NO autopilot, NO PROBLEM; OFFSHORE ALONE for 3 DAYS [ep 96]

[@laurenlanders]

Give a little extra support 💞 The circumnavigation is JUST beginning... all of your help goes towards more gear to make the videos a bit better and the boat safer and more functional for myself as a single hand (and maybe an extra treat for Mako) PATREON COMMUNITY: www.patreon.com/laurenlanders Paypal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/souldelamar Venmo: account.venmo.com/u/souldelamar Mako Treats: www.buymeacoffee.com/laurenalanR

[@shermanwanga4962]

Happy new year,hope to see you on Bonaire soon 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@Lesser302]

Ps Well my dad he was in the navy A Submariner was he 🙏🏼🦋👉🏼🕺🏻💃🏻

[@53blfoster]

Right on girl, you’re doing this on your own, unless Mako can spell you to get a nap, cheering for you✌🏼

[@richardmorton1310]

About your disclaimer, the way I see it, you are an adventurer, and you are living your dream. Life is an unpredictable journey, full of ups and downs. No matter how difficult the challenges we face, it's important to stay positive and keep moving forward. The adventure is exciting, the scenery is beautiful, you are beautiful, you are tenacious, and you provide an example of young women living their dreams. Keep it up.

[@KyleTurnerSF]

Sorry some people are critical. Seems to me that you were making good decisions and always had multiple options. For the dingy, we used spring lines so it didn't dance on the davits.

[@studioduco4968]

So much respect for you! No autopilot, no Sat, steering with your feet; the old fashioned way. That's how a Pro does it. No stress, you get there anyway. You rock!

[@VitalityMassage]

Awe, I wish I could have been there to help so you could sleep. Sorry this happened to you!

[@doogl2331]

Never underestimate yourself, time and time again you have proven you have great resolve and stamina to do what needs to be done. Happy new year LL!

[@pschlump]

We lived on a 50 ft Benetau for 5 years with a very similar dingy problem on the davits. The solution that I found was to add 3 straps. One from the back starboard side of the dingy to the starboard davit, then from the ring in the inside of the bow to the port davit, then a third strap from the far center side of the dingy to pull the entire dingy up agains the davits. I used a pair of old sections of carpet between the dingy and the davits so that it did not rub on the davits and damage the dingy. It worked in 15 foot seas. Hope that helps. Keep sailing! Appreciate all of your time and good works on the KZbin stuff!

[@lorismith9102]

So happy for you Lauren! You're learning so much more than you realize. You're are so lucky to have this opportunity and it makes me happy to see you're making the best of it. Don't ever stop being the brave and confident girl you are right now no matter what you do.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

You have become a sailor, Lauren. I enjoyed this video more than any other you have made. The trepidations and fears as you realized that the auto pilot was blinking out. And then you settled into sailing. Really sailing. It changed your entire demeanor. That's the point when you become a part of the ocean and your boat. It's a release that only those who undertake the voyage can understand. I have been soloing for over fifty years. I've never had an auto pilot on my power or sail boats. Learn how to use a sextant and plot your course. Then even the electronics aren't much more than a convenience. The best voyages we will ever take are the ones that challenge us. As for the deck hatch, a trash bag and some duct tape should patch you up. Wrap it in the bag and tape it around the edges. That will keep the tape from sticking to the hatch. The deck is a lot easier to clean. I managed to step on mine on my Flicka trying to reef. It held incredibly well and not a drop of water came into the salon. I'm surprised that they didn't put a few bends in the last section of the hydro vane. That would clear the davit and solar panels. But in retrospect, it's wonderful to see you and your boat finally becoming one. Now, you will have a totally new outlook when you cast off. That confidence will see you through storms or anything that might occur with the gizmos and gadgets. I absolutely loved this episode, Lauren. It was watching you graduate from a sail boat owner to a sailor and captain. You held it together and even began to enjoy the experience. Welcome to the club. You're a part of the sea now. You passed Poseidon's test. Congratulations! PS: for your dingy, get some foam pipe insulation and where the dingy contacts the davit place the foam on the davit. Its split so it goes on easy. I used velcro straps wrapped around the the foam to secure them. Then snug the dingy up against the davit and be sure to tie off your motor. I found a ratchet strap worked best, just like a luft, if it starts to wiggle give it a few cranks and its secure. I must write the longest comments 😅 but I know that reading correspondence on a voyage has a great effect on the spirits. Even though we are solo, we feel connected to the world. Happy travels Captain Lauren. And a Fantastic! New Year.

[@captjohn5298]

So well said!

[@tommayfield2248]

Lauren, I am really in AWE of you and your ability. don't ever let any Nay Sayers tell you not to do something, just go for it.

[@bravofighter]

Forget your haters, they’re not out there, but you ARE. Tying off the tiller or wheel is the original autopilot, and you still have a windvane. If it works for you, it works, period. Stay positive and keep on being awesome.

[@freespirit0119]

You are a badass! Free spirit and a wonderful soul 🙏🏻🌞

[@e.rickhudson]

You are the captain of that boat and sometimes we have to make decisions that everyone criticizes, so I say, screw them, you do what is best for your boat. Technology can be both rewarding and deeply frustrating, and I feel your pain there for sure. Keep the mast pointing upwards. Best

[@imaxximus]

You are a great sailor. Creative and inventive and persistent.I couldn’t have done it for sure. Your journey is a real treat.

[@henryostman5740]

OK, there's a sailing video series by an older couple who've crossed the Pacific several times in a vessel they built themselves, they are great sailors, Lauren is learning, she is a sailor, and with some training and practice might be great some day. Too much praise at her age might give her a big head but encouragement might make her keep at it and try even harder.

[@studioduco4968]

@@henryostman5740 In Dutch we have a saying: "the best helmsmen are on shore" you figure out what it means.

[@macgyver5108]

@@studioduco4968 the worst helmsmen swim with the fishes?

[@studioduco4968]

@@macgyver5108 No, it's about people who don't know shit telling the captain what to do. I think @henryostmans5740 has a very "big head" himself and Lauren has been "practicing and training" since she was 6 years old. She's (only) 24 years old (I believe) and when I watch her video's, I see a pro at work. The way she talks, the way she's handling her boat, the way she fixes things, the way she stays cool when she's in trouble... She knows what she is doing, she did it all on her own, she is very wise and I have a lot of respect for all that.

[@macgyver5108]

@@studioduco4968 so I take it you sail?

[@tfhmobil]

It’s correct you need to get the hydrovane up and running. To my experience, you will have success with a windvane, when you learn to balance your boat with your sails. I believe you are close, as you can sail on a bungee cord 👍 😉🤗

[@danlindberg4849]

Talk about keeping folks on their toes, you did it Lady with this journey! Please please get done what will keep YOU and Mako safe! Thank you again for taking us along!!!

[@Mark_L]

You are one brave woman. Making life long memories.

[@generossano2800]

What a hell of a ride, Lauren. Your boat is screaming along, probably hitting 7.5 - 9.5 knots. what a ride! It looks like you had the waves at a nice angle to the boat.

[@russellotto2791]

Well done. Haters gonna hate. You are awesome. Happy New year.

[@VicTergevorkian]

Hi Lauren This, is Vic from St Catharine's Multihull Club I Ben Sailing for over 40 Years. With Catamarans & Mono Hulls. always better have a crow on board. Life on board will be less stressful and when you need help someone is always there as a second hand. Love you Keep sailing. .

[@waynebradfield9191]

No negative comments from me, you are doing a great job, keep it up, you have great content 👍👍

[@CaptPaulClarke]

If you’re in the BVIs anytime soon come hang out with us! Free water, ice and maybe some help from the engineers 🤙

[@weregoingthere]

Love it when the anchor comes up CLEAN!

[@laurenlanders]

🙌🏼

[@fishbustin7926]

I just wanted to tell you how great of a job you’re doing. You’re a strong willed beautiful young woman!

[@k_cat8932]

Only comment i have is that no one else is you in your situation with your knowledge of your boat. We could all suggest what we would do but we aren't there and we aren't you. You already know if you made the right or wrong decision and only you can decide that. I was once told if everyone gets to the destination and the boat is still floating then it was a successful trip. Love your channel you are doing great. Hope you carry on living your best life.

[@lanageldenhuys2231]

You are super awesome. Doing what you are doing at such a young age takes guts! Don't pay any attention to negative comments if there are any, you will learn valuable lessons that will serve you very well in the future no matter which direction you go, most people only learn these lessons much later in life. The art of sometimes taking the different "not safest" option is gutsy but necessary to be successful in life as long as you don't make a habit of it😎 you go girl, love your cat, looking forward to many more adventures with you.

[@davidross976]

You should. be very proud of yourself. You've accomplished what most could not. As my granddaughter would say, you go girl!

[@pineywoodsgymnastics837]

Don’t let negative post steal your Sparkle🎉Your life not theirs. Let your Journey Continue.

[@SVHuntress]

Lauren, thank for the pleasant report that the AP was functioning. Electronics can be intermittent from"gremlins". Often due to temperature changes on the circuit boards. I once had a power supply on PC that wad possessed, going of in the middle of the night. I just replaced knowing it has something to do with cold nights after I put on a heating bad. Understand your disappointment from diagnosising several APs wi😮manufacturing errors that escaped warranty severice, sent you some bucks for a new autopilot or replaceable plug in component. Many had a compass incorrectly filled with silicon oil suspending the internal compass. I added silicone oil and the problems of wild swings during wave conditions vanished forever. I also had to alter the sensitivity. It helps to have a rusty EE degree. Good lunk. Think everything through. You are the skipper.

[@btrent9244]

Outstanding. You kicked it. Love your confidence.

[@TheDivegeek]

Another good option for a situation like that is to heave to for a few hours each night so you can get some sleep. Slows your progress, delays your arrival, but lets you get some shut eye. Great job, though! What an awesome adventure.

[@laurenlanders]

I had a big storm coming through /: otherwise yeah I would’ve done that

[@blarneystone1965]

I am amazed how you deal with overcoming your fears and just going for it you are a brave young lady. Just so you know I was terrified for you the whole trip.😅

[@SVHuntress]

Solo sailing is a high, like instrument flying above minimums. The boat is plowing ahead on autopilot. No engine to monitor. And the quiet. You look back from the bow on your boat, the marvel that is making the experience. Just you and it in a rhythm. Other times its tedious with no other voices or hands. I worry about Lauren like if i was on board. Sailing for decades makes it hard to totally relax. You instinctively want to be prepared. Her videos remind me of 60 years sailing. Many great sails especially under spinnaker. Many frustrating sails. There are young bold pilots and old pilots but no old bold pulots.

[@TracyRutland]

I’m so round of you and so envious that you are so brave todo this at your age.

[@donalokelly]

Adapt, overcome and thrive. Big beamy smile on your face says everything.

[@captjohn5298]

Those critical people are the armchair quarterbacks who will never take the risk to enjoy the journey. I call it best-laid plans, you plan you analyze and be ready for anything that can happen. I can identify with your experience. I was sailing north from San Francisco to Astoria when I lost my autopilot and faced 16 - 18' seas between Cresent City and Newport (mostly following) with 35 - 40 knot winds. I spent 32 hours straight in the cockpit. I was sailing my Gulfstar 50' Ketch and it handled very well. The conditions were to much for the old autopilot which is probably why it went out on me. In my dreams, I wish I had found a partner that loved the water as you do. I do envy your Hydrovane. It has been on my wish list.

[@richardbecker5614]

You go girl! Awesome effort, you never cease to amaze me. Lauren, we all take risks in our daily lives, and they are based on our experience. Many people take BAD risks because they have no experience. The smart person knows himself/ herself, and acts accordingly. You are impressive.

[@erictakakjian6021]

Lauren you did a great job figuring out what needed to be done to keep going. That's what seamanship is all about. Stuff breaks at sea, thats normal and all part of it. You did a great job balancing the rig so the boat could more or less sail herself! Lots of people have sailed all over the world for centuries without autopilots or electronic gadgets of any kind.

[@laurenlanders]

🙏🏼

[@sonny5069]

Lauren you're so amazing navigating with out auto pilot...yeah that was a tuff trip...you are so inspiring...To watch you bloom is truly an honor...I'm proud... and mako is a trooper thank you Lauren.

[@EduardoGomez-rc5qu]

Nice to see you back on the water's Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 🍾🎉🥂

[@ParkingPirate]

Sweet kitty kat! It's nice you get to spend a lot of time with him.

[@paulli405]

You will never receive a negative comment from me. The fact you are following your dream despite challenges and obstacles which you always overcome. Hats off to you Lauren and all that you are accomplishing!

[@arasnaujokas]

Big time respect. Keep learning and sailing.

[@RevMishka]

Awesome journey Lauren, thanks for taking me along! Amazing video brave lady! Looking forward to watching the journey this year! Fair winds and following seas!

[@markhyde1072]

Nice work! I just spent 5 months of back and forth with Garmin to get a malfunctioning (new) autopilot replaced. The electronic brain just crapped out between Nassau and Bimini. Hand steered back to Virginia. No bueno. Replaced one "box" and all is well. Beneteau 40. Good luck and fair winds!

[@JCGible]

Dear Captain @14.55 I noticed the new dinghy Davit system is showing side to side movement with the rocking of the boat. That has to be addressed before it continues over time to weaken. It doesn't look like there's any cross bracing. Even using lines to secure the dingy will help, but I don't believe that's enough. Im a fan of your channel. thank you

[@bobbolieu9013]

You are a very brave person, in the midst of a massive undertaking that very few would even consider thinking of. I applaud you and your huge efforts. Let the comments of the critical people fall to the ground as dry leaves.

[@Cbor322]

Wow, what a trip! Glad to see you wearing all your safety equipment! And yes, get that thing fixed once and for all!!!

[@yhird]

Great job Lauren. Excellent video. Safe travels. Cheers.

[@paulmpalampanis7774]

Well done - great sailing. Hope you had a great Christmas and have a Happy New Year full of great adventures.

[@From.MiamiWithLove]

There is lot idiots captains, you are doing great. Congratulations

[@dougtiffany7439]

Been watching your channel from the beginning,as you probably know,you can adapt a TILLER PILOT to the self steering vane and if the prop wash while motoring doesn't impact the servo rudder,you can use this setup while motoring.Fair winds.

[@orwellknew9112]

That was a growth experience and you handled it like a champ Laura. Way to go!, You’ll get everything sorted out and soon your boat will be more capable than ever. Excellent video.

[@joe10is]

Great passage, Lauren! Anyone saying you weren't safe should just stay home. You were the captain on the scene (as was Joshua Slokum on his little boat, though, he would have eaten the flying fish!). The first time I sailed across the Atlantic we didn't have autopilot (granted, there were 6 of us) and GPS wasn't on virtually any sailboats (oh, and the internet wasn't invented yet, so we didn't even miss it). Safety is what's between your ears, and you are blessed with plenty of brains and experience. You're the master of your world, and doing a damn fine job of it!! and Mako is SOOOOO kyoot!! Happy New Year

[@davidmurphy1653]

You skipper how you choose it's your boat your life experience and learning.❤❤

[@61_seyir_61_]

Captain Lauren is a true sailor. She fills and unloads the sails according to the breeze, with a mastery worthy of reputable captains.

[@davidkettell1073]

You do it however you want Lauren,you are the boss and the most beautiful sailor i have ever seen.

[@emanueleradaelli5054]

Lovely video as always ❤️ Thanks for sharing. I wish you a great 2024.

[@ArnoldDelville]

Just found your channel. This episode is awesome. Felt a bit scary. Alone in the middle of the ocean. But you are an expert! Beautiful filming. Make me feel happy to watch your channel.

[@anderspetersson6451]

I’m so impressed by you, well done.

[@dennyclosser8456]

Oh, you lucky girl! What I would give to be on a trip like that with you! Just the peace, the serenity, the ocean, and you.. it’s You are the creator of your destiny.

[@edwardwerthner7717]

Good experience , murphys law , you beat it , congrats, u passed with an A+

[@keithnorse]

Hi Lauren, I'm learning tons from watching your solo sails. I live alone and identify a lot with your lifestyle. I belonged to a sailing club in Marina Del Rey many years ago. I would review their monthly sailing schedule and call the skippers of each sail and ask if there will be room for one more. I ended up going out for day sails every Sat-Sun for many months. In no time I knew most everyone among their 300 members. It didn't stop there, after every sail we would all go out to eat in the marina and once in a while there events for holidays. I had an incredible time with that club. later, Keith

[@jonnygilbert233]

What a cool adventure you and Mako had. I like the thought of doing that voyage ol skool without tech more of an accomplishment 😁🤙👏👏

[@seryozhasteve]

Now I get your reviews mate. It’s about the joy of cycling on a comfortable, well set up bike, in a beautiful part of the world. On my frequent rides through beautiful West Sussex England I often also wish I was back in Aus, younger, fitter, more optimistic. I loved your shout, “It never gets old”. It doesn’t. At 65, riddled with arthritis and the usual pains and regrets of a life well lived, I think i have at least found my forever bike. Scotland beckons soon and I know the Domane will get me there.

[@paulcrane2010]

Every time I watch your videos I am inspired by something different. Brilliant 😊

[@DavidLawFilms]

In these modern times we are all a little too dependent on technology. Dont let it scare you. You are a capable sailor and you know your boat. Humans sailed for thousands of years without all the gadgets we have today ( and some people still do). During a circumnavigation you will get these curveballs a lot. lean into it, dont let it rattle you, its just a challenge and a new experience. It's all just making you the sailor you want to become.

[@martinmccardell6499]

Wow, that’s impressive. As a singlehander I so get it. I carry a second autopilot since I started cruising. They’re notorious for failing. From the busted hatch to the soaked kitty, you have such a great story to share. Really glad you didn’t go bikini bimbo, these videos are fantastic! Get used to the weather, El Niño has it all messed up this season. ⛵️ 🤙🏝

[@granitecat1]

I loved your bikini!!!

[@deanswanson5804]

Be proud of what you achieved! Don't doubt yourself and don't worry about the critic's. You did a great job well done

[@robbyoliver4953]

Hi my favorite KZbin girl. This was a really good show, all the epic sailing and without auto-pilot. You seemed unphased you seem not shaken at all. 3 days without sleep or rest you must be tough as steel. Thanks for sharing this great video ! Get you some rest brave heart ! All that time and no rest you were still beautiful !

[@Lesser302]

Thankyou for sharing Brave miss I’m new so learning So good to see my teacher is now you 🙌🏼🙋🏻‍♂️🙏🏼

[@Markpatrickrich]

You did a great job my dear you improvised you adapted you overcame don’t listen to the haters you do you. happy you’re safe sending you positive energy from Malibu California. We got big surf here high tides.

[@chrislgriffiths]

Season's Greetings, Lauren, well done on that one! Can't remember if anyone mentioned before but when needed it's usually possible to heave to for a nap or to cook whatever, especially when the breeze and sea are running. Very best wishes for 2024

[@waynegarin]

I really do enjoy your content and enjoy watching them and your journey on the water....

[@amytaylor5454]

Hello there👋👋,how are you today?hope you’re doing well?my God will bless you abundantly Amen!!!😊 🙏

[@alelwin]

Lauren you are very strong and mentally extraordinary. Your Journey is very inspirational to the World. Keep doing you and stay free in making your own choices and decisions. My only suggestion to you is that since you're a solo traveler I would try to research and invest in the most robust Autopilot navigation system possible with redundancy. Having a back-up autopilot navigation system will be prudent. I know you have realized this fact already. Good luck in your search and repair or replacement of your autopilot Navigation system. Good luck with your travels Lauren. Never second guest your independent decisions. Go with your Gut. Thanks for sharing your amazing adventures and challenges Lauren.

[@petereverest4345]

Epic journey, fantastic effort. Well done for getting through it! Major respect, Lauren. Glad you at least had Mako for company. Happy New Year - I hope 2024 goes more smoothly! You are an impressive individual. Stay strong, stay positive! 👍❤

[@timpedraza2085]

Your courage is truly inspirational, amazing video! Thank you for the time and effort you put into them for the world to experience. Without your videos one could never truly know what “living on the water and solo sailing ” looks like.

[@georgebartholemew8444]

I really like watching you sail. Dead reckoning, tyijng the wheel off and doing it old school. You are GREAT!

[@uncleT01]

Great sales to you, love you, girl, be safe and happy as always

[@caseylevy7310]

You are one hell-uva beautiful, adventuresome, determined, hard working young lady Lauren!!! May 2024 bring you much success and happiness... your videos are beautiful and much sought after!! And Mako steals the show with his "I could care less about being on video" attitude... he reminds me of the Rum Tum Tugger cat character in "Cats" !!!

[@garyw9307]

Merry Christmas Lauren. I'm up here Jacksonville Beach Florida. Marina here not that far to here for you. Praise God Gary

[@garyw9307]

My home town❤

[@garyw9307]

Most I've ever watched your sailing.

[@garyw9307]

Been here all my life never been to the islands

[@garyw9307]

Well your pretty hair made up for all the confusion. Love mako Gary

[@geoffstrebel2808]

@12:04 Lauren, have you considered a sea anchor or a drogue chute? It's basically a parachute you throw in the water, and it holds your bow into the waves. Turn on your anchor light and get some rest. It's one of the first bits of kit I'm going to get when I move aboard. Obv a working autopilot is the winner but this is good backup gear, especially in severe weather.

[@geoffstrebel2808]

This is an excellent video discussion of the options : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpCkc4GFps-plZI

[@SVHuntress]

A sea anchor. More useful for riding out a storm downwind to slow the boat relative to following seas under bare poles Towing lines dies the same. Using that ring into the wind in a storm is not recommended . Waves breaking over the bow. Rough ride water every. I hope she never has to contend with such conditions. Heaving to is best for a rest in normal rough seas. I wouldnt go transocean without a storm tri sail ring. Too much for her to set up alone.

[@geoffstrebel2808]

@@SVHuntress I've tried to sleep hove-over on a monohull. It's not as nice as a sea anchor. Also no sails are up.

[@cynthiawaters2050]

You are amazing!!! I look so forward to to your videos every week!

[@cjtn1746]

Incredible! Loved seeing the ocean in her raw glory. And for the naysayers...screw that girl. You rocked it! You remind me of the first sailing story that caught my heart back in the 70s, The Dove. He was young and sailed with his cat(s). Some of us live, and some of us live vicariously. You know which one you are.

[@davem1716]

You are living and learning kid. You go girl!

[@headshedwisdom]

Exactly that .... Well said. She is an amazing young woman

[@shawnmoore9380]

No negative comments here. Glad you grabbed the bull by the horns. Good luck this season and stay safe.

[@twoidiotsgosailing444]

My bolts wore through from my dinghy moving around and the davits fell apart. Lots of fun trying to keep your dinghy from falling off the boat in the middle of the night. Just use some rope to tie it on tight enough to the boat so that it isnt swaying around when you are sailing. I did 4 days with no auto pilot and went crazy from lack of sleep. What a nightmare.

[@christip20]

Everyone should know how to heave to, just for instances like this when you know you’re looking at days staying awake, you can just stop and “rest”! Although, because I’m watching this video, (and I haven’t finished it) I know that you somehow figured out a way …. Take care of yourself,AND…..HAPPY NEW YEAR’S!!!

[@chrisdurant9177]

Lauren, I really appreciate the true to a full experience you bring to the content. While at times things "look" amazing, so too are challenges seen. Your determination and choice to take a path less traveled is commendable.

[@garytrippel7104]

You are one brave girl.

[@bubbagail7450]

You are amazing young lady.

[@kennyqlb]

You ROCK sister...you are soo loved

[@johnmccormick175]

Nice job dealing with your issues now you and Mako deserve some rest ..thanks for sharing and stay safe.

[@fabrtn4356]

Well done, every days at sea is a lesson, good job, you can sleep now 👍, great regards from mediterranéan sea.

[@fabrtn4356]

I've tryed, but it doesn't work

[@SailingThePasha]

Those are some knarly swells, I got excited just watching. There is nothing like being out in it alone!

[@laurenlanders]

so true!

[@PeterKNoone]

You are such a badass, creative problem solver. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[@icurmind6905]

Look up sheet to tiller/wheel steering, no auto no windvane, bungies and ties. May help with the stress Love your vids, keep up the spirit, God bless.

[@scottelliott6900]

Your boat, your channel. Your strong and capable do what you want.

[@isabelle_Unity]

Awesome sailor girl on the planet, keep going....Feel the true inspiration, I wish you a happy new year in the water, take care !

[@markbrletic9157]

Lauren, you did a great job! You’re smart and courageous. So proud of you!