Hollingen-Brannstasjonen-Hollingen

Felt a longing towards the sea again. Attached autopilot to the tiller with some gaffa tape and set course south to Julsundet. Wind-speed meter showed 25 knots, so I didn't bother to set sail since I was only crew aboard.

Quite confy behind the windscreen while mr Simrad did the steering all the way to the Fire Brigade Station. Met Odd Magne and Rolf there. They where on duty, but we had a little chit-chat before I had to return. Wind had dropped to a light breeze that lasted all the way to Julsundet. Dark and late before we where safely moored again.

Hollingen-Saltrøa-Hollingen

Working on the autopilot and the gps. They are not communicating. Some wires are not connect the way they should. Blue wire from gps to com out from pilot, yellow wire to com in, thought I did everything according to the manual, but pilot is not getting the right NMEA sentences. Think I just have to study user forums to see if anybody has any tips regarding this issue . The pilot seems to do a good job beside this small setback. Remains to have a permanent fixture to the tiller. Magnus and me left the mooring for a small trip. Hoisted the big sail to dry it out a bit. Sailed to Saltrøa to check how progress was on the new mooring.

Hollingen-Hjertøya-Hollingen

Engine duty. Checked oil and diesel filter. Drive belt is slack, tried to tighten it but with no luck. Need some help from my brother on this matter... Did some tidying up belove deck before I cast loss. By motor to Saltrøa before I hoisted the main. Needed help from the engine. Passing Storkaia in Molde, then by Moldeholmen and Hjertøya, before course was set towards home. Used gaffa tape to fasten the autopilot to the tiller, since I have not figured out how to make a permanent attachment yet. Managed to test the pilot a little though. The autopilot is a Simrad TP32. Bought it from US of A due to beneficial dollar. It can steer a course with the built in compass, or it can keep on track if it's connected to a GPS or tack according to a wind instrument. Nice!

Hollingen

Moored alongside quay at Hollingen until further notice. Waiting for the new marina at Julsundet to be ready and finished.

Already been trough two autumn storms. My ship has managed very well despite exposed to a quay. Lots of fenders and double mooring ropes. Wet and cold weather has made it an effort to put to sea. Have to get a Wallas or a Eberspracher or a Reflex oven to lengthen the sailing season?