STORM WIND DESTROYS SAIL
15 November 2024 · 19 min · 94K views
What this video covers
A solo sailor attempting a passage from Darwin, Australia, toward Indonesia faces a prolonged period of calm in the Timor Sea, resulting in battery depletion and the failure of his AIS unit.4:03 After drifting for over a week and struggling with tidal currents that repeatedly push the boat back toward Beagle Bay, he deploys a lightweight spinnaker to capitalize on a slight breeze.12:30 A sudden, intense squall with lightning strikes hits the vessel, shredding the spinnaker beyond repair.15:33 The sailor manages to steer downwind to stabilize the boat while dealing with the loss of the sail and ongoing electrical issues.15:42 He remains approximately 100 miles from Darwin, facing limited food and water supplies while monitoring for potential cyclone activity.18:23 The experience highlights the volatility of weather patterns in the Timor Sea compared to the Pacific or Caribbean, where rapid, high-intensity squalls can cause significant gear damage without warning.14:41
More from Adventures of an old Seadog
From Adventures of an old Seadog — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.