Crashing Into Cádiz After Crossing the Atlantic | GTFOplan ep. 122

IN THIS VIDEO: We’ve officially completed our second ocean crossing and made landfall in Cádiz, Spain — but not without one final bit of drama. Originally headed for Gibraltar, we diverted to Cádiz, drawn in by its ancient charm and maritime history. But before we could relax, Karl finally caught something… just not a fish. Another mylar balloon — one of several we've pulled from the ocean this year. They're pretty, sure, but they always end up as trash. A small reminder: please think twice before buying these. During a routine bilge check, Dennis finds salt water and diesel in the port head bilge. Thankfully, it’s a minor cleanup, but the mystery of the saltwater source lingers — possibly linked to a repaired thru-hull from last year. Things really get interesting on the midnight shift when our Garmin suddenly loses satellite connection, leaving Ann without navigation data. Dennis jumps in to troubleshoot, and while the signal returns quickly, the issue keeps popping up. We’re still chasing gremlins in the system. And just when we thought we were home free, we arrive in Cádiz and… bam. A crosswind, a language barrier, and a tight marina slip combine for a rough docking attempt that leaves some fresh scuffs on the boat. Fortunately, no major damage — just one final reminder that sailing rarely goes exactly as planned. Now that we’re officially in Europe, it’s time to explore the Mediterranean. Let the next chapter begin! CURRENT LOCATION: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SV-GTFO/ ABOUT OUR CATAMARAN: We love our new Balance 482 - it's a perfect size for a cruising couple to handle and is a great "balance" of performance and comfort. One of our favorite features is the excellent ventilation since we mostly live as "hookers" (aka at anchor) where the boat automatically turns into the wind so we stay cool and we don't need to battle mold. We also have starlink for easy off-grid life. Our 2400 watt solar panel array also means we rarely need to run an engine to charge our batteries. ABOUT US: We saved for a our future boat, sold everything that we owned, and shipped the rest in a container to Cape Town, South Africa. We then flew there and explored South Africa by way of a safari and touring Cape Town before moving aboard our boat. We then sailed to Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Fernando de Naronha (Brazil), Martinique, Sint Maarten (Dutch and French side), the US Virgin Islands (Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas), the British Virgin Islands (Anegada, Norman Island, Jost van Dyke, and Anegada), The Bahamas (Inagua, Crooked Island, Long Island, George Town, Staniel Cay, the Exumas, and Eleuthera). We then sailed back to the United States, making landfall in Cape Canaveral, Florida. From there our destinations are endless! Both Dennis and Ann grew up military brats with Army fathers. Dennis (the Colonel) served 30 years in the US Army and his retirement pension helped us retire in our 50s. Ann (the ship's Captain) wrote Test Automation in Python and Java. Dennis and Ann met on Match.com where Ann had in her profile "Do you want to sail the world with me?" Ann easily brought Dennis into sailing, and he loved the GTFOplan of retiring early and sailing the world. After many years of saving, living on one income but earning two, and cutting back on everything possible, they saved enough to buy a Balance 482. Follow them as they get real about boat life and all the hassles of buying a new boat because we all know N.E.W. means Not Everything Works. Kisses, Ann & Dennis Twitter: @GTFOplan Facebook: https://facebook.com/anndennis.snellikin.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtfoplan/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/gtfoplan Email: gtfoplan@gmail.com