pabloberrusailsvideo
Solo Round the World Sailing #10 - From Bora Bora to Tonga
14 October 2025 · 22 min · 13K views · Taha’a
What this video covers
A solo sailor completes a 10-day passage from Bora Bora to Vava'u, Tonga, aboard the *Sofía VI*, followed by a four-day transit to Suva, Fiji. The initial leg involves significant motor-sailing due to light winds, requiring the use of 180 liters of diesel stored in jerry cans to supplement the 200-liter main tank.12:51 During the passage, the crew encounters unstable weather, including 25-knot gusts and frequent squalls that necessitate reefing and, at one point, dropping the mainsail to sail under headsail alone.14:33 To maintain speed and comfort in following winds, the boat utilizes a wing-on-wing configuration.16:13 Upon arrival in Vava'u, the vessel anchors at a customs dock for four hours to complete legal entry procedures.18:53 The subsequent voyage to Fiji involves light winds and heavy reliance on the engine, with the crew observing whales during the transit.21:04 Practical routines include two-hour watch shifts for two people and 30-to-40-minute sleep intervals for solo sailing.16:13
More from pabloberrusails
From pabloberrusails — 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.