Then I Realised the Propellor Was Missing

After thousands of miles spinning beneath Osprey across two Atlantic crossings, the auxiliary drive has finally given up—and with it, any option of motoring the last miles home. What follows is not a failure, but a shift. With landfall ahead, the problem changes. Weather, tide, and wind direction now matter in a different way. The anchor comes out. The details of the port of Lunenburg come alive and every decision tightens as we move from ocean sailing into coastal pilotage. Ahead lies a narrow gate—just one and a half miles wide—between Cross Island and the mainland. After 4,360 miles at sea, everything comes down to threading that gap cleanly, under sail alone. This is what the boat is built for. A sailing vessel first, engine second. In this episode, you come with me through that decision-making process as we prepare to bring Osprey home and complete qualification for the Global Solo Challenge Need More Mariner? The Mariner Podcast Practical offshore knowledge — heavy weather, safety, and real-world sailing. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-mariner/id1710667118⁠ Mariner’s Library (Podcast) Deep dives into the history, philosophy, and seamanship of life at sea. Listen here: https://themarinerslibrary.podbean.com⁠ Support the Project If you want to support the production of this media and the campaign: https://patreon.com/themariner⁠ Need 2 Sail? Join me on board Osprey for offshore passages and regatta events. All proceeds go toward funding the my entry in the Global Solo Challenge Round the World Race 2027. Details: https://csmthemariner.com⁠ Next Voyage: October Transatlantic We depart Bermuda on October 5th. If you want to be part of the crossing: csmthemariner@gmail.com