Wind Hippie Sailingvideo
Singlehanding Through Uncharted Atolls on My Grinde 27'
1 June 2021 · 13 min · 47K views · French Polynesia
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigating a 27-foot boat through an uncharted atoll in French Polynesia relies on the Ovatel app to identify coral heads and bommies.3:21 By overlaying real-time GPS position onto satellite imagery, the app helps the sailor avoid shallow hazards while transiting between anchorages.3:40 Because some satellite map tiles remain unavailable due to poor internet connectivity, the sailor alternates between steering from the cockpit and standing on the bow to visually confirm depths and spot submerged coral.6:25 The transit requires frequent course adjustments to navigate around bommies that rise sheer from the bottom.7:59 Separately, the sailor upgrades the boat's electrical system by purchasing two 50-watt solar panels and stainless steel piping in Tahiti, planning to fabricate custom mounts for new stanchions.9:52 The sailor manages the logistics of transporting these materials via small island aircraft by securing them in specialized packaging from a local hardware store.10:33
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