The issue with the autopilot mechanical linkage hinted at in my last post was relatively easily patched with a drill, my thread tapping kit and an M6 bolt. A more robust fix will be required before the Pacific!
However, an electronic glitch or two struck as we slid out of our Cayman anchorage. First the course computer refused to talk to the heading sensor. So we hand- steered for 62 hours in alternating 2 hour shifts. Stiff winds, lumpy seas and the odd deluge added a little spice to the adventure.
Then the backlight bulb on our steering chart plotter went making our radar and chart display unusable. Out came the spare iPhone which is our back up and led us, unerringly through the reef that guards Providencia.
More fixes required ahead of our next multi-day passage to Panama.
Shimshal Leaving Cayman at sunset
Hand steering
Dawn light
Squalls
Squalls
Columbia’s flag and Q flag raised in Providencia
60 metre superyachts and shadow ship carrying sport fishing boat and other toys
Hurricane Iata, 2020 destroyed all of Providencia’s buildings but they have been replaced with stronger, metal buildings.