Sailing Zephyr · video

What this video covers

James and Natalie depart Charleston, South Carolina, aboard their sailboat Zephyr, aiming for Fernandina Beach to beat an approaching storm. A mechanical failure at a bridge delays their departure by three hours, forcing them to navigate the Charleston channel and shipping lanes while managing cargo ship traffic.5:43 Once offshore, the crew deploys a whisker pole to sail wing-on-wing with a full genoa and one reef in the main, maintaining speeds of 5.5 to 6.2 knots in 12 knots of apparent wind.8:32 The passage conditions deteriorate significantly when the wind dies for 20 hours, followed by a sudden storm that produces high seas and forces the boat to surf at 10 knots.14:26 Upon reaching Fernandina, the crew secures a mooring ball in high winds by running two separate lines through the shackle to each bow cleat to minimize chafe.12:47

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