The Sailing Brothers · video

What this video covers

Luke and Adam, sailing their Rival 34, misjudge the tidal timing at Portland Bill and get dragged through the race in near-zero wind.2:24 Attempting the inside passage westbound, they lose steerage when the wind dies completely and a 5-knot tidal current pulls them across Portland Ledge and into the overfalls — the exact hazard they were trying to avoid.2:24 Portland Bill's danger stems from two opposing tidal streams converging at the headland, generating large eddies on both sides and heavy overfalls in the race; the inside passage requires enough wind to hold close to the cliff face, and without it the engine cannot overcome the current.3:02 Luke and Adam had previously rounded the outside and found it rough; this attempt on the inside ended the same way.3:19 Their takeaway: when rounding Portland Bill, stand at least 5 miles offshore to clear the race entirely — the inside passage is only viable with sufficient wind to maintain position against the tide.3:39

Boats in this video

More from The Sailing Brothers

The Crossing That Tested Everything (700 Miles Fiji to New Caledonia) | FROM THE VAULT FLASHBACK Oct 2026EXPLORING BITUNG CITY INDONESIA Our Last Stop! 🛑Sept 2026300-Mile Offshore Passage: Shifting Winds & Near MissesSept 2026HE HELD US HOSTAGE?! Sept 2026

From The Sailing Brothers — 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.