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Lily - Leg 2 - Day 4



After heading a bit north for some wind we turned south again. Another day without the most exciting winds...

But then we had some action. During a sail change (back to spreading the two fore sails), it was like the autopilot didn't work properly - and indeed, it was bust. A few thoughts went through my head - we are only three on the boat and it would be a long way to hand steer...

We had VHF contact with Shepherd Moon, so gave an update on the situation before digging into the bowels of the ship and getting the drive unit out. This is a powerful arm which is mounted directly on the steering quadrant. So in a rolly sea with Delphinia on the helm, Justin and I got it out, eventually managed to open it, and somehow managed to find out how the belts, magnets and clever engineering works. (Very) luckily it was a magnet that engages the arm that had a thin layer of smudge on it. I wiped it off with some kitchen roll and that was it! It now works!

I also know why it stopped working. Earlier in the day I had been boasting to Shepherds Moon over the VHF about how well the autopilot works - a stupid temptation for faith, Poseidon and everyone else to jump at. The mid atlantic in no wind is not a place to be cocky!


Peder

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