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Crossing the Atlantic: Heavy WEATHER & HARD Lessons | Day 7

14 December 2025 · 32 min · 92K views · middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Crew battling Atlantic waves aboard sailboat in storm

What this video covers

On day seven of an Atlantic crossing, the crew of a cruising sailboat encounters consistent 30-knot winds and significant following seas.5:31 To prevent the boat from surfing dangerously down steep wave faces, the crew deploys a drogue from the stern.23:28 During the deployment, a dock line snags on a cleat under high tension, forcing the crew to back the boat down to release the load; the maneuver results in the loss of a cockpit cushion overboard.27:25 The vessel maintains a speed of 4 to 7 knots with a double-reefed headsail while using the drogue for stabilization.31:16 The crew utilizes a hardtop and cockpit enclosures to mitigate water ingress from cresting waves.10:19 Despite the heavy conditions, the boat’s autopilot remains operational, though it occasionally struggles to keep pace with the sea state.11:30 The crew anticipates the swell will dissipate as they move further from the weather system affecting the Canary Islands.31:50

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