirois8915]

Bonjour Stephane and Holly, I sent you a private email. We could help you deliver Awen to Miami if needed. Have a great day.

[@SailingAWEN]

Awesome thank you!

[@davidlevitz3119]

MAYBE NIKKI CAN STAY ABOARD ?

[@atmm89]

don't just show your faces, I know you think you are nice, we do not want that, show us the work, the damage, that's what we want to see

[@SailingAWEN]

Thank you. The accident and damage was captured in the episode called ‘T-boned’ (50). The heart hole was the only thing new to share upon the last update. Since then, we have more pictures and information which we are happy to share soon. Thanks for watching and check out EP 50 for the damage.