Sail Life - My shameful secret 😬

[@tomclause9555]

Dude......that is not a sailboat...it's a starship!! You've done such an unbelievable job on her. She's perfect. You are a rock star!

[@ivoalexanderkapitzki1219]

Listening to Mad I was thinking the same - that's not a sailbaot, this something form a different world 🙂

[@nortonmolly]

I see that Athena ( on Marine Traffic) and Mads have set sail from Mindelo on a course westward. Good luck and fair winds.

[@donaldwatson554]

Thanks for the update!

[@sailingmoonshadow3169]

Having two preventer lines is definitely the thing to do. On Moon Shadow I don't have them permanently attached to the boom. On the "boom end" I have a carabiner which is clipped to the stanchion by the cockpit so that there are no trailing lines when not in use. It's a simple job to clip the line onto the end of the boom when needed.

[@dinghyride]

Well done, everything looks great

[@dinghyride]

Nice to see a proper, strong preventer

[@flyinggyros9745]

Mads, your dirty shame electrical room looks better than 95% of the projects I’ve ever seen. Don’t apologize for that. Alan

[@inventiveowl395]

Not to mention using proper tools and methods.

[@elliotcurry2284]

All jokes aside I can't wait for Ava to get back with the autopilot drive units. Your channel is truly unique in many ways. I look forward to your Atlantic crossing and future episodes of "DIY projects" or "sailing adventures" aboard Athena. Fantastic content, top praise from this humble bystander. 🙇‍♂️

[@MOREMISHU]

I am going to be so conflicted if this turns into a sailing channel. With all his DYI experience he ought to consider taking on another (much bigger) boat. Should be at least 5-7 years of content. Long long time subscriber and truly enjoy watching!

[@SailLife]

A bigger boat may very well be in the cards ;) it won’t be this year but we’re playing with the idea :)

[@bscott3211]

Thanks! Would love to hear kore about your plans in the states!!! My offer from years ago for free labor in Kemah Texas still stands. Cheers and thanks for STILL being my favorite sailing channel!

[@WaterFaucet24]

Athena is now heading West to Barbados (as of this morning). Safe travels!

[@SailingLucille]

Love the channel. I have followed you since you bought Athena. This is my first comment. I don’t know why you are running the preventer all the way to the bow. I have set up a preventer too but it does not need to go to the bow. I have an aluminum toe rail on both sides. I simply bought two large blocks and attached them to the rail about amidships. I bought stainless rings and attached them to the middle of the boom and then ran lines on both sides from the cockpit to the blocks and then to the boom rings. This way, we can control the boom and even jibe it under control from the cockpit. The blocks only have to be attached forward of the boom rings. The lines have snap shackles braided in so they can be removed quickly when not needed or in an emergency. Fast and easy and we don’t need a lot of line to do it. Works great.

[@virgis21]

nice video! I have another option for preventer lines.. I have one line that runs from one winch to another, one block in front. if I need to fix the boom on the left side, I take that end from port side winch and fix to the boom, then I take starbord side line and fasten with winch, if I need to change, I just bring the boom to the center and quick change line ends and then do everything oposite :) Hope my explanaition is understandable :)

[@kenttegneskog]

Mads you are one of the most versatile out there. Always love your videos

[@ElguapoDk]

Hi Mads. As some of us! Subscribers with OCD, have mentioned before. The hole around the stainless steel pole on the nav station is keeping me awake at night. just imagine what could nest in there. ( if left open)🤯

[@tiagomteles1]

That’s all I can see now

[@ronpippin4893]

I am with you, and the slight upward buckle of that same overhead panel … 😅

[@carolinabeacher1558]

thats where i planned to stow away, hope he dont cover it while im sleeping :)

[@JG-ly2ij]

Yep, me too. (Not OCD, am an architect).

[@danieloliver20]

Bubble Gum! 😂😂

[@freerangewhanau]

So cool to see Athena anchored up somewhere tropical! Enjoy the crossing

[@svbarryduckworth628]

We have two cockpit tables. They are basically the same size and shape 1/2" plywood but one is made of very nice marine-grade plywood with a mahogany veneer to match the boat trim and brightwork and the other is just cheap Home Depot plywood with a layer of epoxy resin and varnish for protection. I can use the cheap table as a workbench, cutting and drilling on it without fear of messing up the nice table top. If I spill paint or epoxy onto it or slice it with the jigsaw or drill into/through the work table it's not a big deal. I can patch it with some thickened epoxy if it needs it or just replace it eventually if it starts to delaminate. It's got a lot of scars on it like any other workbench that gets used regularly. Having a workspace outside that can take a beating keeps most projects outside and keeps the man-glitter from belowdecks and the wife happier. Because of how our cockpit floor is also the engineroom top access door hatch a folding cockpit table is not possible since the door has zero clearance at the front of the binnacle. The cockpit table top just bolts on with two wingnuts and has a removable table brace leg. Having an extra cockpit table top to store is not a big deal.

[@philgray1023]

My wife looks at Mads working on that beautiful work bench, then at me and says, don't even consider doing that!

[@RoyClare]

Delighted to see you’re underway! Bon Voyage … see you on the other side 🎉

[@SailLife]

Thank you so much 🙂 Starlink is working great so far. It’s really cool to be able to reply to comments 300 miles from land 🙂

[@aaronp1434]

Hello from Ontario Canada Note to self: tidy wires as I install items to avoid Mads level of “shame”… on second thought, If what I do is half as good as your work… that shame will be a source of pride lol Thanks for yet another enjoyable video

[@immoosiesmom]

Looks very neat and tidy. Looking forward to Ava’s return and the beginning of your crossing. I hope the weather will be favorable. 🎶😀

[@richardayres2949]

You really don’t want your preventer line too strong, if you put the boom in the water your likely to break the book rather than the preventer snapping.

[@NameNaameNameeNaamee]

Personally, I love the natural wood look of the headliner as it is!

[@philgray1023]

I had just said exactly that. I thought it looked kind of spiffy and was wondering about doing the same on our boat!

[@dinsdalepiranah8759]

love being back with your DIY!

[@scottpiggott7600]

You are head and shoulders above all tge other sailing channels when it comes to quality and “spiffeyness”. That said, I can’t believe people comment on the few little areas you haven’t gotten to yet. Picky, picky!

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Wow, lot's of new spiffy stuff. Always love your projects. Ava will be so grateful for those sweet finished projects.👍👍⛵

[@dprepdprep4079]

Your presentation is outstanding. From the start of the building of The boat to right now. You've done a terrific job please keep it up.

[@adz6494]

"Ta-Da" - THE most satisfying word in DIY world when projects turn out just right!! Neat 1 Mads. Heal well& soon , blistering episode.

[@Coyotehello]

Excellent video as usual. Athena is a beautiful vessel. The installations of all those systems is fantastic. Why would anyone, willingl,y go to the USA is a mystery to me. We live one hour away from the border and we simply have not gone there in decades. Cheers, a.

[@augustomichelesi9811]

Mads you're an absolute perfectionist and your boat has become similar to a spaceship with km of wires, tons of sophisticated electronic devices and the like. That surely reminds me my old days in the 80s as I used to sail the Med in a small wooden boat with no electronics except for a fm radio and an old car's battery to feed 2, 3 small lamps. Outside the already old fashioned Walkers log and that is was all.

[@philgray1023]

Today you have given me an insight into why my electrical panel looks like it was done by the Marx Brothers. That preventer is getting ready for its own series. We have a single 9 metre line from a cockpit clutch to our "prescribed" boom brake. It never fails, it is always rigged and can be adjusted without leaving our seat and now cost less than yours, no blisters were created. Hope it all works out for you.

[@edwardhovitz1753]

Thank you for the video. Greetings from Spring Green Wisconsin USA

[@billgolcher2537]

Great locker job Awesome splices See you next week

[@donnakawana]

Heya your amazing Mads .. great episode I really appreciate these episodes cuz it's just fun to see how you tighten up everything... Athena is looking Spiffy!!! ✌🏼💗🫂😊

[@georgethomson7271]

I would be concerned with shock loads on the preventer if you have an uncontrolled gybe using dyneema sheets. May put too much on boom.

[@tommyandmyf]

I agree. I think some stretch in the preventer line would be very beneficial.

[@ApexWoodworks]

Loved it, Mads! It's great to see you picking away at those many smaller tasks. Your electrical knowledge is far beyond any which I'll ever have, so thanks for sharing that with us.

[@SamuelKTennis]

Thank you for the diagrams, that made all the difference to understanding your preventer rig.

[@iwoodie]

Mads, you were talking about seasick was a while ago, the Apple AirPods in one ear was one of the tips, does it help?

[@georgesampson4714]

Ava, please come home, we miss you and your travels and historical stories. Mads, sometime just for fun give us readings of the total current draw with all the electronics in standby mode and with various usage conditions such as during a crossing or in the evening at anchor, etc.

[@cookie48ish]

Clean up the boat top of the list🎉

[@rgarizonahomestead2729]

be safe and have a wonderful week ahead, great update. see you on next week's video

[@brucevogel2693]

You certainly excel when it comes to the DIY. I still enjoy your overall story but....Very enjoyable video this week.

[@Einungbrekke]

Can’t help but every time he said blinded by the light thinking of the Bruce Springsteen song, Blinded By The Light (made famous by Manfred Mans’s Earth Band)

[@sinnops]

The chain locker hatch is begging for a window. How lovely would be be to be laying in bed while enjoying the soft glow of your chain. I think Ava would love it.

[@kevinfitzpatrick-y3x]

Thanks for the education! kevin

[@ArcticSeaCamel]

Living a dream. Doing boat projects in exotic locations! 🥰

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Very important contribution. Ty

[@YTMegiddo]

Oh I have to see how you are doing all your electric. Off to find your initial DIY video. ;)

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Scene opens with Mads saying “before I reveal my dirty shameful secret” while he standing in the dirty shameful messy saloon! Poor Ava would be pulling her hair out. Just kidding Mads. Still loving your videos! 😂

[@SailLife]

Haha 😂 Thanks 😁

[@Loves2Fly]

Mads, we were also stuck in Mindelo awaiting our auto pilot drive unit 😂 Must be a conspiracy for all boat autopilots to fail so they can see Cape Verde

[@jeffdege4786]

What kind of USB socket have you installed for Ava? I'm planning out the interior DC wiring for my boat, and I'm leaning toward USB-PD.

[@waltervanderboor]

Why don’t you try the stainless preventer the captain Don preventer/boom brake? We mounted one and after a bit of fiddling with the set up we find it the perfect solution. It’s set up just do that the boom speed is controlled. You may gype but the boom moves slowly. Unless we adjust the tension. We purchased ours at svb rather than from respected captain. Highly recommend it. Less lines on deck. Easy to control

[@stephenmcelwee3129]

One great thing about your channel to your credit is you always follow through and do a great job on whatever the task. Cheers and thanks for another vidio.

[@aserta]

You can use some talcum powder to make the splicing work a little bit easier both on you and the actual operation itself.

[@danieloliver20]

Looking good Mads, 🤞your personal autopilot delivery gal is safely on her way to you!

[@bryanostlund6902]

Great video. Wow, you're an impressive technical craftsman. Great work.

[@mikeskelly2356]

No idea what your plans are for the Nav station, but I think that SS pole would look 'spiffy' if clad in a split, fluted column of nice wood. The diameter would have to be small enough for Ava to grip, but since it's purely decorative, you can make the overlay as thin as you like...

[@topgallant32]

Looking at that wiring is one of those things you can un see !! I do marine wiring, only on sail though !! Watching your vid has made me want to fly over to your marina and clean that up. Just teasing you a bit. Been watching you since you started with oberlix. What did you do with your canine buddy ?? Had to be hard leaving him behind. ( life) is like sailing .

[@williamjacobs236]

Another great video Mads .

[@milt7348]

I enjoy the mixed bag days. Stay safe and we'll see you next week.

[@dbriggs1689]

Your boat is simply fantastic.

[@reb101a]

I hope you have a third crew member for the Atlantic crossing. I also hope you and your crew practice Man-Overboard techniques!

[@billsrq1788]

Hello from Siesta Key Florida

[@derekwarner6898]

This has to be to most complex yacht ever, really clever and taking advantage of modern technology big time. The only down side is the dreaded lightning strike, so mega fingers crossed on that one!!!

[@Nixontheman]

😂

[@blueh2o117]

Mads use a scrap piece of leather for milking the cover over the splice, also beating it with a hammer helps with the last part of the bury.

[@FredricLindberg]

The box with "everything and nothing" in it has a quite good name i got from my ex Mother In Law.. "Hoppets Låda" i think you can translate it from Swedish to Danish to English if you would like to adopt it ;) Thanks for the vids!

[@jamiemcdougall6568]

Link for Splicing videos? Thanks!

[@donaldwatson554]

Mads I am so impressed!

[@1sheinz]

WOW Athena is looking amazing. QUESTION FOR YOU - Do you have a REMOTE Antenna for your GARMIN INREACH ? If so could you put a link somewhere for it as I really do need one for my application. CHEERS AND FAIR WINDS,,,looking forward to Ava's return. Steve h.

[@TheRattyBiker]

Mads - it's been about 6 months since I checked in... Great edit but personally I missed the "doing stuff music" Athena is looking stunning though 😊😊

[@dougj9722]

Hey Mads, Can you gIve me some advice on how to start AND finish a marine wiring re-do? My 1977 GB-36 trawler is a wiring nightmare with all the PO wiring add-ons over the years. Probably 20-30% of the wiring no longer functions. I need to clean out and re-do. Any advice on how to do this? I have good handyman skills and limited knowledge about marine wiring. Need some guidance on tips and techniques. I’d like to do this work while cruising in the Chesapeake Bay over the next couple of months.

[@angeladubuc9115]

Just a thought: I have boom brakes (Capt Don’s) to “lock” the booms in place, at any angle but also on a 44’ Ketch with short booms…might be a poor solution for longer boomed Cutters?

[@richardowen4325]

Wheres the splicing video links? cheers Richard

[@troypoppe2461]

I didn’t see the links to the line splicing videos. What do you have in your line splicing bag?

[@jamesgordon2289]

Great Video Mads, Ill be interested to see how the new preventer setup goes when your sailing. I think its 50:50 whether it will be better (the line across the deck triggers me for some reason , not sure why) The new lights look great. Is there any risk of the water in the chain locker affecting that LED or wiring?

[@jeffgriglack9624]

That's an electronics platform that happens to sit on the water. You have more toys in that than boat than I have in my life. I have to wonder, though, why did you feel the need for a light in the anchor locker? The engine compartment, the hanging locker, even the fridge, I can understand, but you really don't need to see the chain that well.

[@timdunn2387]

Thanks Mads.

[@HighlandSteam]

Looks like the DIP switches for addressing the circuit controls and devices are binary.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Yay…. Love a confession

[@G0KAD]

And they're off. Heading west from Mindelo this afternoon. Safe travels all.

[@grantpritchard7492]

Loved it. I reckon my heart rate decreased by 50% with you fixing that cabling mess. ;)

[@johnhfrancis]

Splicing video links?

[@smplyizzy]

Hey whatever happened to your Bosch 12v little circular saw?

[@sailingeden9866]

Great video.

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

Mads, I have the same Valve D2-40's as you do with MDI and now a broken engine status display so alarms are a complete guess. I am thinking of pulling off the MDI and just converting to gauges and something like your doomsday box to completely replace the Volvo nonsense. Would love to hear your thoughts on it or if you have heard anyone do of that.

[@philgray1023]

I would really like to do the same. Mine randomly says, get lost, I am not working today. Come back tomorrow. I come back the next day and all is fine.

[@sellC1964]

Way cool!!! Do you have some sort of surge suppression? I’m thinking lightning or alternator issue.

[@SailLife]

No 🙂 I think BEP offers a good surge protector. In terms of lighting protection I have not yet seen solid proof that any of the products on the market works. Our only protection against lightning strikes is our insurance. Hopefully it works like an umbrella - it doesn’t rain if you have one ;)

[@maui6446]

Thanks for the sketches of the lines...

[@carlthor91]

Really great video of your work. Cheers

[@Champsvisions3d]

maybe your Mac mini can run VMWARE workstation and you can use it to virtualize your windows laptop.

[@monatheformerferalcat]

Noob in me wants to know why there is no mechanical switch right by the light instead of electronically over by helm? Seems complicated

[@bartonrobinson4266]

Mixed Bags make for learn as ya view stuffs...all is looking well..minus Ava's score on issues at hand !!

[@alaingrignon]

Hey Mads, loving the little do dads. I really like those LED lights. Any chance you could respond with make and model? They would be perfect to light inside of my 3D printer enclosure! Thanks.

[@richardayres2949]

Good luck with all the electrics when the water starts coming in!

[@lyfandeth]

Sounds like you could use a Boom Brake instead of a preventer.

[@kevinsaunby982]

Second that - there is a version that looks like a climber’s figure of eight that’s simple to rig

[@ryanh4889]

Looks like you departed Mindelo this morning. Safe travels!

[@davewilliams639]

Yep, thoroughly enjoyed

[@DawidKellerman]

"James's Workshop" ..Was the the insanely handsome Brit? The shy one..

[@TheHiground]

WOW loved this!

[@HoratioBannister]

Best wishes!

[@IbLadefoged]

Jeg nyder hver mandag, når jeg kan høre din venlige stemme med alle gode ideer og nyheder.

[@SailLife]

Tusind tak, Ib :)

[@stinkintoad]

Blinded by the light Revved up like a deuce Another runner in the night.

[@stillwatersailor665]

Knew Id find this! LOL

[@christurbeville7230]

put your windows in a VM on the MAC and you won't have to whip it out:)

[@HugoHugunin]

So glad to see you underway. Speed 5.6knots Course 266° Wishing you both fair winds and following seas.