the days in between [ep 204]
22 May 2026 · 19 min · 113K views · Fakarava
Catamaran threads narrow coral channel between tropical islands
What this video covers
A solar panel upgrade from roughly 440 watts to 1,100 watts on a Beneteau Oceanis 510 drives the logistics of this stretch of passages through French Polynesian atolls.9:59 Two factory-installed panels on the Bimini top had degraded to producing around 150 watts; two replacement panels arrive by supply ship, though installation planning is still unresolved at the time of filming.9:33 Between waiting for the shipment, Lauren picks up a long-time friend and free-dive companion for a two-week crew stint.9:22 The passage segment covers a 50-mile overnight sail to a new atoll, departing around 4 a.m. in rough, rolly conditions.12:30 Arriving at the destination pass, Lauren evaluates four anchoring and docking options in detail: an exposed anchorage behind a shallow bommie, a government dock ruled out by the incoming supply ship, a tight cove with a mooring ball already taken by two monohulls, and a dock behind a construction warehouse requiring a 180-degree turn in a narrow, shallow channel with 3–4 knots of outflowing current, 15 knots of wind on the nose, coral on both sides, and submerged pearl-farm lines.15:02 With one engine and roughly 50 feet of maneuvering room, the current over the rudder allowed faster reverse steering than expected, and the boat docked cleanly in under 30 seconds.16:31 Between passages, the crew dives South Pass, encounters an octopus, and drifts the break for a surf session.16:52
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