Solo sailing from El Salvador to Mexico

Sometimes it is scary when I am out there all alone and a boat approaches | Untie The Lines S6E33
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Ahoy everyone!
My name is Nike and I have been living and sailing on my sailboat Karl since 2013. After a massive refit marathon, I finally cast off the lines and learnt to solo sail my 37-foot Reinke Super 10 that I called "Karl". I am publishing videos (at the moment every two weeks) about the ups and downs of living, repairing and sailing my boat.
Since January 2022, I have a new permanent crew member: my furry friend Boga. When I started out, I did not know much about boat repair or solo sailing. Since I am still out there, I hope that my story inspires others, to chase their dreams, even if they might think they are not cut out for it. There is always a way, so I'll see you out there!
👉 Binge watch my solo sailing adventure from the beginning • Watch from the beginni...
⇩ More about my journey with my sailboat SV Karl @WhiteSpotPirates ⇩
► INSTAGRAM / whitespotpirates
► FACEBOOK / whitespotpirates
► MY BOAT KARL whitespotpirate...
⇩ Watch the full movie "Untie The Lines" ⇩
Download or stream the full movie with background info about my journey, interviews with my friends and family and unseen footage at www.UntieTheLin...
*****
Thanks to everybody who has supported the creation of these video and has shared this epic adventure with me so far. It would not have been the same without you!
Lots of ocean love, Nike🧜‍♀, Boga 🐾 and KARL ⛵
#solosailing #sailingwithdogs #sailorgirl #singlehandedsailing #solopassage #soloboatlife

[@heiner71]

Relaxing video, thanks!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Wow, huge thanks for this generous support! 🙏🏼 that’s very kind of you!

[@heiner71]

@@WhiteSpotPirates No problem. I also like the music you used here. It is a bit reminiscent of the tunes you used in your early seasons. I do miss those.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

@@heiner71 yes, I do miss those too but I cannot monetize the videos with those songs, so we changed to ones that are suitable for monetizing…😬 still trying to find songs that for the vibe, though.

[@johnwishart7950]

one of those wonderful videos that don't come around that often well done

[@ChiChi-dy9qi]

The thought of that "fishing" boat turning onto you terrified me; You didn't sound crazy at all. I don't think I could feel safe at sea alone, without a weapon of some kind. I don't know how you do it, you're an amazing human.

[@SuperGdonnelly]

We left our winter mooring today.. The cruising was beautiful.. The new destination.. Like yours.. is never the goal.. The journey is the true destination.. The rest are just markers on our way 😊

[@AdventuresofanoldSeadog]

Always good to see you.

[@jimh.8138]

Always trust your gut!

[@johnsharpe9807]

Love it when Boga rips the coconuts to pieces. If my memory serve me right you have a important day this week. If that is correct I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@DYoung-vt8pq]

Glad you made it safely, Nike. Blessed be ❤

[@leifmealone4749]

Love the nylon string guitar music. Very pleasant

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Happy u like it!

[@edu_ironia]

Hi Nike. Una forma de confundir a un barco desconocido cuando vas en solitario es entrar y salir de la cabina con ropas, sobreros y chalecos salvavidas distintos, así hacemos creer al otro barco que hay mas personas a bordo de las reales. Un funcionario.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Si, lo he hecho tambien unas vezes de ancla 😂👍

[@johnmccormick175]

Stay safe Niki ,thanks for sharing.

[@markmark2080]

Greetings from Colorado again. I'm an old avid reader and have read many first person historic accounts in my life, I have enjoyed many by female writers because they go into a personal detail that makes you feel like you are there with them. Your videos share the same quality, beautiful little bits of this and that while you explain things and convey your feelings in your genuine natural manner...Hoping you make it up to Baja, my first time at sea back in the mid '60s was a training cruise down the Baja, stopping at Magdalena Bay and La Paz, what a thrill for a boy from the mid continent... Love watching Boga interacting with his friends at sea... Cheers

[@aktrapper6126]

Glad to see you had a safe passage, looks like you had a "glow" on at the end, hope you get your steering figured out. Haven't seen any of your video's in a while but hay life happens and its good to see you again.

[@outabeat]

Great idea going below and covering your head/hair with the hoodies when those guys in the panga approached. You might get a wrap that covers your head and face for just those situations. I think it would throw off anyone to see what looks like a guy down below all covered up lying in wait. Make it so they're guessing your intentions as much as you're guessing theirs. Good job though.

[@gunterford7014]

Nike, very nice video... well edited and thank you.. g

[@RoyClare]

Coastal passage-making is the most challenging experience. Small craft everywhere, navigational hazards, snatched sleep … been there, done that … know the feels of arrival and true exhaustion! TBH, you don’t need a seized rudder bearing adding to the drama … 😂 … go well, Nike! Roy

[@yesbigfootyes6902]

WATCHING YOUR CONTENT FOR YEARS HAS BEEN GOOD FOR ME TYTYTY

[@videotosse]

Beautiful episode. I loved the dog-dolphin communication :-)

[@wayneholman8563]

Great video Nikki enjoy cheers fair winds calm seas cheers

[@itsmedaveh5516]

Very enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.

[@ed-beahan918]

OMG I'm glad you're ok

[@HxMxT]

Long story short... Glad to see u sailing. Greetings from Russia! Keep up!

[@bubbagail7450]

I love your vids. You are such a natural gorgeous creature but it drives me nuts to see you do these long crossings alone without a buddy boat or crew. I know you are more than capable, you have shown that many times but this world is getting more dangerous each day and we all need to up our game to stay safe. Please stay safe youngin.

[@saildive6]

Well done😊 Took me back to when I single handed from Portland to San Diego, a few issues along the way but I never expected to be left bleeding by two thugs that didn't like my white skin, also couldn't find a lock strong enough for my inflatable or bicycle. My voyage up to Alaska was safer and more rewarding. Came up on a momma bear with two cubs while on a hike, she ran away as fast as her cubs could go while crying! I carried a 12 gauge shotgun with magnum slugs for protection but felt sad for them that they couldn't feel safe on their own beach... I told them not to worry as they ran away that I wouldn't shoot them. My father was from Estonia, he said they had a saying, 'A bear has the strength of ten men and the mind of one'. All mammals share common ancestor, let's be kind to each other when possible.

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Great video ,many thanks I wish you a fear winds and following seas 🌊 ⛵️

[@alfavega52]

Welcome to Mexico Nike, Well I know you've been in Mexico on the carebean side, but very happy to have you on the Pacific side now. I follow your blog since the first episode when you bought Karl in Panama and I'm sure our paths will cross somewhere along the Pacific coast and will be an honor for me to say hello to you. Safe travels up north

[@brucehartnett8709]

Great passage. Love how U share yr adventures I'm along for the ride. Cheers!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Happy you enjoyed it!

[@fitnessbuff2719]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@Coyotehello]

That was so serene and than yes a bit nerve racking to see the fishing boats, the "P" word came to my mind. But then 12:05: You made it! Great passage. Buchanan, nice Scotch good on you. And now hopefully a good night sleep and the next day a long walk on the beach with Boga. I made top like on the like button! LOL Thanks for a great intimate video.

[@SlowlySailing-lc1cs]

Wow, the only thing more auspicious than a dragonfly that far offshore would be a praying mantis. Lucky you.

[@craigkepchar2619]

Another great show with Nike, always look forward to seeing what is going on with the Queen of the sea! Keep your head up and keep the content coming. Love your cute cap.

[@sandralea4935]

Some tense moments for sure! Glad you and boga made it safely. 🤍

[@jorritt1]

I share your passion and I absolutely love your videos. Honest, emotional, joyful and liberating. Thank you 🙏🏽❤️

[@olegtkachenko2556]

Great! Thank you!

[@otter736]

Thanks much for the video !!

[@mikeoconner557]

Good to know you’re still hanging in there.

[@NoThanxs]

Congratulations! Great work 😊

[@KarolM1964]

This is the first time I've been on your channel. I admire your chutzpah! I probably never would have solo sailed so far in the ocean (I'm a Great Lakes gal) even when I was younger. I was relieved when the fishing boat turned away from you! I'll be following your story..you seem like a real sweetheart. Stay safe💙

[@frankgottschalk6875]

Super schön Dir zu zusehen. Erzähle doch mal wie es Dir bei der Einreise nach Mexiko mit den Behörden ergangen ist. Ich habe den Solosegler aus der Schweiz mit seinem kleinen Schiff verfolgt und der hat berichtet es wäre nicht so einfach gewesen. Viel Erfolg Dir.

[@markayers5397]

Prayers for fair winds and great friends!

[@saildive6]

Sailors can become very superstitious, especially alone during storms at sea, add a cold dark night with breaking seas to test our religious faith that Einstein called childish superstition. I called, didn't fold and won.

[@heinzbaumann2359]

Great seeing you underway. Makes me cut my lines sooner than planned but still little work left on my boat. July we head to Hawaii. Cheers

[@user-ru4iu8lk3e]

Nice video.

[@thomasb188]

Stay safe sweetie!!!!! 🤠🙏🐕‍🦺🦮🌍⚔

[@shanghai72]

14:27 Schön das an Rasmus auch gedacht wird.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Na klaaaaar!

[@Victor.McCann]

Glad you made it safe and sound Love you take care

[@AngusJohnson-ei1kk]

My word the Chiapas, I haven't been in the area since the early 70's. It was beautiful then and hopefully it still is .

[@neilbuck8416]

awesome, I have to applaud you for you you are.

[@tonyperez5360]

Good to see you again!

[@DavidBridger1]

I'm glad you're safe, and hope your steering will be easy to fix.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Can’t say it was super easy but at least it was fixable 😊

[@jaimealexandermeneseshuert6581]

happy for you Nikki! 😃🙏

[@brucewaterworth3873]

Maybe a false beard would be a good idea. Good luck.

[@Coyotehello]

Haha, great idea actually!

[@skyworldita]

That is a great idea

[@bebrunner]

Great episode, thank you so much.

[@faelsinnes]

Re whar was the dragonfly doing 10 miles offshore, hitching a lift back probably. It didn't reckon on boga being there though 😊😊 nice sail glad you mde it.

[@saildive6]

Might have been caught on an offshore wind

[@faelsinnes]

@@saildive6 I thought it had gone out to welcome Nike to Mexico :-D

[@JurgenStrauss-ow2ge]

Immer wenn es spannend wird , weiß ich , dass alles gut geht . Sonst gäbe ja kein Video von Dir .

[@skaraborgcraft]

Wow.....is that an AIS app? I chased off 2 boarders once by coming on deck screaming with a big sword! No fun. Happy landings for doggo no doubt!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

😳 that sounds scary. Glad u could scare them off. That’s my navionics app 😂 I just use the distance measuring tool to position the boat in the bearing and distance and then plot it’s course from there 😂😂😂

[@skaraborgcraft]

@@WhiteSpotPirates Not sure if it was the sword, or me being naked and swearing in every language i knew. I felt violated, friends knock first. Navionics, will have to look that one up.

[@charonstyxferryman]

@@skaraborgcraft Navionics is a well-know navigation aid among yachties.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

@@skaraborgcraftit’s usually not used for AIS logging like I did it, this is just something I do because my AIS only gives the data, not the display 😅.

[@markayers5397]

Glad you also have a big brain. :)

[@crujiiguana7207]

Felicidades por tu llegada a Chiapas has tenido un viaje interesante . Saludos

[@dirtyfax]

Watching now. Enjoy the Baja peninsula when you get there . How far up are you going? Maybe i should finish watching before I ask questions.🤣

[@rolandtb3]

Arrived safely, a few worries but A okay.

[@steal0119]

Yeah creepy situation ...................nice video!!!!!

[@SailingMOYA]

missed video like this one. happy for you❤

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

I missed those times as well. It felt good to be out and about 🥰

[@bebrunner]

Danke!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Vielen lieben Dank! 🙏🏼

[@bogsplash8612]

Glad you made it , I never doubted you would 😛 Better safe than sorry also applies to fishing boats behaving weird, such a shame that should be so though. Hopefully the rudder will need nothing more than a dissassembly clean and lube 🤞🤞🍀🍀

[@BobbieGWhiz]

I want my “but more about that next time” please.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Ahhh sorry for causing withdrawal 😂. I will have to make sure to add it to the next one ☺️ it did not fit into these last two ones…and thought it’s good to change up a bit at times 😋

[@Rottingboards]

Nice to sail again.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

It sure is!

[@sailingdijan9128]

Awesome! Glad you arrived safely! Always look forward to your videos! With you since day one! What's the plan? Heading East after repairing that steering issue.

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Thanks for coming along for the ride for such a long time already. Going east would involve land travel, I guess. I think it will be north ish for a bit and explore Mexico.

[@kenegan7649]

Light winds ...enough to drive you stark raving mad

[@williamherring6376]

love your show

[@jrehtil1494]

Great job great sail!

[@robertscranton8293]

As I turned on your episode today.. I wondered... how are you doing... how is the sail going... I watched.

[@MiQBohlin]

If guys out on the ocean are covered up - maybe you could use a balaclava as a salty mask and a mariners jacket?

[@johnfowke1366]

Glad you got to Mexico safely! That approaching vessel was so disconcerting, to say the least. I lost track of where you were because I don't tune in religiously so if you were to continue north intending to get to Nova Scotia you would have to go through the Northwest Passage. Now that would be something, oder?!

[@rickchollett]

Boga seemed to be doing a fine job protecting you from the dolphins! Enjoy Mexico!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

😂 she sure did. And from that vicious dragon fly, too!

[@brandonshaw536]

S😊tunning

[@frediolsson37]

Beautiful !!!❤

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Thank u!

[@jbphoto360]

Bravo!

[@michaelraderman6760]

My oh my!! I love your dog. How is it sailing with ?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

She is doing quite alright. When it’s really rolly it’s not her favorite…but she is getting better and better with it over time ☺️

[@davidfisher268]

You definitely change around people…have you outgrown the Solo part of sailing? What ever still a faithful fan!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Hey David, I enjoy both, the solo sailing and the sailing with crew. It’s definitely very different to film oneself when people are around or when I am by myself. The situation with the camera is a lot more intimate when I am by myself and I don’t feel watched (even th goin obviously I do know it will be watched eventually but it’s still very different to having someone directly next to you).

[@markayers5397]

We do love getting to see that side of you. Your life is simple in ways and hard in ways, tiring and yet extremely rewarding in my way of thinking of just how life should be experienced. 99% of us will never get to spend 24 hours out of sight of everything. Alone with just God and ourselves. Bless you and safe travels!

[@saildive6]

Shed your personal god to truly find out what you're made of.

[@secretsquirrel6124]

Nice pixels❤❤ Stay safe

[@Oriol-Boat]

Valiente!!

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

You are one of my inspirations. So about the fear you have as a single woman. I wish women did not have a feel that way, but I completely understand as a guy. But I’m glad you have your companion with you.

[@xoancamp]

Hablas muy bonito español !!! Good job !

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Muchas gracias! 😊

[@olavjohanthomassen5715]

Takk!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Thank you so much for your support, it helps a lot 🙏🏼

[@MichaelJohnson-mh7mp]

Glad you got some R&R it makes a world of difference. I think a wise move to stay below and give them no information on your status. Peace be to you.

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Going with your gut never sounds “stupid”.

[@Cacheola]

What if you sent pictures of the boat and any numbers/names if displayed to an emergency satellite uplink contact asap. Can you radio anyone? Disconcerting forsure. You rock!

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

I did not have any possibility to upload any fotos at that point. But if I had starlink I suppose I could. Still not gonna help me too much if they decide to board me, I guess 😬. Thing with the radio is that everyone else around can hear the radio call, too, so that might also draw extra attention. Most of the time, I think it’s just fishermen and they might just want to Charge their phones or maybe ask for some rum. I just prefer to not show myself so they don’t get curious about a woman out there by herself…

[@Cacheola]

@@WhiteSpotPiratesSorry, I was just thinking worst case scenario... too many creepy movies :-|. You have the right ideas, keep smiling !

[@edgarchegwin961]

Hi Nike, I am first timer in ur channel, I love your story and the fact that you are a vet at sea. I can`t still figure out why is it you are named like a sneakers` brand dear, rgs ❤

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

☺️ welcome to my channel, thanks for stopping by. I am the plastic recylcing lady, though, not the vet. That’s my wonderful friend Sheridan @vettailssailingchuffed ☺️ en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_(mythology)

[@edgarchegwin961]

@@WhiteSpotPirates I dont understand, aren`t you the WiteSpotsPirates channel, and your name is not Nike?

[@edgarchegwin961]

@@WhiteSpotPirates I am sorry that`s it, good luck

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

@@edgarchegwin961 yes, I am the WhiteSpotPirates lady and my name is Nike. You were mentioning that I was a vet at sea. I am not a vet, that’s my friend Sheridan, she’s from the channel vet tails sailing chuffed. I was just trying to clear that up…I have an NGO for recylcing plastic. And you asked why I am named after a sneaker so I sent u the Wikipedia article about the origin of my name. Not the sneakers but the Greek goddess of victory ☺️

[@edgarchegwin961]

@@WhiteSpotPirates Nike, what I meant by "vet" was a "veteran at sea" not a veterinerian dear. I read your article in wikipedia about the origins of your name Niki, very ineteresting, tks for your explanation. I am located at this time in Cartagena Colombia, feel free to contact me, rgs

[@deepdivedelight]

A good long sleep.

[@wailinburnin]

The Drug War that really kicked in in the 1980s created a threat to piracy in the Caribbean that nobody talks about, the idea a Coast Guard Cutter could be just over the horizon anywhere actually went hand and hand with “yachting”, like drug smuggling was “an excuse” to send law enforcement to protect cruisers. Singlehanding, I was boarded by fishermen off Jamaica who wanted to share a spliff with me! Off the coast of Venezuela, a fishing boat approached me in a flat calm (my boat had no motor) and I actually got out my flare gun, my machete and a wrist-rocket slingshot. About 50 yds off, the boat turned broadside, a guy stood up on the gunwale and gave me the baseball “Safe” sign. I stood up and gave it back to him and he steamed away. 99.9% of people out on the water aren’t violent pirates but the reputation of the Caribbean could have been the Somalian Coast or the Straits of Malacca had it not been for the politics of drug smuggling.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

Honestly, I'd be a bit spooked about the boat turning toward me. Especially in an area where you might not be able to get assistance quickly. I just don't trust people anymore.

[@ScottESchmidt]

My question to Niki is: What is the point of your nomadic life as you live it?

[@markayers5397]

That is just it. She wishes to experience life in her own way, doing what she wants and feels important (hating plastic trash) and making the world a little better everywhere she goes. Clearly, she has had trials and is healing, clearly she is driven and is looking and finding herself. That should be everyones goal. I just pray for her happiness!

[@markayers5397]

Nike, if I have any of that wrong, just feel free to slap me around ok?

[@greggfulghum]

If you ever need crew let me know..

[@tahirsargin8236]

👏👏👏

[@juliamiebach1306]

🔥🔥🔥

[@yogawitherika]

Congrats on your arrival, solo sailor! I dont know how i missed this but which port did you arrive in? it doesnt look familiar

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Marina Chiapas, south of Mexico

[@jasonfrodoman1316]

I have been looking at your videos for years now. But what make/model is Karl?

[@hgezdez]

yahooooo

[@albertfunk1176]

Nice video, Nike. Does Karl have POM rudder bearings that have swollen over the years?

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Yeah it was the rudder bearing…it was totally rusted and clogged, had to change it…🫣

[@robertcarkeek8391]

❤

[@hasanemir262]

Hi ich habe wor aus wandern von Deutschland wolte ab Juni nach Mexiko kommen und wolte dich auch mal besuchen hoffe ich bis dahin bist noch in Mexiko lg

[@WhiteSpotPirates]

Das wird knapp. Aber Schau’n wir mal. Viel Erfolg mit dem Auswandern

[@TheJavierTrejo]

What kind of wind vane is that?