WhiteSpotPiratesvideo

6 Days of Open Ocean Sailing to the Cape Verde Islands

6 March 2026 · 35 min · 12K views · La Orotava, Spain

Sailboat cockpit view of rough seas ahead

What this video covers

Nike and Flo sail their 38-foot monohull Santana 800 nautical miles from Tenerife, Canary Islands, to Sal, Cape Verde — the longest passage either has made together — in six days with two dogs aboard.0:10 Departing in 25–30 knots with short, confused seas funneling between the Canary Islands, Nike battles seasickness for nearly three days, eating little more than bread and sips of water.8:21 The whisker pole halyard breaks on the second night; an unreefed main causes the boat to surf at 9–11 knots and become difficult to hold on course; a wave enters the companionway; and a dog floods the aft cabin with urine.20:48 The wind pilot handles most steering once conditions allow, but the crew hand-steers through gusty downwind runs when it can't cope.14:04 Sail configuration runs mainly main and genoa on the same side (starboard) for four days, shifting to wing-on-wing for the final approach to stay on course.26:48 PredictWind supplies weather updates twice daily via satellite.13:36 On the final miles, Flo lands a mahi-mahi.32:13 The passage confirms that offshore sailing in trade-wind conditions demands thorough preparation, conservative reefing before nightfall, and a reliable watch partner — gaps in any of those compound quickly over six days at sea.

Watch on YouTube

More from WhiteSpotPirates

I’m going to buy a dutch barge (and I feel unprepared)Jul 2026Finally opening up about a different chapter of my life.Jul 2026Quick and dirty 500 Euro DIY boat build. Will it sink?Jun 2026Our Boat Got Stolen 😡… So We Built a New One (in just ONE Week)May 2026

From WhiteSpotPirates — 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.

Report an issue