HORRIBLE Sail- Everything's broken!! 😥(Calico Skies Sailing, Ep 208)

[@donlindell1994]

This story was CAPTIVATING because we literally watched you change as people while you learned one of those weary pearls of sailor’s wisdom that only comes from successfully marching forward through difficult circumstances. It’s so rare that people have such presence during these times AND a willingness to share with others. This was a particularly cathartic moment.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks for the kind words Don! Seems you never stop learning when you put out to sea!

[@davidgray5530]

Hang in there. We have faith in you both. Think of those days laying out on a sunny beach without a care in the world, enjoying your friends, the sun, the palm trees, and the water.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We are in better spirts now, was a tough ride after surgeries and refit, we will get there! 😀

[@Furree_68]

Dang.. That was a tough sail. But as Grace said, luckely you where not in the middle of the pacific when it happend. I really hope that everything solves it for you. All the love for you two. ❤

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Funny how the wheels can come off the bus all at once! LOL

[@olemanjim1415]

It can be hard to realize how busy it can get at the helm while hand steering, there's a lot going on. Starting with just keeping your balance, then toss in a dark night without stars and you wind up over steering because you're reacting instead of directing. This has been a rough passage with all that's gone wrong and I'm glad you were able to find that silver lining and hang on for the ride. It will get better. Maybe give Jerry a call on that fridge 😃. Be well my friends!!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

This is so true, in that sea state we could barely dismiss alarms on the chartplotter hahah . Happy holidays Jim!

[@gradydees9981]

With any boat, things will break and go wrong, good thing they happened before being in the middle of the Pacific. Your good attitude will prevail. Merry Christmas to you both and hope your sister and all family are doing well.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Very true! of course those are systems we didnt over haul that failed lol

[@SailingOneLife]

I just want to give you two a big hug! ❤ Hang in there friends.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Meet in Fiji in say half a year 🙃?!

[@davidnichols147]

Our HEART's go out to Grace, Bill & Family; after an elongated yard period everything Breaks on this Horrific Passage. Depressingly sad, this is an episode you don't want to miss. We wish them all a very Merry Christmas!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank u ☺️ merry Christmas & happy new year!

[@ldirk58601]

I think Mars or Mercury or Pluto is in Marmalade and the Moon is so busy laughing that it's not paying attention to her sailors. Even the new boat owners are dealing with headaches. Ruby Rose and Wynns and Im sure a few others. Eventually all will be well again. Peace be with you Calico Skies. May Peace and Health be with you and your loved ones this Holiday Season.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Very true, just so many systems to look after on a cruising sailboat!

[@linf525]

The two of you make such a strong team- always there for each other. I loved the long sections of ocean video. I hope you have solved the issues so you can sail onward with confidence in all your systems!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks! We left the clips a little bit longer in this edit :)

[@davidreadbikes]

Great attitude Grace, and nice job editing as always. And you guys don't need to crank-out a video each week, twice a month is fine for us, esp with the pandemic easing. Keep going - we will be with you every mile on the Pacific crossing.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you so much David!

[@TheSeatug]

Hang in there and use it a a test run . better to break it now then out on your major crossing.

[@dakohli]

You guys are incredibly resilient. A lot more than a lot of folks, congrads on completing a challenging passage.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you!😍

[@Cturnerwrite]

Wishing you nothing but better times! My heart has broken for you two over this year and I know 2024 is going to be a great year for you both.❤❤

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you!!! Onward and upward!

[@barbroberts4562]

Highly recommend you add a wind vane steering instrument before crossing the Pacific. We love our hydrovane and use it exclusively for auto steering when under sail. Uses no power and we don't have to worry about hand steering under sail if our autopilot breaks. Hope you both are feeling better and your system fixes are simple. 🤞 Barb, sv Grace Note

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Hey Barb! Oh yea we wish, our stern is pretty out of room,. We just reupped out AP spares

[@SailingAquamarine]

@@CalicoSkiesSailingyou know you can mount them off centre? Technically you can even mount them on the side of the boat (although that would be a bit mad!) the auxiliary tiller and lack of power consumption is worth the effort (there is also a guy making them in Europe for half the price if cost is a big issue!)

[@catwednesday]

@@SailingAquamarine Who's the guy in Europe? Would love to get a cheaper one.

[@SailingAquamarine]

​@catwednesday if you watch Mads on sail life he has one... then do a search for Windy Self Steering. He advertises a pendulum servo version, but if you email him and ask nicely he will make you a wind only version purely in stainless... it is quietly getting very good reviews 😊

[@rodneyjaynes2485]

When I drove truck around the country, my favorite times were sunrise and sunset, and when I was home fishing on the Great Lakes, I would experience many beautiful sunrises. I can only imagine how beautiful it is to see the rises and sets on the open water that you travel. I know I have seen some spectacular rises, and even photographed a few, but your view must be the best! Sunrise is my favorite time of day. Glad to see you up and around so soon after surgery. Being active after surgery, within reason, promotes the healing process.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Our favorite times to! Thats why she's called Calico Skies, that special time of the day :)

[@jasteck8]

never knew that but totally get it now seeing your logo...great choice @@CalicoSkiesSailing

[@rickstevens1479]

Must feel good to feel the power of the new sail . You guys take care of each other, and everything else will take care of itself 😂. Hope this next year is kind to both of you ..😢.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank u!! 🙏🏼

[@californiakayaker]

Wanted to tell you guys, you were mentioned by Delos (actually one of their patrons asked if they were still keeping up on you guys, Kaza knew it was your birthday I think and said she'd tried to call, its in the 2023 Live Recap: The BEST, the WORST at 47:02 . hope you are doing well, a crazy thing happened, my system didn't show me subscribed to you ! How could that happen ? So I fixed it.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

haha yes! I missed her! aw ....thank u!!!!

[@robertgold2643]

That bow wake shot at 6:50 is mesmerizing. I wonder if neuralink could have that play all the time in my eyes?

[@Carsten-Berlin-Wi]

I am impressed by your strength! Although it where doubts you decided to share even the darkest moments. And more: you shared emotions and edited them in a way that is rare at YT. Long sequences giving space for emotional changes by pictures and music. It reminds me of Boris Herrmann (in the professional sailing scene) who shows his highs and lows. No one can be "succesful" all the time. Success grows on experiences like the one you documented so fantastic. Merry Christmas for both of you, your sister and all your beloved ones (🕯one of our candles here in Berlin will be lighted for you)

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you for this feedback! I will have to check him out. Really happy you enjoyed this one. Thank you for being here and Merry Christmas to you and your family and loved ones💓 Thank you🙏🏻

[@Carsten-Berlin-Wi]

youtube.com/@teammalizia?si=lPy1vpGHNBAH_HN2

[@SailingCAVU]

Focus on the positive, you found the problems now and you work great together. Bill is a rockstar for stepping up and getting it done. Great job great story.

[@robertroman9031]

That time-lapse sequence was spectacular. Great to see you sailing again.❤❤

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@donlindell1994]

Timelapse is like cowbell… MORE!

[@jasteck8]

i dunno why i love this reply...@@donlindell1994

[@richb313]

If the Auto Pilots problem is the motor a good cleaning of the commutator and brushes might do the trick the water maker and fridge probably have the same issue the water inlet either way just having time to address these issues will be good.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We tear into in the next episode. A watermaker fitting failed and wet the fridge controller ugh

[@1Jamesjc]

Same problem with auto pilot same auto pilot brushes and good clean great videos never miss one

[@marklapierre5629]

When it rains it rains. Time to collect the rainwater.

[@allanmurphy7474]

Stuff happens and bad things happen happen to good people. The wonderful things that are your life are not for everyone. It takes special individuals to deal with Mother Nature on such terms. I hope the best for you folks. Congratulations and the wish for a better 2024 for you two and all of us. Cheers

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank u Happy New Year to you as well!

[@moniquezwart1961]

Be safe guys, I’m worried if it is safe enough for you both to do the big crosing🫶

[@robertbowdish523]

No matter how difficult it gets, I would gladly trade places with you any day. Best of luck and try not to forget what an amazing life you 2 have.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Very true! We are grateful for it 😍

[@robertbowdish523]

And thanks for doing what you do and sharing it. Many of us 9 to 5ers need to live out our lives vicariously with you! 🙂@@CalicoSkiesSailing Merry Christmas and have a great NY!

[@joetabone2902]

Merry Christmas to both of you, looking forward to seeing more of your tails and advantages

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Merry Christmas to you too!!

[@jasteck8]

Bill & Grace, you are truly some of my heros'....every time I think about how much I've been though in life & just daily struggles, I am humbled back to reality as I watch you conquer life and inspire us ALL.....

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

awwww! 😘🤗

[@alejandrovanags4948]

What can happen will happen. Worry not. Shake down sails make you more resilient

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

This is true, to be fair the boat didn't really get put into rough weather for over a year. 8 month haul out and a benign summer season

[@MrPaulcm1]

That new sail is looking great. The sailing looks so good. Damn, that's a heartache that all those things broke, especially the autopilot. A hard slog indeed.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Better now than the South Pacific haha

[@jimmymurray2996]

I'm sorry that this was such a tough passage, especially after surgery. Prayers for your continued recovery and for Bill to fix the boat. I hope you had a good Christmas!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank u! Happy new year :)

[@adventureswithryan5474]

It's always great to watch your guys videos! Glad to see yall out crushing it once again! Love you 2!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Love and miss you too Ryan! Hugs!! Merry Christmas💓

[@joerathert5136]

Get a CPT autopilot as a backup. Every short handed crusing boat should have 2 forms of self steering. If you dont have a wind vane get a CPT. It's a totally independent unit that is easy to install and use. I have no affiliation with them but I have one on my boat. They are tough and work great. This passage would have been much easier with a (2nd) autopilot.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We discussed getting a CPT..shame they are pretty $$$. We just ordered a new drive for 2k. It'd be a nice upgrade tho, in challenging conditions it would be hard to crawl into the lazerrette and swap drive out. I've been scanning for a used CPT :)

[@joerathert5136]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing CPTs are about 2200 IIRC. But you should fix your current pilot also. To me it is well worth it. Especially with a big crossing ahead of you. Best Wishes and Smooth Sailing.

[@scottthompson138]

I had 2 full knee replacements during Covid. So in one sense I feel for you. You are so beautiful. I love your freckles!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

ugh sorry to hear about the knee replacements

[@laurieherrick3654]

Love, love the videos with the sound track... brought back great memories. Thx to you and bill for sharing your lifes

[@floridamom9073]

You two are amazing. Happy holidays, and prayers sent for all, Grace, Bill and your sister. Your resilience is epic.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you so much! Happy holidays!

[@kf29349]

Just remember, at this point in time in the world, a bad day at sea is better than any day on dry land. Embrace the suck! Difficult times make you a stronger person in the long run. Merry Christmas! Peace and joy for the new year. God bless.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Very true and yes it does!!! Merry Christmas to you too❤️

[@scyz2807]

Wow! What I'm anxious to hear is what was wrong with the auto pilot and radar. Hmmmm ? ? ?

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Don't worry there will be a full report over the next few vids :) !

[@scottthompson138]

Grace. I love you. You are something about your SA wonderful Hammurabi

[@RibwWobd]

Anticipate the difficult by managing the easy.

[@joshtvg]

Better that it all breaks now where you can get parts vs halfway across an ocean! Fair winds for the rest of your trip!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

So true! This was a real sea trial , 30 knots of wind as opposed to mostly motoring over the summer

[@prajwalpampa]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing Also probably wait till Dec 31st for all repairs. When Jupiter and Mars turn good.

[@JarrodLCooperTV]

Well done both of you! Tough times, but you’re tougher. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌅🌅🌅

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you so much!

[@BillChild2njoy]

So love your channel and you two.. And please keep the nice soothing. Music and wave watching interludes.. Gotta have one or two 30 sec each per episode though I'm not the editor trying to get everything in.. So glad you are back from the doctors and such an hope Bill feels better soon too😊

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you! Will do!

[@skohaya]

Wishing you all could do a New Boat fund! Will be praying for the healing of your vessel! Blessings

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank u 🙏🏼

[@faircompetition1203]

Before I do any passages offshore I intend to have two unique autopilots that have interchangeable parts . one on the hydraulics and one with an octopus drive .

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

What an octopus drive? We did source a new drive

[@ScottBryant-wi7gb]

Merry Christmas SV Calico Skies!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Same to you!

[@petercaras3696]

If you get everything patched up in Santa Rosalia, wait for the next screaming blue norther an head for PV. If nothing breaks, you're good to go for the Pacific crossing. Oh yeah, short of a wind vane, carry a complete spare autopilot and a third crew member. You'll never regret it.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

haha yea! We are down in the PV area now, did exactly what you said. New AP drive is on order and we already have a spare computer, compass, and rudder feedback onboard.

[@ralphjansen9205]

Yippee yaaay your back . Hope Graces sisters surgery went well.

[@ralphjansen9205]

Sorry it was such a uncomfortable sail.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Yes her sister had the surgery a few days ago and is recovering well!

[@markmanleyH2Oactivity]

"successful surgery" 💪 . . . . . Hope & pray 🗝️ the same for your sister !!! 🌴🥩🌴🎸🌴🏊🐾🐾🐾

[@catothecensor]

Small, enclosed seas are the worst. Waves are reflected by the coastline from every direction, and the tidal stream is stronger when the coastline bends it. We know very well here in the Mediterranean: the most peaceful sea when it’s good weather, and the short steep wave coming from cross-directions when it is bad weather.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Yea so much harder to deal with than the ocean swell, We've heard the medd can be really tough!

[@robm.4512]

Oh, passages like that suck, especially when you’re not feeling great anyway and you get tired. It just makes thinking stuff through so hard. As a friend of mine said, on a similarly grotty trip, it feels like if we didn’t have bad luck we wouldn’t have any luck at all. That was about 30 seconds before the compass bulb blew, at 2 am on an overcast night whilst skirting the Southern coast of Ireland, heading for Falmouth in the remaining lousy sea state from a big system that had just blown through and beaten us up for 3 days, turning the boat into a good semblance of a garbage bin crossed with a teenager’s bedroom. It’s a gremlin, you must’ve picked up one of the tricky little blighters in the yard. The good news is that they don’t do well in the heat, so the further South you go the more lethargic it’ll get and it won’t be able to run around messing so much different stuff up as fast. Hope you’re doing better now and haven’t had too many snags sourcing spares and tracking down the problems. As you said towards the end, better to find out about the issues now than when you’re a thousand miles from anywhere. Wishing you and yours the very best of the season. Cheers, R. 😎👍🍻

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Yea must have been caught during all that time in storage.. we took the boat out sailing for 6 weeks in the summer but it was under calm condition, need to put her in some weather and see what shakes out!

[@BillChild2njoy]

I spoke too soon and feel so bad for all the problems .. After all the work with refits then all thar happening. 😮

[@esmith1771]

Thanks Bill & Grace! Super happy to see this video, even though things were less than ideal.

[@paullivingston6312]

Santa Rosalia is a great town of copper. I always stay close and get my hair cut and groceries. South of Santa Rosalia San Bruno great fishing. Great area.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@53goforit]

Thanks folks, cruising is not always roses and wine so it's nice to see when things gone wrong and to learn from your thought processes on how to deal with the issues. Your waves and music was so soothing thanks folks.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertroman9031]

My first comment was made at the ten minute mark in watching. This one is at the end. You too are some of the most resilient people I know and why I love watching your videos. Take care and good luck to you.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you for watching!

[@jonathanscott550]

Hello Bill & Grace. After all that work you did on Calico Skyes and now all this break downs happen. Like you guys say better it happens now than 1,000's of miles out in the Pacific. Still a little discouraging, but you two are fighters and you'll beat this and get back up. This is kind of like a break in sail like having a new boat. Sorry to hear you both felt like you caught a bug or something. Grace I'm glad your medical situation in AZ went well. Looking forward to next video It's great to have you back on the Blue.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks! Yep this was a real shake down sail, almost 1000 miles in blustery, choppy condition ripping south down the sea of cortez

[@colinboniface194]

Good video... No it is not sandy beaches and champagne all the time... From the outside looking in, I think the year that you have just endured, affected this voyage more than this voyage itself... Just a thought... You were smiling and steering with your feet toward the end... Your next voyage you'll have a reconditioned auto pilot, a refreshed refrigerator,, and new plumbing on your water maker... There is nothing else to do...

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you, appreciate this comment a lot. And I think you are right ... This is true! Thanks for watching and being here :)

[@thomasthornton5737]

😀👍👍👍❤ Hope you are able to get some much-needed rest through the Holidays. 2024 will "brighten" up for you both, I'm sure. Thank you for filming during all the breakages. Bye for this year from Seattle, WA.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

happy holidays! We try to share both the good and the bad

[@allanmurphy7474]

The new sails look beautiful

[@dannyfisher9223]

Oh guy's you are having such a bad run , hopefully it will all get better for you from now onwards 👍 Thinking of yas take care and stay safe

[@loisphillips5826]

Always enjoy your videos. Tough sail. Hope it all worked out. Hope your sister is now recovering well. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Happy holidays!

[@lentongrovetrust5201]

Wishing you both a merry Christmas and may 2024 be good to you in every way possible

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Merry Christmas!! Thank you!

[@harborhobo]

I’m feeling for both of you. I remember having numerous things break at the same time when I was offshore, although not to the extent that you experienced and you kept your composure better than I did. Selling the boat seemed like a good idea to me, but after getting into port and making repairs, I was as excited as ever to head back out. I’m wishing the best for you.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Aw thank you .. breaking stuff at sea really sucks! We def had some really low moments on this passage and not all was caught on film (transferring food from the fridge to coolers with the crazy motion for example). We are in a much better place now emotionally!!! Thank you for being here❤️

[@scubaseas1]

Nice sails. @13:55 proving once again there are times the bumper sticker is true. Way back the commercial fishermen up Island had bumper stickers that were simply black Helvetica font, white background..."BOATS SUCK" Kinda says it all sometimes.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😂 the sea is a harsh mistress 🙃.. we are loving our new sails!

[@KennyP88]

Tough when things pile up on ya. I hope it all gets worked out easily and not so costly for you. That rudder used to be loose as a goose, could it’s new stiffness be taxing the autopilot to its limits? No doubt it’s a tired unit.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Could be. It’s likely time for a new drive which we have ordered. This will be our third drive of our travels :)

[@geoffreysmith4905]

Your videos show us the real side of sailing.

[@dboboc]

You're kidding , right?

[@geoffreysmith4905]

Nope it looks challenging, they show us that.

[@eileenderheim3768]

Glad to see you back on the water, though wish you had better luck. Not surprised though that you two have the tenacity to work through it. Some lovely time lapse and the new sails look great.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks 👍

[@Pasovineyard]

Hang in there.

[@bojangles8837]

I like to see Bill always working the boat. But I guess that goes with the territory. I do see too many that seem to set it and forget it. Are you always shooting for rumbline, or do you consider VMG sailing? Not only from a time, speed, distance, but also a comfort level. I also had some dental work in Mexico. Get job and price! ❤ Go visit Yelapa(beautiful spot) next to P.V. Bad anchorage and can be rolly. Hike to falls. I used to have a cool bungalow in hills and setup a💪 mooring for then a Swan 65. Long ago 1994. Unfortunatley Iam sure it has changed.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We consider VMG sailing, often on big crossing you aren't really aimed right at the destination but as long as making forward progress!

[@garysmith1639]

I really like how you guys never gloss over the things that break or go wrong on your adventures. I watch a lot of KZbin sailing videos and I’m amazed at the amount of autopilot failures that happen on sailboats. I was a professional boat captain on powerboats for 40 years on everything from a 40 ft. sport fishing boat to a 125 ft yacht and never had an autopilot failure. I wonder if the sails or sail trim somehow put additional stress on the pilot that causes them to fail.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

idk what us sailors are doing wrong haha. Maybe its the sails, maybe lower voltages as we run them off batteries affect the brushes, unsure!

[@garysmith1639]

Low voltage is a good thought. Power boats almost always run generators or at the very least get plenty of voltage from alternators. I don’t think it’s a matter of sailors doing anything wrong. It’s just a common theme that I’ve noticed while fantasizing about getting my own sailboat. Lol

[@daneetaran8784]

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎄🎄🎄⛄⛄and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR 🍾🍾🍾🍾 remember 🏖🏖🏖🏖 are coming up. God give you many blessing this coming new year and good health to you and your families. ❤❤❤❤

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

[@SailingAquamarine]

Hmmm, looks like the same ram as I have… it will be interesting to see what went wrong! Everything else is normal boat work! You guys are going to need crew for the long passage shifts (I’m not volunteering… I have my own boat work!) but I’m sure there would be plenty of volunteers!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

This will be our third autopilot drive haha. They seem to get worn out over time and miles. The direct replacment is no longer available so I had to get a newer version to replace. In the next episode I eventually got the drive working but it's def time for a new one! We have started discussing taking crew with us, historically we've done our crossings double handed but if there is an AP issue 12 on / 12 off is quite arduous

[@bake162]

Tough passage

[@alimitchell5346]

👍...it will be ok...

[@scottthompson138]

I so love come to. Van Vancouver

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

I really enjoyed the water and sky video in this episode.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Glad you enjoyed them, easier to get interesting shots when we are out of the boat yard ;)

[@crowdfundcrew]

Hope you find and fix all the things quickly so you have a smooth sail across the big water. Donate for a Dream

[@russellotto2791]

Merry Christmas.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@russellotto2791]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing 66 yo grandpa. learned to sail in VA at 14. schooled in upstate NY and sailed Laser, Hobie and Megabyte. Still working but not not sailing in Ct. Living and sailing vicariously through KZbin. Fair Winds.

[@venturajo805]

Hang in there friends

[@DonMcConaughy]

Stay strong. It's better to break now than heading across the pacific!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thats for sure!

[@ckfpv]

Well i must say your looking well rested and very well considering 👍👍👍🇺🇲

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you!

[@brucerhodes8197]

Thankfully the auto-pilot was the only real important issue as far as to continue sailing. The other systems that failed for a short passage weren't nearly as important, certainly need to be fixed to continue on, but to get where you were going they could wait. As you said though, as tough as it was, there is a silver lining. I'm guessing the systems that failed were ones that had always been reliable and weren't part of the refit, probably not being used much in the last year led to their failure. I just recently upgraded pickup trucks, still had the old one sitting in my driveway for a month or so... when I decided I should just drive it a few miles to keep things from rusting up... just one month of sitting the brakes nearly failed me down my steep driveway, I had to pump like crazy to get any pressure and slow it down... a mile or two down the road they were working fine again. I'm sure by now those problems are solved and it's all behind you.. Hopefully you are in full holiday season and have Merry Christmas!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Yep these systems didnt get touched, we will be upgrading to a new AP drive for sure

[@scubaseas1]

Best wishes for resolving the AP issues. In the car repair business, the first place we would look was who did what last? As in is it possible removing the rudder did something to the rudder sensor or the wiring? Given what a pain it is to NOT have an AP I've been toying with buying a CPT as a backup unit prior to TransAt crossing. Or pick up a cheaper used wheel pilot maybe. Or maybe carry a spare set of parts like drive and control head. My last two boats had Raymarine below deck and never had a problem even with demanding conditions but I'm not as young as I used to be and would not appreciate having to hand steer on a long passage. Like you I have too much "stuff" on my stern to go windvane but would love to hear your thoughts on a backup or redundant AP scenario.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We considered a CPT as well. Although not sure its ability in rough weather so right now we have replacements for every complement of the AP onboard

[@para1324]

I am happy you made port. Like you said better now than on the Pacific crossing. Things will be fixed. Steering with your feet after the mention about your arms was the first thing I thought off. Well done. I hope your sister is doing well. Stay strong. Merry Christmas to you both, family and friends along with my fellow subscribers.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Merry Christmas!

[@mgs8747]

Thanks for that. ❤

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😍

[@jd739]

Keep your heads up! It will all come together eventually. At least it makes for good content! happy Holidays!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

haha very true!

[@MarciaWintle]

Thanks!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you so much 😊 🙏🏼 happy new year!

[@rainfinger]

Great video, remembering what it was like from our circumnavigation in the 1980s, presently sailing the Eastern Atlantic, headed for Brazil. My wife's book is a good one, published by Austin Macauley of New York, and available on Amazon, literally a fictional story of sailing and adventure: "Seychelle and the Cannabis Yachties". It is very entertaining, hoping you will give it a read and review.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

cool i'll check out her book! always looking for sailing books

[@russellotto2791]

Happy New Year.

[@dmerril68]

Might be time for a newer boat. Merry Christmas.

[@SailingAquamarine]

Newer is not necessarily better!

[@ejs6010]

Merry Christmas! You are making progress. Stay safe!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Merry Christmas to u too and happy new year!

[@michaeldyrborg4052]

Im so impressed by the way you guys are handeling everything Do you ever consider buying a new boat? Marry x-mas from Denmark, I love following your travels and lifes

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thank you 🥰 Wow Denmark!!! Happy you are here with us :) We have not ... it would not be in the budget but we're also pretty happy with Calico Skies overall. All of our friends (cruisers) are dealing with broken things regularly as well. Its not common that this much would go wrong on one passage but does happen from time to time ..😢

[@michaeldyrborg4052]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing your both so tough, you can manage im sure ❤️ Best wishes 🤗 Hope your sister the best aswell ❤️

[@briantobin9]

I love what a beast Bildo is! 😂

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

🤣🤣🤣

[@karlfair]

When it rains, it pours. I know you 2 have the resolve to get the passage done. Did you consider hoving to, to get some rest?

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We considered it but there was a large front coming in behind us, wanted to beat it to port rather than get stuck out there

[@jorgeperez7048]

Felicidades 👍👍

[@scottthompson138]

Merry Xmas

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Merry Christmas!!

[@jayltd.7030]

rip noami terlini

[@TammyBillings-qt1ve]

Happy holidays and can't wait for the new year. So enjoying your adventures.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Happy holidays! New adventures to come!

[@seafuryphil]

❤it ain't all rainbows and lollipops. Sure hope you all hang in there. ⛵️🍻♥️🇨🇦

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

lol this is true!