Sailing Florencevideo
Sailing from New Zealand to Fiji – Back to the Tropics – Sailing the Pacific Episode 33
9 November 2018 · 17 min · 352K views · Minerva Reef
What this video covers
The crew of Florence departs New Zealand for Fiji, timing their departure to follow a severe weather system that produced high winds and heavy seas to the northeast.0:24 To avoid weekend overtime customs fees in Fiji, they plan a stop at Minerva Reef, a low-lying ring reef in the South Pacific.5:18 Navigation to the reef relies entirely on GPS and chart plotters, as the reef remains submerged at high tide and offers no visual landmarks for bearings.6:32 After anchoring for two days, the crew completes the final 430-mile leg to Fiji in three days, encountering 25-knot winds that require three reefs in the mainsail.9:24 Upon arrival, the clearance process involves a nine-page document and costs £95.15:03 The crew secures authority to disembark and purchases kava to present as a traditional gift to village chiefs when requesting permission to anchor in local waters.16:10
Boats in this video
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