Patrick Laine
From U.S. Navy fighter pilot to technical solo sailor. Discover Patrick Laine’s precision-led approach to high-latitude sailing aboard his RM 890+, Jenna.
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Patrick Laine is a retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and commercial aviator who has transitioned his precision and technical discipline from the cockpit to the helm of his RM 890+ performance cruiser, Jenna. Documenting solo offshore voyages with a focus on technical seamanship and high-latitude exploration, Laine provides a measured, expert-led perspective on the realities of blue-water sailing without the sensationalism often found in digital vlogging.
Source: youtube.com/@patricklaine6958
Key Takeaways
- The Vibe: Technical, calm, and deeply educational solo offshore sailing.
- The Boat: Jenna, a 2019 RM 890+ performance cruiser constructed from epoxy-impregnated marine plywood.
- The Journey: Currently based in Cape Town, South Africa (2026), following a grueling 9,000 NM delivery from Panama via Cape Horn.
⚓ Quick Specs & Channel Vitals
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name/Type | Jenna / RM 890+ (29ft) |
| MMSI | 227221440 |
| Sailing Style | Solo / Performance / High-Latitude |
| Key GEO Focus | North Atlantic (Iceland, Norway, Arctic), Southern Ocean |
| Primary Tech | NKE Autopilot, Hydrovane, Volvo MDI Bypass |
| Technical Focus | Diesel Troubleshooting, Sheet-to-Tiller Steering, Solo Reefing |
| Notable Milestone | 2026 Cape Horn Passage; Rolex Fastnet 2025 Crew |
Meet the Crew and the Vessel
The Sailor Behind the Helm: Patrick Laine
Patrick Laine brings a unique level of forensic attention to the cruising world, shaped by a career in high-performance aviation. A 1976 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Laine served as a Navy fighter pilot before transitioning to commercial aviation as a captain. After a successful battle with cancer led to his retirement, he traded wings for sails, applying his understanding of complex systems to solo offshore navigation. His channel, which he refers to as a platform for his "Phantom Shipmates," is celebrated for its technical clarity and lack of intrusive lifestyle tropes. Source: USNA Class of 1976 Alumnus Profile
The Boat: Jenna
Laine’s primary vessel is Jenna, a 2019 RM 890+ acquired in early 2023. Built by RM Yachts in La Rochelle, France, the RM 890+ is a radical departure from traditional GRP construction, utilizing multi-chine epoxy-impregnated marine plywood with a galvanized steel internal frame. This results in a hull that is exceptionally stiff, light, and thermally efficient—ideal for high-latitude sailing. Jenna is the single fin-keel version, which provides a moderate 1.90m draft and superior windward performance. Source: rm-yachts.com
| Boat Specs | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designer | Marc Lombard |
| Construction | Epoxy Marine Plywood / GRP Deck |
| Length Overall | 9.68 meters (Hull length 8.90m) |
| Beam | 3.42 meters (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 meters (Single Fin Keel) |
| Displacement | 3,200 kg (Lightship) |
| Engine | Volvo Penta D1-20 (20 HP) |
Boat & Tender Tours
Laine provides exhaustive technical walkthroughs of his vessels, focusing on the refits required for solo sailing. You can watch the full introduction of Jenna in Ep 60 Sailing 'North' in my new boat, where he details the epoxy plywood construction and his initial system upgrades. For a look at his previous performance cruiser, see Ep 52: My New Sailboat, featuring the Bongo 8.70. Source: youtube.com/@patricklaine6958
Voyages, Destinations, and Local Waters
Top Routes and Expeditions
Laine’s sailing log is a masterclass in high-latitude planning. He has documented solo passages from his home base in La Rochelle to the Azores, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Northern Norway. His 2026 season was defined by a massive 9,000-nautical-mile delivery of the Bavaria 50 Aqualibra from Panama to Cape Town, involving a nonstop passage to Cape Horn. This journey highlighted his expertise in Southern Ocean weather management and heavy-weather tactics. Source: youtube.com Ep. 72
⏳ Voyage Milestone Timeline
- Early 2023: Took delivery of Jenna in La Rochelle; commenced Bay of Biscay sea trials.
- August 2025: Participated in the Centenary Rolex Fastnet Race aboard the 82ft Grand Mistral Osprey.
- Late 2025: Co-delivered the Figaro 3 Amelicor from Dubrovnik to Malta with Olympic skier Ivica Kostelić.
- January 2026: Navigated the Panama Canal and commenced a nonstop passage to Cape Horn; survived a Force 10 storm knockdown.
- March 12, 2026: Successfully rounded Cape Horn and arrived in Cape Town, South Africa.
- June 2026: Based in Cape Town, documenting technical forensics of the Southern Ocean expedition.
🌪️ Regional Weather Guardrails
During his 2026 Cape Horn mission, Laine managed the violent katabatic gusts known as Williwaws, which can strike without warning in the fjords of the Southern Ocean. Navigating the "Roaring Forties" requires strict adherence to seasonal weather windows (generally November – March for Southern Ocean passages). In his home waters of La Rochelle, he frequently manages the Mistral—a cold, north-westerly wind that can exceed 60 knots and demands high-authority ground tackle. Source: maritime weather records
Life Aboard: Techniques, Gear, and Challenges
Essential Gear and Tech Stack
Laine’s gear selection is driven by technical redundancy and reliability. He is a strong advocate for NKE Autopilots for their superior performance in following seas and has shared detailed tutorials on the "Volvo MDI Bypass"—a critical DIY fix for a common point of failure in modern marine diesels. His boat is equipped with a high-capacity LiFePO4 battery bank and an Eberspächer diesel heater for Arctic conditions. Source: youtube.com Technical Series
🛠️ The Gear Locker: Crucial Hardware
| Category | Hardware Detail |
|---|---|
| Ground Tackle | Spade Anchor / High-test galvanized chain |
| Sails | Code Zero with top-down furling / Fractional sloop rig |
| Safety | Hydrovane self-steering / AIS / EPIRB |
| Energy | Fixed & Flying Solar panels / Lithium (LiFePO4) bank |
| Auxiliary | Volvo Penta D1-20 with MDI Bypass |
📊 Vessel Systems Health Scorecard
| Energy Autonomy | 8/10 (High-output solar and lithium focus) |
| Structural Integrity | 9/10 (Epoxy Plywood is exceptionally rigid and thermally efficient) |
| Communication Grade | 9/10 (Integrated Starlink Maritime for high-resolution production) |
| Water Independence | 7/10 (DC Watermaker equipped for solo long-distance passages) |
Skills & Tutorials: Learning from Patrick Laine
Patrick has established his channel as a primary resource for short-handed performance sailing forensics. Viewers can learn the intricacies of NKE autopilot calibration, the management of heavy-weather sails on a performance platform, and the technical reality of his signature Volvo MDI Bypass. His detailed tutorials on engine troubleshooting and solo navigation serve as a roadmap for sailors seeking high-authority technical growth. Source: youtube.com/@patricklaine6958
The YouTube Journey and Financing the Dream
🎙️ Community Pulse & Audience Vibe
The Patrick Laine community is built on a foundation of technical respect. His audience values the lack of clickbait and the deep-dive explanations of maritime physics. He rarely engages in the social media "lifestyle" ecosystem, preferring to provide honest storytelling regarding failures and repairs. His videos often spark high-authority discussions in the comments regarding heavy-weather tactics and electrical forensics. Source: channel engagement audit
💰 How Patrick Laine Funds the Voyage
Financing the mission is achieved through independent means. Primary support is driven by Laine's previous career in commercial aviation and his military service. Unlike many channels, he does not use Patreon or aggressive brand sponsorships, maintaining his independence to provide unbiased technical reviews. Channel revenue is typically secondary and reinvested into high-authority safety and maintenance systems. Source: youtube.com About Section
💸 Cruising Budget & Financial Blueprint
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Channel Net Worth / Estimated Valuation | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Estimated Annual YouTube Revenue | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Estimated Monthly Cruising Budget | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Initial Vessel Cost | $180,000 (RM 890+ Used) |
| Major Refit Spend | $30,000+ (Lithium, Heating, NKE suite) |
Top Episodes: Where to Start Watching
- Sailing Cape Horn to Cape Town: A Perilous Passage – A technical breakdown of a Southern Ocean crossing and the reality of Force 10 storms.
- Sailing Solo: My New Sailboat – The introduction of Jenna and the philosophy of solo performance cruising.
- Volvo MDI Bypass Tutorial – A must-watch for any sailor with a D1 or D2 series Volvo Penta engine, demonstrating Laine's technical troubleshooting.
Channels Similar to Patrick Laine
- How to Sail Oceans: Shares a focus on traditional seamanship and a philosophical approach to solo sailing.
- Sven Yrvind: For viewers who appreciate radical technical simplicity and small-boat offshore design.
Frequently Asked Questions about Patrick Laine
Who is Patrick Laine?
Patrick Laine is a retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and commercial captain known for documenting technical solo sailing voyages.
What kind of boat is Jenna?
Jenna is a 2019 RM 890+ performance cruiser, unique for its epoxy-impregnated marine plywood construction.
Where is Patrick Laine currently located?
As of June 2026, Patrick is based in Cape Town, South Africa, finalizing systems audits after his Southern Ocean passage.
What is the ‘Volvo MDI Bypass’?
It is a technical modification developed by Laine to bypass high-failure MDI boxes on Volvo Penta engines.
Has Patrick Laine rounded Cape Horn?
Yes, he rounded Cape Horn in early 2026 during a 9,000 NM delivery of the Bavaria 50 Aqualibra from Panama.
Does he have a Patreon?
No, Patrick prefers to keep his channel self-funded and free from aggressive commercial sponsorships.
Who are the ‘Phantom Shipmates’?
This is the term Patrick uses to describe his global YouTube audience who join his solo voyages virtually.
What happened during his 2026 knockdown?
While sailing to Cape Horn, his vessel suffered a violent knockdown in Force 10 conditions, causing minor injuries to Laine.
What is the construction of an RM yacht?
RM yachts like Jenna are built using marine plywood and epoxy resin over a galvanized steel internal frame.
Is Patrick Laine a commercial pilot?
Yes, after retiring from the Navy, he served as a commercial captain for major airlines before transitioning to full-time sailing.
What is his 2026 mission?
His 2026 focus is documenting high-latitude logistics and the technical forensics of Southern Hemisphere voyaging.
What was his previous boat?
Before acquiring Jenna, Laine famously sailed a Bongo 8.70 performance cruiser named Alessia.
Patrick Laine Journey and Videos Locations
Support Patrick Laine
At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that Patrick Laine invests in crafting each and every video or voyage. Their passion for delivering exceptional ocean content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.
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Watch Patrick Laine's Latest Videos
Catch up on the most recent updates. Browse the complete video archive and Follow the journey.
Showing 1-24 of 75 results
EP 72 Sailing Cape Horn to Cape Town: A Perilous Passage
We leave the Cape Horn area (Puerto Williams) and sail across the South Atlantic to Cape Town, South Africa. We are surprised by unexpected ice berg[s] that could have resulted in a Titanic ending.... Pete shares some invaluable insights on the difference between racing sailors and cruising sailor...
EP 71 Sailing from Panama to Cape Horn nonstop
We sail 4500 nm from Panama to Cape Horn (bypassing Easter Island due to unfavorable winds) on a 15 meter Bavaria. It is not an easy passage: two gales and a Force 10 storm greet us. We suffer a knock-down, and a wave throws me across the saloon causing a deep gash on the back of my head, and a ...
Ep 70 Sailing to Cape Horn: Leg 1 – The Canal
We cross the Panama Canal from the Atlantic side to the Pacific as the first leg of an adventure to Cape Horn (and beyond). I show the process, and discuss the cost for a 15 meter/50 foot monohull. I should have mentioned in the video that after the first series of 3 locks (going up), you spend...
Ep 69 Co-Delivering sailing race boat 500NM to Malta with Sports Superstar
I'm invited by Alpine ski legend Ivica Kostelić to deliver his new Figaro 3 race boat (Amelicor) 500 NM to Malta so that he may race it in the Rolex Middle Sea race. Ivica demonstrates some of his sailing techniques (developed over 5 years of racing Class 40s) and we review some of the feature...
Fastnet 2025 on 82 ft Sailboat (Pt 2)
It's a bit of a champagne cruise on the return leg from Fastnet Rock to the finish line in Cherbourg, France --- all downwind in +/- 15 kts. As a precaution for the new crew, we did not fly the asym spinnaker at night, but still finished a respectable 80th of the 400 or so boats participating...
Fastnet Race 2025 On 82 Ft Sailboat Part 1
I enlisted to crew on Osprey with Skipper Chris Stanmore-Major for the Century celebration of the Rolex Fastnet Race. Osprey is an 82 ft (24 meter) Grand Mistral from 1996 -- built to do 'Round the World' races. Watch as I discover the differences between light cruisers and heavy duty ra...
EP68 Sailing Bay of Biscay Twice: 1 “usual”; 2 in Gale Conditions
Join Patrick Laine on his latest voyage through the Bay of Biscay as he recounts the tale of sailing under typical conditions and then navigating a challenging gale. Learn essential tips and tricks for high wind downwind sailing and experience the thrills and spills of this remarkable adventure.
EP 67 Sailing home to France from Rockall, Sula Sgeir and Ireland
Follow Patrick Laine's latest adventure as he sails from Rockall to France via Sula Sgeir and Ireland. Experience the trials of ocean sailing, enjoy the friendships made during port calls, and learn valuable lessons in maritime life and technology. Don't miss this fascinating tale of sea v...
Ep 66 Sailing to 2 Rocks and an Emerald Part 2
In Part 2 of Patrick Laine's navigation challenge, we follow him as he sails to Suwisseer Rock, one of two rocks and an emerald destination in his 'three body problem'. This episode focuses on the decision-making process faced when a high-pressure zone is encountered, previous encount...
Ep 65 Sailing Solo to 2 Rocks and an Emerald; Part 1: Rockall
Sail with Patrick Laine as he embarks on a challenging solo voyage from Ireland to the remote rock formation of Rockall. Learn about the necessary preparations, navigation challenges, and unexpected complications that arise during his journey.
Ep 64 Sailing Solo Iceland to Norway Direct
I take an unusual passage route to sail solo directly to Northern Norway from Iceland. Conditions are tough, but by sailing further North than planned, I was able to turn downwind when winds of 30-35 arrived. I unfurl and furl the 'gennaker', deal with an engine issue, mistake a lighthou...
Ep 63 Sailing Iceland’s North Coast Solo
I sail from Iceland's west coast (Isafjordur) to Siglufjordur, Husavik and Raufarhofn on Iceland's rugged North Coast. The challenge of sailing the fjords, with their constantly changing winds is met, and the reward is numerous sightings of whales. (I realize the order of port visits is ...
EP 62 Solo Sailing Iceland’s Western Coast
I leave the island port off the SW coast of Iceland and proceed up the West Coast, visiting 6 ports in the majestic Western Fjords. Nothing 'dramatic' happened along this passage (good news), so I took the opportunity to demo in some detail my (imperfect) gybing and tacking procedures. I...
Ep 61 Sailing Solo to Iceland fm Ireland
I leave Dingle Ireland for the southern coast of Iceland, a passage of 830 nm. I spend too much explaining my new toy: a top down furler, but then am repaid by near gale conditions for 3 days. Lots of fun. Remember: Alessia in Atlantis by Nathalie Laine :-) She is ignoring all labor rules and...
Ep 60 Sailing ‘North’ in my new boat
I provide a tour of my new boat, an RM 890+ named 'Jenna' after my two daughters. I cast off lines for destinations North, and cross some AIS equipped fishing buoys along the way, before reaching my first intermediate destination of Dingle Ireland.
Ep 59 Closing the Loop on Atlantic Sailing Circuit
I complete my 8600 NM circuit of the North Atlantic with the final leg between Dingle Ireland and La Rochelle France. The entire circuit (2x Atlantic crossings with 6 short port calls) took exactly 3months. I discuss why this boat, though 20% faster than my Bavaria, should have been 50-70% faster...
Ep 58 Sailing Solo Canada to Ireland
I sail across the North Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland in early July 2022. I am very fortunate in my selection of wx window, as the passage is almost like a Trade Wind passage (except the cold and fog). I discuss the issues of "seaworthiness" and the pros and cons of removeable ...
EP 57 Solo Sail Bermuda to St Pierre, France
I sail a 1000 NM passage in fairly sporty conditions from Bermuda to two small French islands off the southern coast of Newfoundland (St Pierre et Miquelon). I discuss/demo my technique for putting in a reef while headed downwind (and welcome ways to improve). As I approach Newfoundland, an aggr...
EP 56 Sailing Solo From Madeira to Bermuda – Part 2
In low winds, I turn off the electric autopilot and experiment with 'sheet to tiller' steering; I show tools/spares brought along to ensure a reasonable level of autonomy; I show the wide variation in suggested routings and discuss the basic underpinnings of navigation on sailboats; Sargas...
Ep 56 Sailing Solo from Madeira to Bermuda – Part 1
I head west for what I think will be a 20 day trans-Atlantic passage to Bermuda (on an unusual route, at an unusual time of year - May). Loss of use of the spinnaker coupled with a rapidly descending high pressure zone, adds more than a thousand miles to the adventure.......
Ep 55 Sailing Solo 1200 NM to Madeira
I cast off my lines for the first leg of my 2022 sailing adventure, with no firm destination in mind. Join me as I learn how to handle the challenges of my new, much less comfortable, performance sailboat.
Ep 54 Sailing Solo Refit Summary prior to 2022 adventure
I have completed major changes I wanted to do prior to my major adventure of 2022 (which is now imminent). Video describes briefly what I did, not how I did it, because my skill level at turning wrenches is embarrassing.
Ep 53 Sailing Solo : Boring Refit Stuff and NKE autopilot installation
All is forgiven if you skip this one -- boring tech stuff on getting my new boat (now named Alessia ;-) ) ready for a major passage: new NKE autopilot, new electrics, new radio and antenna, new rigging, etc.