Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

The crew of the 44-foot ferro-cement monohull Catalpa navigates a passage from Misool to Ambon, Indonesia, covering approximately 160 nautical miles.0:13 The transit involves light, variable winds and periods of motoring, followed by a rough overnight stretch of strong headwinds and squalls.10:46 During the passage, the crew encounters an unidentified vessel that alters course toward them, prompting them to take precautionary measures until the vessel passes behind them.6:45 The crew emphasises the necessity of using satellite imagery overlays on chart plotters to identify reef channels in Indonesian waters, noting that relying solely on standard electronic charts risks grounding.14:24 The passage includes a friendly sailing race against a 50-foot aluminium catamaran, Nullikai, which experiences engine trouble.15:43 The crew manages to maintain speed by utilising the East Indonesian Current.8:53

More from Sailing Catalpa

the most sharks we have ever seenOct 2026the clearest water we have ever seen...The TuamotusOct 2026arriving to the most remote atolls on earth...the TuamotusSept 2026they weren't expecting thisSept 2026

From Sailing Catalpa — 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.