Ep 65 Sailing Solo to 2 Rocks and an Emerald; Part 1: Rockall

Sailing Solo to Two Rocks and an Emerald: Part 1 – Rockall

In this episode of Sailing the World Solo with Patrick Laine, join us as we set off on a unique and adventurous solo sailing journey. Our destination: the isolated Rockall, located in the North Atlantic Ocean approximately 200 miles west of Scotland or Ireland.

Preparation

This voyage begins with preparations to ensure smooth sailing and successful navigation to our desired location. As usual, Patrick takes care to maintain his Volvo Penta Sail Drive, which involves removing and cleaning components, as well as inspecting the mechanical diesel interface (MDI). While the MDI had failed previously on this winter trip, Patrick was able to resolve it after much effort.

During these preparations, Patrick also discussed the importance of antifouling on his boat. The difference between using International Micron 350 and a French brand called Nicats is examined to see how they perform. He shared his previous experience with significant barnacles and other marine life accumulation on his boat, emphasizing the need for proper antifouling.

The Journey Begins

The voyage officially started from Lell (Le Leil), France, where Patrick had some issues with saltwater leaking into his Sail Drive. After fixing that issue, he sailed solo towards Ireland before setting sail to Rockall. The journey required navigating around adverse weather conditions and crossing the traffic separation scheme in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Despite facing light winds early on in the trip, Patrick used the Kevin Boothby method of sailing without an engine for a while. This involved using just sails and waiting for wind speed to increase. The challenges faced during this period included managing space and storing emergency equipment efficiently.

Interesting Stops

In addition to Rockall, Patrick planned to visit other significant places on this trip. One such stop was Dingle in Ireland before proceeding towards a second rock called Skerry Vough. Later episodes will detail the events and experiences during these segments of his voyage.

Navigation Challenges

Diligently, Patrick encountered navigational challenges along with the usual obstacles faced at sea. These included identifying correct routes, weather conditions, and dealing with unexpected issues like the steering light getting tangled in the genoa sail while downwind sailing.

Cooking at Sea

To manage these challenges effectively, Patrick devised various strategies. One such strategy was using his boat’s unique ability to ‘heave-to’ when he needed time off to cook a proper meal, ensuring that he maintains his health during the trip.

Conclusion

The first part of this three-part challenge saw Patrick successfully navigate 255 miles from Killybegs, Ireland to Rockall. This involved overcoming boat maintenance challenges and navigating strategic routes through adverse weather conditions while ensuring personal safety and maintaining the vessel. In future episodes, we’ll follow Patrick on his journey towards the second rock, Skerry Vough, and discover more fascinating tales about sailing solo in the open seas.