Vie d'écumevideo

74 Penultimate stage in the Intracoastal - ICW 13

20 August 2023 · 16 min · 314 views · Intracoastal Waterway

What this video covers

A sailboat transits the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in Virginia, navigating shallow sections with depths as low as 2.7 to 2.9 meters. The crew maintains a strict course within the channel to avoid submerged hazards, including floating tree debris, while contending with 14- to 18-knot headwinds. The transit requires passage through multiple bridges, including the Turnpike Bridge, where the crew experiences delays due to unresponsive bridge operators. Upon reaching their destination, the crew finds the public dock fully occupied by five other vessels. Fearing damage from the dock’s exposed pilings and lacking sufficient depth at secondary mooring spots, the crew chooses to anchor instead. They secure the boat using 25 meters of chain and an additional 30-meter elastic line tied to a shore-side metal piling to prevent the vessel from swinging into hazards. The nine-hour, 31-nautical-mile journey concludes in a nature park area near the Chesapeake region.

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Beneteau Oceanis 440Their boat

More from Vie d'écume

Goodbye CORAIL !!!Sept 2026The FUTURE of Vie d'écume and mineAug 2026Plans have changed, we're doing the Spanish coast, Toulon will have to waitAug 2026Watch out for the orcas of Gibraltar, I'm staying on guardAug 2026

From Vie d'écume — 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