YES, solo sailing IS the right choice! (Ep 7)

Thanks for joining me this week as I finally make a permanent repair to the autopilot that’s been struggling to keep up. Raymarine warrantied it because it was only a few months old. But when you’re not in the country, it can take time to get things. Now with a friend, as I don’t find it overly safe to go alone, I finally start learning how to spearfish with a pole - and while free diving. Until now, I’d only used a speargun while scuba diving. Then I show you how I make what I think is the coolest horn ever. After that I make a short little passage, where I show some of the things that keep me busy while sailing.
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#sailingadventures #solosailing #solotravel

[@harpomorris1909]

Awesome episode, shows the reality of solo sailing, thanks for bringing us along!

[@tartansailor]

Amy, you are an example to younger generations, indeed you can live your dream if you really work for it. Cheers, Richard

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! YES, if it’s truly a real dream, anyone can make it happen!

[@robertlaird6746]

A motor boat is even a more expensive way to travel than a sail boat.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

lol. No doubt about it. I’ll absolutely keep my sailboat!

[@maddyholloway6453]

Getting better every week. So proud of you mama❤miss you mucho

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you, baby girl. I love and miss you so much! I’m happy that you’re able to see that the videos are getting better. ❤️

[@curtisvillamizar6751]

Second hand advice, from one of Lin and Larry Pardey's books originally, is don't put the sail covers on until the anchor is set or tied to a dock. In your case don't zip the stack pack. If the fuel filter or tank strainer sucks up a wad of algae from the fuel tank stirred up under way, then you might need the sails when you don't expect to. Larry was citing some observation about sailors ending up aground or on the coral or rocks when the engine died and too much time lost getting the sails out of sail covers and sail ties off and sail up. With the furler you at least have a headsail but often you need some headsail and some mainsail to maneuver.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Fantastic advice! And it makes complete sense. I’ve had a few sailors tell me that recently, and have totally taken that advice on passages since.

[@jamescarid3448]

Congrats on 1K Amy. Glad they honored the warranty; hope you didn't get stuck with return postage. Amazing horn, Cheers.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! It’s crazy that so many people are enjoying the videos! I did end up paying postage back to the US. But that’s ok, it’s a small price to pay to know that I have a good operational autopilot.

[@davidnichols147]

Amy, nice job on the conch horn, sounds louder than I remember. Enjoy the lobster!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you! It was my very first one. I’ve seen many people with one, but I’d never been able to get the snail out without cutting the shell. But now that I’ve got practice, I need to make one with a smaller blow hole. This one uses way too much air. That lobster was so delicious!

[@DavidJohnson-ff4li]

You’re the real deal Amy.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! I’m just out here living my dream and learning as I go!

[@stephenburnage7687]

I have the same autopilot. I think you will find there is a belt tensionser (a knob) built into the wheel. You tension it sufficiently that the belt does not slip when engaged but the wheel rotates freely when disengaged. When the belt gets worn or warm, you might need to adjust it again. I also carry a spare motor and a spare belt. In my experience, the motor is more likely to fail than the belt itself. Good luck.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I’m completely happy with the system now that I’ve got the right sized belt. That defective system was a known issue with the EV100/ST1000. Just my luck that I’d end up with a “test” belt that Raymarine was trying. Good idea in theory. But they should’ve compensated by re-engineering the size of the gear on the motor.

[@user-retsailor]

Amy, its your fellow Kansan retired Squid here. Another great video; it's thrilling to see somebody who works dilligently achieve their dreams and goals. Great job, Bravo Zulu ! I've read somewhere that if you look at the horizon around sunset with binoculars, that for some reason, the binoculars help to see that green flash. That's what Jack Sparrow says ! Ha As always, take care, be careful and happy sailing. As a retired Squid, I am truly envious........

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Ha! I haven’t heard the term Squid in ages! As a Marine, that’s exactly what we called you Navy sailors. 😂 Thanks for the tip about the green flash. I’ll have to try that next time I’m able to see the sun go down on the horizon. If Cap’n Sparrow said it, it must be true! I am loving this life so much! And I’ll continue to work my bum off if it means I’m able to continue. I wish more people understood that they can literally do anything they ever desire if they’re willing to put some hard work in.

[@sirkyoj1]

Looks like you are getting more comfortable with the sails. Keep it up!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Oh yeah. Slowly but surely I’m getting more and more comfortable. I like that I’m able to take small steps. And once I think I’ve got it down, I get into bigger seas and bigger winds. Which only makes it easier to feel comfortable being in conditions that I was just afraid of only a short time before. Thank you so much for watching! I truly appreciate it!

[@neilquigley1030]

I'm glad I just found your channel - looking forward to your coming adventures!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching and subscribing!

[@sempertalis1230]

Great video! No make up drama, just pure life as it happens. This is the kind of sailing video I really appreciate ❤ Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! It makes me so happy that people are enjoying the videos!

[@rainfinger]

Great video. We are in Salvador, Brazil, sailed from Mindelo, Cape Verde, being a good stop. You are going to regret not crossing the equator, respectfully suggesting an early January departure from Mindelo, making it to Salvador in time for Carnival in February.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! I’ve been in the southern hemisphere before, but never sailed across the equator. I’ll do so one day soon, very soon! Being down there for Carnival would be such an amazing experience! Enjoy your time there! Fair winds! 🤘

[@SVSeeker]

Great that you have a spare and a plan to upgrade to a beefier autopilot. Enjoyed the video.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

The wheel pilot is good for the Bahamas. But it’s certainly no good for true offshore passages. I’ve got a bunch of items I’m waiting to be delivered from the states. One of them is a below deck AP.

[@SVSeeker]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Good on ya.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Damn I miss you! The most real person I’ve met in ages!

[@sailingdijan9128]

Awesome video Amy! You Inspire me to get this boat done and join you In The Bahamas!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! Just remember to not get caught in the trap that so many others do; waiting until the boat is “perfect” before you leave. Boats are never perfect and are constantly needing repairs of some sort, so it’s a never ending battle. And if you wait too long, you’ll start to forget why you go the boat in the first place. I wish you the best! The Bahamas are amazing!

[@sailingdijan9128]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Thanks! Living full time onboard now!Understand your point so right!

[@accobra7515]

Another Great video. Really enjoying following along from NZ. Safe travels. 🙂🍻

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thanks for watching again! I’m so happy that the videos are enjoyable! Cheers! 🤘

[@accobra7515]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures As watchers and Fans. Are we able to get a boat tour. Or have I missed that. Couldn't find one. Thanks 🙂

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

It’s the first video I shared. Here’s the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4Dcnmeqd9mjntUsi=UXbO5sO8Es59FzZQ

[@accobra7515]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Thanks. Will watch it when home from work. Cheers 🍻

[@SMM-Mystery]

Hey Amy, I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your videos and the adventure you are living. Great job, and I can't wait to see your next video!!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! I’m beyond happy that you’re enjoying them. I truly hope to remain entirely authentic with the footage I post. I hope to encourage anyone possible to live their own dreams. But part of that is showing the not so fun times as well.

[@boaterlive5614]

Awesome!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you for watching!

[@Grizzley-e9w]

That horn was the coolest thing I've seen in a while . You're doing great , keep it up !!.👍

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you, Fred! It was really neat making the horn as well; taking a sea creature and turning it into something I use all the time for fun now.

[@DavidJohnson-ff4li]

When I retire I’ll be living on SS.only Hopefully be able to live aboard at a marina. Boats need constant repairs. I’m a beach freak.and being single and a minimalist if I can’t afford a boat. next option would be a long term camp ground . The 31’ westerly I had looked empty mainly all I had was about 10 days worth of clothes after being married twice and was taking for everything I’ve worked for two times . I just don’t want anything anymore. 57 and I have a van scooter bicycle and a metal detector living in a basement and about 10 days of worn out work clothes 😂. I’m fine and blessed to be healthy. I buy a lottery ticket once a month 🤞🏻🙏🏻. What I get for being nice guy. When I move to the Nc Coast this summer find me a Southern woman. Didn’t mean to go into detail Amy. Looking forward to your next video.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

You can totally make it work being a minimalist. I’ve got a friend on SS that’s living his own dreams on a very small income. I’m rooting for you! Live your dreams!

[@wallymarienau3771]

Great job in all aspects my friend!! Specially liked your horn and the success smile , after it works !!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Wally, the conch horn is so cool! I’m sure you’ve made them before. But that was my first time. I love blowing that thing at sunset every day!

[@eskokoskenranta6280]

What a recousfull, determined and inspiring Lady you are Amy, huge respect. Br. Esko

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so very much!

[@LPMCC330SR]

Another great video! Keep 'em coming

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much! 🤘

[@teemuholopainen4745]

Boss lady ❤ They say that sailing skills is 99% of fixing your boat

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Hahaha! I can fix my boat all day long. It’s the sailing skills that I’m enjoying learning!

[@Captkris24]

Nooooooo you missed the grotto….another great video⛵⛵

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I’ll be back, for sure! I needed to get down to George Town to get a different outboard. Thank you so much for watching again!

[@markph0204]

Thanks for sharing! ⚓️💙

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! 🤘

[@frankstocker5475]

A girl with nothing who has everything. Watching you from France.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

There’s nothing else to have other than pure happiness! 😃 Thank you so much for watching!

[@sailingonabudget]

I'm enjoying your vids Amy, you're doing great. As for autopilots I'm about to upgrade my Autohelm to a CPT. They are a stand-alone but they are much beefier. I'll have a video out soon for my installation. If you haven't heard of them definitely worth checking out. 👍

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I’m so happy that people are enjoying them! Im familiar with CPT, and had originally thought about it rather than the Raymarine wheel pilot. But I’ve got a hydraulic AP that I’ll be taking the time to install during hurricane season. The Raymarine wheel pilot should only be marketed as purely a setup for coastal cruising. At this point I’ve been in some conditions where it flat out can’t keep up. Which leads me to having to hand steer for hours.

[@sailingonabudget]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures I agree with you on your assessment of the Ray. I also considered an under-deck hydraulic unit. But what I don't like about them is if something goes wrong amd they lock-up, disconnecting them can be difficult and the delay could be catastrophic. As a solo sailor like yourself, it's why I'm going with the CPT. Something to consider. 👍

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

@@sailingonabudget oh yeah, that’s a very good reason that I hadn’t thought of. Very good! Now that you bring it up, I’ll have to do some thinking about quick ways to disengage it if a failure happens.

[@sailingonabudget]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Absolutely. Typically there is a pin that can be pulled BUT depending on where your quadrant is and - more importantly - how much stuff is in the way it can be an issue. One way around is to have an access plate in the cockpit sole directly above the quadrant where the pin might be. 👍

[@misterrick9734]

Thanks from western New York State - still winter here :(, I’d like to see a video on how you did the solar and battery setup. Approx cost, whether you did the setup or had hired some of it out and such.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! I’ve saved your comment and will keep it in mind for a future video. I’ve had several questions about it, so it’s definitely something I need to go in depth on. Having lived 23 years in Denver, and seeing that they just had 16 inches of snow, I don’t miss it one bit! Hopefully you’re a bit better off in NY.

[@MiQBohlin]

Aye! Remember, for making the mouth piece perfect you can use beeswax, just as on a didgeridoo. Easy to form and smooth for your lips. The diameter of the hole is formed to suit you best ☝🏽 By this your conch becomes personal and perfected for your way of playing.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Ooooh, that’s a great idea!

[@MiQBohlin]

Goggle how it’s done for a didgeridoo 👌🏽

[@blanco.norberto-w6n]

Hi, loock at this.. Lobster Enchilada Ingredients 4 or more lobsters 1 onion 5 cloves garlic 1 red pepper 1 beer or glass of dry wine 10 olives 1 tsp salt to taste pepper 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 tsp sugar (optional) 1/4 cup tomato puree Step by Step In a saucepan, sauté the onion and chopped pepper in the oil. When the onion changes its color, add the garlic, salt and pepper. Leave over medium heat for 1 min. Add the lobster and olives and continue frying for 2 more minutes, adding so that the beer and tomato puree do not burn. Lower the heat and cover for 3 or 4 minutes until the sauce is reduced. We can accompany it with white rice, black beans and tostones. Bon appetit.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Heck yeah! I’ve totally saved this and am gonna use it next time. Thank you very much!

[@romeowhiskey1146]

to get the SNAIL out of the SHELL, do this: 1.Attached a HOOK on a line to the FOOT of the conch. 2. Attach the LINE to the BOOM. The weight of the shell will force the FOOT to eventually give way. No broken conch shell. Source: Chef at PEACE & PLENTY hotel...Exumas.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Ooooh, that’s a fantastic idea! Thank you for that! Since I cut the blow hole too big on this one, I’ll be making another at some point soon. And will absolutely try this method!

[@iainnicholson4399]

Groovy

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

🤘

[@johnnylightning1491]

If that was 3 strand rope you could do a crown splice instead of whipping the rope. But whipping is a good skill to know and will server you well. I also don't think that 3 strand rope would work for the rigging. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! It was double braid line that I was whipping. I’m so happy that I learned to whip lines! It’s a crazy solid thing to know! I just wish I would’ve got more whipping line before leaving the states. Ha! All of my lines are whipped now, so I’m about out.

[@Onaterashi1]

Crown splices are not acceptable for certain functions. Put a crown splice in some lines and it becomes a “fat head” and unusable in certain situations.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I’m unfamiliar with a fat head. But I’m gonna search it right now.

[@johnnylightning1491]

@@Onaterashi1 I realize that but they can still be very handy for something that doesn't go through a small hole.

[@johnnylightning1491]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventuresI think he or she was referring to the fact that a crown splice increases the diameter of the rope on the very end and it won't let it go through pulleys etc. very well.

[@MrMediterrano]

What is the biggest boat one could sail and dock/undock solo, even at strong winds, provided that all necessary gear is present (furling sails, self-tacking sails, bow thruster, auto-pilot, remote-controlled windlass etc)?

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you for watching! 🤘 The answer to that is super subjective, though, as it’s different for everyone. And it depends on the boat & marina. Myself, with a bow thruster, in a marina with average space, I’d say I’d be comfortable with maybe 60ft or so. But when it comes to docking, I always go as slow as molasses.

[@MrMediterrano]

​@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Thx for replying. During the initial few years, I will be sailing mostly in the Med. Here, the weather is quite unpredictable. Therefore, the question is how big a boat one can solo-handedly but still safely dock in a tight marina (where you might never have been before) under adverse conditions, like e.g. when trying to take refuge from a storm. Until I am more experienced, a smaller boat would, for sure, be safer and more practical. However, after cruising the med for a few years, I want to become a liveaboard and travel the world which calls for a bigger boat and I would hate to invest time and money in one boat and then have to again go through the hassle of selling it and buying a newer bigger one which I would again need to equip according to my needs. I would much rather start out with that bigger boat which would be oversized for my initial needs but I need to know how much is too much to handle solo-handed (esp. when docking under adverse conditions) even with the best equipment and even with the best effort to improve my sailing.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

For me, I would feel perfectly fine operating up to around a 45’ sailboat while solo, through any conditions, and taking it into a marina. I think, and this is only my own opinion, that anything bigger than about a 45’ needs to have at least 1 other crew member on board. I went with my 36’ because the price was right, the interior is a great size for me since I plan on being solo almost all the time, and because it’s still, for the most part, easy to operate. I wish you the very best in your endeavor to live aboard! It’s an amazing life on the water! 🤘

[@aaronwalker3398]

Thank you for educating me on how to make a shell into a horn hopefully someday I'll put that to use Just watched my first one of your videos today different flavor I like it I'm where you were probably years ago fixing up a Santana 28 my KZbin channel is called Santana 28 restoration and sailing pretty much a newbie

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! I’ll definitely have to check your project out! Just remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect before setting sail. All too many people fall in that trap, and they end up losing steam and never sailing. We were all newbies at one point. It’s been about 3 years ago when I started to learn the first things about sailing. I wish you the best! 🤘

[@fish1860]

Love yur vids, and you do know that cays are pronounced key?

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I was totally not aware of that. Thank you for letting me know, though. I’ve just been pronouncing it as I see it on the charts. So good to know, so that I don’t continue calling them by the wrong name.

[@Onaterashi1]

It is pronounced both ways. Key or “k”.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

That totally makes sense now!!!! In Long Island right now, and heard the locals pronouncing it “key”, and was wondering why. Now I know. Lol.

[@mitakeet]

What's going on with the camera?

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

I don’t understand. ?

[@mitakeet]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures I was getting motion sick when you were working on the auto pilot with the camera shaking everywhere.

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Ah, gotcha. It’s because it was in fast forward. That’s how the boat rolls, and being in fast forward, I could see that. lol. 🤘

[@mitakeet]

@@AmysSoloSailingAdventures Is the camera on some sort of stabilizing system? If so, I think that's counterproductive on a boat, and I can't think of any other sailing vid I've seen where that was the case. Just my 2 cents.

[@inaflashlaser]

@@mitakeet I kinda like it... maybe not in the fast forward sections... but it adds a touch of reality!

[@Captkris24]

My auto pilot just died today😢

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Oh no! 😭 It’s ALWAYS something with boats! Hopefully you’re able to get it resolved without having to buy a new one!

[@Onaterashi1]

LOL, “ If I was in a hurry I’d buy a powerboat”. Another awesome video Amy!

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

Thank you so much for watching! It makes my heart happy that so many people are enjoying the videos! For the powerboat comment…. I’ve seen so many people on sailboats using their motors all the time. In my own opinion, it defeats the purpose of owning a sailboat. It brings me so much joy turning that darn motor off and using nothing but the wind to move me. But, I’m also in no hurry whatsoever.

[@MrCurtisass]

@15:52 girl you need some cockpit cushions. that made my hips hurt .

[@AmysSoloSailingAdventures]

hahaha! I TOTALLY agree! My bum hurts all the time without cushions. It’s 100% on my list of things to do when I’m holed up for hurricane season!