In between rain showers yesterday, I managed to halfway install the new Raymarine X-5 autopilot that will serve as US 101’s back up during Transpac. Until I get the primary autopilot, i’ll be using this one in next week’s “Three Bridge Fiasco” and some training. I still need to tidy up all of the wiring inside and mount the drive unit, but the course computer is all wired up, and the control head has power and works. Looks like the weather should clear up on Tuesday and Wednesday, so hopefully i'll get the install all finished up and head out for a practice sail and some AP calibration! Also hoping to install my cockpit sheet bags this week so that I can use them on 3-Bridge.

New autopilot control head mounted on starboard side cockpit coaming. This is the X-5 unit, which will serve as my back up on the race.

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Everything has just finally come together in this campaign, and i’m stoked! Hope for the Warriors has fully committed to supporting my campaign as the title sponsor, and Quantum Sail Design Group has awarded us a huge sail sponsorship! West Marine Rigging Service will be hooking up the running and standing rigging, and Marina Village Yacht Harbor is affording me a guest slip while I train for the race and work on the boat.

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