NO engine & NO autopilot sail from Bahamas to Florida! plus haul out [ep 5]

Welcome to my blog post where we’ll be delving into the exciting topics discussed in the YouTube video titled "NO engine & NO autopilot sail from Bahamas to Florida! plus haul out [ep 5]". In this video, Lauren, the adventurous sailor living aboard her 1993 Benito sailboat, takes us on a thrilling journey from the Bahamas to Florida. Along the way, she faces various challenges and experiences, including diving, getting a new outboard engine, and the support of her friend Beijing. Join me as we dive deeper into Lauren’s sustainable and fully immersed life on the ocean. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be amazed by Lauren’s extraordinary adventure.

– Preparing for the Journey: From Diving to Engine Upgrades

Andre towed me into the bay where I was able to anchor and then Stephanie wrapped it up with me. We got to go diving and I got my new outboard engine. My friend Beijing came to visit and then the time came to leave the Bahamas. Welcome Lauren, arriving in style.

For those of you who are new here, my name is Lauren. I’m living aboard my 1993 Benito with my kitten Mako. I’ve followed my heart from Missouri to the Bahamas with the dream of living a sustainable and fully immersed life on the ocean. I hope you enjoy following along and joining this trying but amazing life. Thank you so much for subscribing and following along. Your support, especially Patreons, means the world to me and makes this dream possible.

After a few days, my weather window came and I was able to take off towards Florida. With limited battery power, we had no autopilot. Thankfully, Otto, who came for the month, despite all this, helped steer through the night. We hit squalls and had about eight to twelve feet swells in the Gulf Stream. After about 29 hours of sailing with no autopilot, we arrived in Florida. I had called Towboat, but they don’t take boats to anchorage, so I had to call friends and family friends, and they gathered up a crew and came out to get me.

Today, the past three-six hours have been an adventure. Right now, we are going to the inlet after this cruise ship number two. The first one, we had to wait for; this one, we sent through. We’re going in, and it’s gonna get dark soon. And I’m trying to hug the four side of the channel. I have two dinghies here, the sportfish behind me. After passing port to port with the cruise ship, I made it safely to anchorage and started on all the projects.

Before halloween, I had quite a few projects to do – clean the engine, install my new solar controller, and rewire the solar panels. This is the progress for today. I got new batteries, and Mako obviously helped a ton. One of my favorite things was organizing all my compartments. He’s the biggest helper I have. When I got this boat, this room had scuba tanks. It was just a big mess of everything, and one of my biggest projects has been, without his help, organizing it all. Still, there’s a little bit of work, but I can get to everything now. I am sitting back at the condo in Fort Lauderdale, where I crash with my grandfather when I’m in Florida, and I just got told that my water maker is ready to pick up. So, I’m going to go to Seawater Pro and pick up my water maker, and it’s going to be installed this coming week. I hold out on Monday. Today is Friday. I’m going to be spending this weekend finishing up waxing my stainless steel.

A few weeks after being anchored, the steel boat started dragging anchor and was super close to me for a few nights. So excited to be doing another delivery and there’s just a little short one down the coast. But back on… My name is Lauren.

– Sailing Challenges: Navigating without Autopilot and Battling Swells

In this section, Lauren shares her challenging experience of navigating without autopilot and battling swells during her sail from the Bahamas to Florida. With limited battery power and no autopilot, Lauren relied on the help of her friend Otto to steer through the night. Despite facing squalls and encountering eight to twelve feet swells in the gulf stream, Lauren successfully reached Florida after 29 hours of intense sailing.

After arriving in Florida, Lauren faced another challenge as she had to find a way to anchor her boat. Unable to call towboat, she had to rely on the support of friends and family friends who gathered up a crew and came out to get her. During this adventure, Lauren had to navigate through a cruise ship and make it safely to the anchorage. Once anchored, she wasted no time and started working on various boat projects, which included cleaning the engine, installing a new solar controller, rewiring solar panels, and organizing compartments with the help of her kitten Mako. With her water maker ready for pick-up, Lauren is excited for the upcoming week as she plans to have it installed on her boat. Despite the challenges faced, Lauren remains determined to live a sustainable and fully immersed life on the ocean.

– Rescued by Friends: Gathering a Crew to Tow into Anchorage

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After a few days, my weather window came, and I was able to set off towards Florida. With limited battery power and no autopilot, the journey was challenging. However, Otto, who came along for the month, helped steer through the night, braving squalls and eight to twelve feet swells in the gulf stream.

After 29 hours of sailing with no autopilot, we finally arrived in Florida. I reached out to towboat for assistance but learned that they don’t take boats to anchorage. In a moment of urgency, I called upon my friends and family friends who generously gathered up a crew to come and get me. With their help, we navigated through the inlet, passing cruise ships and dodging darkness. Finally, we arrived at anchorage safely, ready to begin working on the numerous projects that awaited me.

• Clean the engine
• Install my new solar controller
• Rewire the solar panels

Before tackling these projects, I had to clean up and organize the boat’s compartments. With the assistance of my companion, Mako the kitten, we successfully transformed what was once a chaotic room with scuba tanks into a well-organized space. With everything in its place, I could finally access everything easily.

• Organized all my compartments
• Installed new batteries
• Waxed my stainless steel

Now, I am back at my grandfather’s condo in Fort Lauderdale, preparing for the installation of my water maker. The upcoming week will be filled with finalizing chores and eagerly awaiting the completion of my boat’s upgrades. This journey has been a whirlwind of adventure and challenges, but with the support of my friends and followers, I am determined to make my dream of living a sustainable life on the ocean a reality. Thank you all for your continued support and for joining me on this incredible journey!

– Project Time: Organizing Compartments and Installing New Equipment

After successfully navigating through the challenging weather conditions and overcoming a lack of autopilot, I finally arrived in Florida with the help of a dedicated crew. However, before setting off on my next adventure, I had a list of projects to tackle on my boat. One of my priorities was to clean the engine and install a new solar controller and rewiring the solar panels. With each completed task, I could feel a sense of accomplishment and progress.

One task that brought me great satisfaction was organizing all the compartments on my boat. Previously, it was a chaotic mess with scuba tanks and miscellaneous items scattered everywhere. Thanks to the invaluable assistance of my feline companion, Mako, I was able to transform the space into a well-organized and functional area. Now, everything has its designated place, allowing me easy access whenever I need something. It’s amazing how a little bit of effort and proper organization can make a huge difference in creating a harmonious living space onboard.

Currently back at my grandfather’s condo in Fort Lauderdale, I received exciting news that my water maker is ready for pickup. This is a significant development as it will greatly increase my self-sustainability while out at sea. The installation is scheduled for the upcoming week, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have access to clean, fresh water whenever I need it. As the weekend approaches, I will be busy waxing my stainless steel and ensuring that my boat is in impeccable condition for my next journey. Despite a few minor challenges along the way, I am eager to face new adventures with a positive and determined spirit. In conclusion, this YouTube video documented Lauren’s incredible journey from the Bahamas to Florida without an engine and autopilot. With the help of friends and family, Lauren was able to embark on this challenging adventure, showcasing her determination and love for living a sustainable life on the ocean.

Despite limited battery power and no autopilot, Lauren and Otto bravely steered through the night, battling squalls and large swells in the gulf stream. After a daunting 29-hour sail, they safely arrived in Florida. However, the challenges didn’t end there, as Lauren had to rely on friends and family to tow her to anchorage since towboat services weren’t available.

Once anchored, Lauren wasted no time starting her projects before the haul out. Cleaning the engine, installing a new solar controller, and rewiring the solar panels were just a few of the tasks she tackled. With the help of her adorable kitten Mako, Lauren also organized her compartments, turning chaos into order.

Before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Lauren ensured the safety of her boat by picking up her water maker from Seawater Pro. The coming week is filled with plans for the installation of the water maker and finishing up waxing the stainless steel.

From facing challenges at sea to overcoming obstacles on land, Lauren’s journey is a testament to her unwavering determination and passion for this incredible way of life. By sharing her adventures, she invites us all to join her on this amazing and trying journey.

Thank you for following along and supporting Lauren on this remarkable endeavor. It is your encouragement, especially from Patreon subscribers, that makes her dream possible. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as Lauren continues to navigate the world with her beloved kitten Mako by her side.

Until next time, fair winds and smooth sailing!