Wednesday 22 June 2022

After running through "dockside set up" a couple of times, both autopilots seemed to work, so motored out for a test. Number one seemed OK, then after switching, number two was good. Again selecting one had it going berserk. What up? Ran through set up one more time (expressly not at dockside) and the thing again operated properly. Hmmmm. One might surmise that if pilot, commanded to follow a heading, saw a deviation, say to the left, and signalled correction to the right, but (and here's the fun part) it actually went further left, it would try harder, increase error and try even harder, ergo full stop turn in wrong direction. Phase error. Apparently, changing from recalcitrant unit after temporary fix without making permanent causes reversion. This may be corrected, apparently, either by a software adjustment or (preferred method) rewiring. Notice use of the word "apparently". Full software correction was finally revealed by perusal of manual (written as a single document to explain two separate units and by either an engineer who can't write or a writer who hasn't a clue) once back in dock. Discussion with tech support in the morning may give us definitive solution, but no matter, expect to depart tomorrow as work-around of current condition is available.

One might consider a turnaround and two day delay wearisome, but when leaving Mexico in 2010 en route to Marquessas, Freezing Rain returned to Puerto Vallarta twice over several days before getting all issues sorted. Perhaps this is the last vestige of island captivation that had them plan for one year in Hawaii, eight years ago. Anyway, all part of the adventure and had two fine dinners and two full flow hot showers before two plus weeks of stews and spritzing. One may notice that actual departure tomorrow is assumed a done deal. Confidence soars.

Jack & Jan