Velero Reginavideo
Atlantic Crossing. Impressions
22 February 2025 · 29 min · 3K views · Caribbean
What this video covers
A 21-day Atlantic crossing from La Palma, Canary Islands, to Martinique requires extensive preparation of the vessel’s engine, rigging, and sails, alongside significant food storage management. The crew utilized a vacuum sealer to prepare meals in advance, minimizing cooking time in the galley during the passage.3:50 A wind vane self-steering system proved essential, handling the helm for nearly the entire duration of the trip.8:00 The crew maintained a consistent speed despite shifting trade winds that necessitated frequent adjustments to the whisker pole and sail trim, often sailing wing-on-wing.9:00 A watermaker allowed for daily showers, which the crew identified as a critical luxury for long-term comfort.11:20 Navigation challenges included managing heavy sargassum seaweed that fouled fishing lines and navigating through frequent squalls, with one nighttime event requiring a reefed mainsail in 40-knot gusts.17:55 The crew also encountered the IMOCA yacht of Justine Mettraux mid-ocean.17:12 Maintaining a clean living space proved difficult due to constant motion, which also made movement and sleep physically demanding.14:05 A wind vane and a watermaker are the most vital pieces of equipment for a successful, long-distance ocean passage.
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