Sailing the Clipper Route: 44 Days at Sea Q&A

Jessica, a professional sailor, sets sail on a 44-day adventure along the Clipper Route. In this episode, she answers questions from viewers about her challenging yet rewarding journey.

Facing the Unexpected on the Clipper Route

Jessica starts the episode by acknowledging the lack of voice-over narration in her previous video about the Clipper Route. She explains her decision to focus on capturing raw footage and plans to answer viewer questions in this follow-up video.

The most frequently asked question is about the route itself. Jessica admits she should have included a map in the previous video and promises to provide resources for viewers to explore the route in more detail.

Distance Traveled and Unexpected Detours

Jessica reveals that they traveled 4,300 nautical miles, significantly exceeding the expected 3,000 nautical miles. This extended journey resulted from encountering unexpected weather conditions.

They initially planned to cross the Pacific High, a recurring weather system, before it grew too large. Unfortunately, the Pacific High broke apart upon their arrival, forcing them to motor for several days and chase scattered winds for nearly a week.

Ideally, they would have motored across the Pacific High and picked up favorable winds on the other side. However, these winds never materialized.

In hindsight, Jessica acknowledges that leaving a few weeks earlier might have allowed them to avoid these unfavorable weather patterns.

Currents and Course Corrections

Another challenge arose from the currents near Mexico. These currents tended to pull the boat southwest, and initially, they tried to fight them by sailing close-hauled, a challenging point of sail in rough seas.

To improve comfort and efficiency, they adjusted their course to a close reach, a more relaxed point of sail that better aligned with the natural flow of the current.

Weather Routing and Information Sources

Viewers inquire about the weather routing software Jessica used. She mentions PredictWind as a primary resource for weather modeling and route tracking. She appreciates their user-friendly interface available on both phones and computers.

For backup, they relied on a Iridium GO subscription, which offered a wider range of weather data models but required more time to retrieve information.

With the help of their solar panels and reliable Starlink internet connection, they were able to access up-to-date weather forecasts through PredictWind throughout the trip. They found the automatic routing feature in PredictWind less helpful due to its tendency to recommend uncomfortable close-hauled sailing conditions.

Jessica emphasizes the importance of developing an understanding of weather patterns and interpreting various weather models to make informed course decisions, especially when faced with unexpected situations.

Water Woes and Creative Solutions

Jessica recounts a critical incident that occurred during the first few days of the trip. The water supply unexpectedly dropped to a third of its capacity within three days.

Initially suspecting a faulty sensor, they made water using the onboard water maker but observed no significant increase in the tank level.

A closer inspection revealed the culprit: a valve left open during previous maintenance on the water pump manifold. This error resulted in the main water tank continuously draining into a leaky backup tank and the bilge pump.

Fortunately, they were able to locate the malfunction and close the valve, preventing further water loss. This incident highlighted the importance of careful maintenance procedures and double-checking equipment.

Later in the trip, another mishap threatened their water supply. While enjoying a hot shower, a hose connected to the engine coolant lines burst due to vibrations. Luckily, the rapid water flow triggered by the burst hose did not cause any significant damage.

Prompt repairs and continued use of the water maker ensured they had sufficient water for the remainder of the journey.

Rigging Failure and Sailing Adjustments

One of the most concerning issues arose 364 days into the trip – a broken shroud in the rigging, the network of wires and supports that holds the mast upright. This unexpected failure, despite the recent investment in new rigging, was a major setback.

An inspection by professional riggers revealed a possible manufacturing defect in one of the shroud’s strands. While such failures are uncommon, they highlight the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

In the face of this setback, Jessica and her crew had to adapt their sailing strategy. They reduced sail area significantly, relying primarily on the staysail instead of the larger jib. This resulted in slower progress, with average speeds dropping to around four knots for the remainder of the trip. Safety, however, remained the top priority.

Learning from sailing the Clipper Route

Despite the challenges, Jessica emphasizes the valuable lessons learned throughout the journey. The importance of:

• Double-checking maintenance procedures to avoid mishaps like the water pump malfunction.
• Understanding weather patterns and interpreting various models for informed course decisions.
• Being prepared for unforeseen circumstances with backup plans and tools for repairs.

After sailing the Clipper Route: Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with Jessica sharing updates on her life since returning home. After taking a well-deserved break, she’s back on the water with a new adventure on the horizon. She recently purchased a Santana 20 with a friend and will be participating in the Race to Alaska, a grueling competition that will test their skills once again.