Prepping For My Longest Solo Sail Yet! (Ep 20)

Thanks for joining in on the adventures. This week we'll prep Maritopia to head south and east. I'd promised myself that before leaving the Bahamas, before making the long trek across open oceans to the DR, that I'd get a bunch of the safety items, a lot of what we picked up on our Florida run, installed.
I'll get the sewing machine out and make the jacklines. Then the EPIRB, AIS and VHF radio will all be programmed and installed. And I finally climb the mast to replace the windvane for the digital gauge, so that I'm able to see wind direction from the cockpit. After that, I spend a bit of time on shore learning the ins and outs of how to fly my very first drone. Then we weigh anchor and head out of George Town for what was a crazy solid day of sailing.
Follow me:
IG @ / amyssolosailingadventures
TikTok @ / amys.solo.sailing
Facebook @ / amyssolosailingadventures
#sailingadventures #solosailing #offgridliving

[@tartansailor]

There is nothing wrong about changing plans and running the engine. One must adjust to the conditions and arriving before dark is very well justified. The purist who only sail and does not use his engine is taking chances and increases risks. Good to see you enjoying the cruising life. Cheers, Richard

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much, Richard! And how very accurate you are! Running the engine is my next to last favorite thing when on passage. The very last would be not making it to the destination. 🤟

[@hsiwbdksndhsksnd]

"Maybe it will clean my anchor chain" 😂 That water is so clear!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Hahaha. Wishful thinking, for sure. I definitely miss the crystal clear Bahamian water. As you know, it’s anything other than clear here in Luperon.

[@Marc-l8w]

Hi there, About jacklines you have to make sure they keep you ON the boat. If you find yourself in the water tethered to the boat moving at 5 or 6 knots your chances of getting back on board are next to none. It has been tested and proven. So the idea is to keep the jacklines as close as possible to the center line of the boat so that they will prevent you from getting over the lifelines. Actually it’s more like only one jackline down the center. And obviously keeping your tether line short enough. Enjoy your cruising life.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Agreed. Since making them, I’ve actually shortened the tether line. Running a line down the center wasn’t an option for me, because I have a hard dodger. The lines had to come back far enough that I can clip in while still in the cockpit, so that’s why I ran one on both sides. Loving the cruising life! Learning every single day, and getting better and more confident.

[@seawench555]

Mate, uv been a busy Women, u wont know yourself with all these mods, I'm so stoked for u. Best vlog, how good are the drone shots, wow that water is epic. Loving it Sister🐉 clean the dirty dingy please. Totally awesome sweet sweet water.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! I’m beyond stoked to have these new items finally installed. They really do add a layer of security and, being solo, I’ll take all I can get. Hahaha! My dinghy is spotless compared to most. It didn’t help that I didn’t pull it out of the water every night while in the Bahamas, but after 5 months and it’s only that bad, I’ll take it. When in dirty waters, I pull it up every single night.

[@seawench555]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures don't care bloody wash it😲😂

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@seawench555 hahaha! On it!

[@user-retsailor]

Amy, don't feel bad. I'm older and was never good at those dang video games and recently, I too bought a drone thinking it would be a nice video addition. But, the learning curve for me has been steep and I haven't used it much. In America, the drone regulations are getting to where its almost impossible to fly one. As us Kansans repeatedly say, "it is what it is." Nice to see you have jacklines, epirb and ais installed now. That's great ! Hopefully, things are going OK for you wherever you are. No big hurry and always something to repair, replace or purchase. Take care.....

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

It’s been a challenge for me to learn the drone as well. Fortunately, since the first drone (and ruining another after it), I’ve had some lessons from someone that’s kind of an expert. So now I go to shore and practice almost daily. But it’ll be a long time before I fly off of the boat again. Yes, it is what it is. While editing videos, I’ve started noticing how often I say that. And I’ve purposely cut some instances out. Haha. Thank you very much! At this point I’m in the Dominican Republic. Now that I’m safe for hurricane season, I’m busy making all sorts of necessary repairs. Cheer! 🤟

[@user-retsailor]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Hey, it is what it is.......a Kansan saying....

[@kathyboyer475]

I really enjoy watching your videos

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Awe, thank you so very much! It really does make me so happy that people enjoy them. That’s the motivation to continue.

[@gunghoadventures871]

Awesome

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! 🤟

[@johnrathbun2943]

Hey, your video just popped up and I decided to check it out. I just wanted to tell you you did a great job at refinishing her. One day I to will be doing the same thing as you. Well just wanted to say great job and hello. 😊

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that! It’s been a ton of work, but so worth it now that I’m out exploring. I wish you the absolute best with your own journey! The boat work can get overwhelming at times, so always keep the end goal in mind. 🤟

[@DavidJohnson-ff4li]

Good stuff Amy

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! I’m happy you enjoyed it.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Amy, if you are going to DR you might want to look up Emily and Clark from Emily and Clark's Adventures from youtube. They have been there for quite a while and may be a good way to learn the ropes so to speak. Safe travels Amy and keep the good stuff coming.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Clark left for Europe the same week I got here, so I’ve not met him just yet. Emily is still here, though. I’ve met her several times. In fact, we had lunch today. It makes me so happy that you’re enjoying the videos! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@johnnylightning1491]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures You are most welcome Amy. It's been a long time since I've been sailing but I do enjoy watching other folks have fun on the water.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@johnnylightning1491 I still very actively watch about 7 or 8 channels. I enjoy learning from those more experienced than me, so I still enjoy watching. So I get it.

[@jomeijackson5311]

AIS Class B transceiver makes it so the big commercial shipping actually sees you, How To Sail oceans had his go down and it rattled him, he could see them, but they couldn't see him so it makes a difference. She Sails Solo noticed commercial shipping doesn't respond to hails, I always suggest the Garmin AIS, they use to be Vesper until Garmin took them over. 10:47 Dolphin at the bow Captain. 11:41 A moment of silence for the Drone. 5200 is only strong according to Murphey's law, IE when you need something to stick the force will be greater than the adhesive power of 5200, when you need to remove it, the adhesion will require enough force to send said part or object 20 feet in air and over the side and beyond retrieval.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Yeah, no doubt about it. This new transceiver is far superior to my old one. It’s the Garmin Black Box 800. And I love that it ties seamlessly in with all my other Garmin electronics. Weird, I’ve hailed big commercial vessels a couple times, and they’ve responded both. Guess it depends on what mood the captain/navigator is in at the time. I didn’t see the dolphin when I was flying the drone, but saw it when editing. Wonder if it’s the same one that I was playing with a few months ago. Hahaha! You got that right! Murphy has a funny sense of humor!

[@jamesgrigsby8201]

Hi Amy, So glad you are adding safety features to your boat. Let’s hope you don’t have to use them, but comforting to have all the same! The AIS is great to have. How in the hell did you climb the mast!?! My brother has a 30’ Hunter & I have a 30’ Albin Ballan which we are sailing on the Chesapeake Bay for now. Tom ( my brother) has an interest in drone’s. He immediately crashed his into the mast (& drink) by hitting that return button! 😂 I’m relatively new to this at 74 yo, but learning fast. I hope to meet you one day after I start venturing out of the Chesapeake. I enjoy seeing your adventures so please keep them coming! I have to get up my mast & fix my wind vane ( it had an encounter with a big bird & lost) so I’d love to know how you did it! Jim Grigsby Virginia Beach, Va

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much, Jim! I’m not young anymore myself, but it’s never too late, right. Here’s a video that shows what hardware I use, and a bit of how I climb. Scroll to about :50. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npnFdpp_Zr-iabssi=Zcm6m8Gx3dSWdpiO 7 weeks later and I’m already on my third drone. But I did just get some great lessons from someone who is basically an expert. His tips have helped me more than anything. Fortunately, the 3 I’ve had, 2 of which I ruined, were relatively inexpensive. I’ve got a great quality DJI drone that should be delivered this week. I’ve already decided that I won’t fly it off of the boat. And after the lessons I had, I no longer use the return to home feature. I’ve never been to the Chesapeake, but I’ll bet it’s a phenomenal place to learn to sail. I’m planning to be in the Caribbean for the next few cruising seasons, so hopefully I’ll see you down here. Cheers to living the good life! 🤟

[@jeffmercier1974]

Cool video, I finally launched my sailboat, been on anchor since last Monday, in front of my hometown ✌️

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you very much! Heck yeah, congrats! That’s a big step, just getting them in the water. And how cool is it that it’s right in your hometown! 🤟🤟🤟

[@jeffmercier1974]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures thank you!, I hope you don't mind me saying, but you have grown like huge, as a sailor, so cool, and yes, heading out as the sun comes up for the weekend ✌️

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@jeffmercier1974 thank you very much! I’m happy it shows. I can tell how much I’ve learned since leaving the states. It’s wild! I used to not like being out in anything more than 15kt winds or 2 ft seas. Now that’s nothing. I actually prefer 20-25kt winds. Maritopia is a super light boat, so she’s not the most comfortable in bigger seas, so I’ll just have to suck that one up. Haha!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@jeffmercier1974 have a great weekend! What a nice treat, to have just put her in the water, and now going out for the weekend!

[@maddyholloway6453]

Saftey first mama🤭😉

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Yes, dear! ❤️ Always!

[@chapter4travels]

Safety third is my philosophy.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Honestly, it’s not what I constantly think about either. My main priority when I’m working is always being productive. Though when it comes to my actual life, I suppose I’ll cave and give safety a little more thought than normal.

[@chapter4travels]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures The phrase was made popular by Mike Rowe where he explains: "Safety is not a thing to be “ranked,” but rather, a state of mind, to be applied as needed to a myriad of situations in varying amounts. But if we were to rank it, it would rarely be “first.” Were safety truly “first,” no level of risk would ever be encouraged or permitted, and no work would ever get done. Or play, for that matter." I go along with this and very much take into account my physical age (not mental) and my situation. If I break a leg on my motorcycle, what does the recuperation time look like? Not good, it's better to slow down and take a less hazardous route.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@chapter4travels ah! I love it! And it’s so true. If we don’t take risks, we’ll never do anything at all.

[@njbaskipper]

Hi Capt'n Amy, Who are You. For Dinghi stains and other causes on deck, UNDUZIT super cleaner.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I’d never heard of it. I just now looked it up. Great reviews! Thank you for the suggestion. I just ordered it from Amazon.

[@njbaskipper]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventuresOk I apologize for a spelling mistake, I wanted to say hello and I confused the H for the W but I am going through a devastating flu state, and I don't even want to write. UNDUZIT Nautical Cleaner. Guarantee even on the engine bilge, etc etc

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@njbaskipper no worries at all. That’s no good being sick. I hope you start feeling better soon!

[@jamescarid3448]

Hi Amy, I'm a drone dunce so excuse my ignorance. Are there water proof models available? Cheers.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

All good. I’m right there with you. But I’m now practicing every single day, and getting better by the minute. I believe there’s one drone that’s “waterproof”. It’s IP67, so it’s as close as it comes. It’s made mostly for fishermen, and used to drop their bait in specific locations. But it’s crazy expensive, and too rich for my blood.

[@psystealth]

Good job..,nice machine, what brand is it?

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! It’s a SailRite. It’s relatively expensive but, I wanted to buy a machine that was heavy duty for anything I’d ever do, and one that would last….while I was still working and had the money for it. And I’m so happy I did. It’s an amazing machine!

[@terryhillman8755]

Phurst

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

🤟🤟🤟

[@robertlaird6746]

Return to home but your boat is never in the same position because it moves all around even on anchor. That sucks.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Yeah, I’ve since learning that the RTH button is a big no no. An expensive lesson to learn.

[@robertlaird6746]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures How much did your drone cost? Captain Rick Moor's son builds drones for cheep. You can do that or watch Drone Camps and check out other inexpensive but high quality drones. You can even get used drones from Drone Camps. Captain Rick and Drone Camps are both KZbin channels.

[@sirkyoj1]

I thought the drone landed in the water because boat drift in anchor. Those expensive lessons are painful. I was thinking of getting a Dji drone myself.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I’ve since learned that using the return to home button is a huge no no. It’ll be far better once I get the DJI, which has obstacle sensing. But since the DJI costs about 3X my current one, I definitely done want to take any chances. I’m super stoked to have a drone that’ll have far better video quality!

[@accobra7515]

Another Great video. Was the drone save able ?. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@accobra7515 unfortunately it wasn’t. I dove in and got it immediately, but it was fried. I dried it out in rice for a week before turning it back on. But it still smoked when I did turn it back on. At this point I’m on drone #3 already. But I’ve now had some great lessons.

[@accobra7515]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures maybe a landing platform on the dingy could be an option when is in the water out the back. Atleast then is away from any lines. Like your safety lines. Did a good job on those.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@accobra7515 It’s about 7 weeks later, and I’m now on my third drone. 🙃 For the time being, I’ve decided to not even attempt to fly it off of the boat. Thank you! It made me feel much safer while on passage.

[@medomak1]

Bummer about the Drone, but another great video otherwise.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! lol. I flew that first one for a total of maybe 75 minutes before it went in the water. I bought another identical one, and only got about 10 minutes out of it before IT too went in the water. I’m on my third drone already, and it’s the same one as well. But I feel like I’m doing much better now. Can’t wait for the far superior DJI drone to be delivered next week!

[@ckfpv]

😂 im sorry about your drone ive been flying fpv drones for 6 yrs not really wifi drone like that but heres another thing your not thinking about is the return to home funtion is only good inside a few yards ya k ow and your boat might move around alittle while your flyi g so what youll have todo is manual landings you ll have to bring it in and usally somebody can grab the bottom of it and you flip it quick and itll shut down but you need to practice some manual take offs and landind

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I got about 75 minutes out of the first one, before it went in the water I bought another identical one and flew it for about 10 minutes before it did the exact same thing. I bought ANOTHER identical one, which is what I have now. Adventureman Dan worked with me, and I learned a lot. But it’ll be a very long while before I fly it off of the boat again. The drone I’ve bought 3 of is the Bwine F7. Fortunately it’s a little less than $400. But it’s been a very expensive lesson so far! I’ve got a DJI Pro coming that should be delivered next week. It was way more expensive, but I wanted to step up to one that has obstacle sensing. Dan told me the same thing - don’t use the RTH option, ever really. So when I’m ready to land it, I’ve been practicing with having it hover beside me, catching it and flipping it. I like that way more anyway, because I’ve also learned that, even on perfectly flat ground, they don’t always land softly. With the 1st one, when I hit RTH, it would land, but then bounce a bit - and it flipped itself over on the cement a few times.

[@ckfpv]

No life raft Amy Amy Amy please get one thatll save your life,i hope youll never need one but the way my luck runs id rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it

[@ckfpv]

Even a small 2 man one would work

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I agree, and it’s on my list to get one before leaving Luperon after the hurricane season. Now that I’m not working, I have to be very frugal with the money I do have. But a life raft is the one remaining safety item that I have left to get. And I’ll definitely be getting a smaller one. Not only for the limited deck space I have, but for the cost as well.

[@SMM-Mystery]

So Amy are / were you hunkered down in a safe place for Hurricane Beryl. Truly hoping you're and doing well.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Heya! Thank you so much! Yep, all good here in Luperon, DR. We got only slightly increased winds and just a bit of rain. It’s so unfortunate for those that went to the Grenadines, which is considered to be the overall safest place in the Caribbean during hurricane season.

[@SMM-Mystery]

@AmysSoloSailingAdventures So true. I heard that many sailboats up on the hard were damaged. So sad. Glad you are safe and unaffected.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@SMM-Mystery SOOO much destruction! A bunch of KZbin channels are getting together next Sunday to do a KZbin-a-thon, to raise money. Delos, LaVagabond, Parley, Adventure Crews…etc. I’m really hoping we’ll be able to raise a large bit of money for all those that were impacted in Carriacou. Once we have a link, I’ll be sharing it. Not entirely sure how it’s going to work just yet.