Sailing Mirage · video

What this video covers

Vlad departs Mangrove Cay at 0700 on an Amel 50, covering roughly 40 miles to West End, Grand Bahama (also known as Old Bahama Bay) with a hard deadline of 1400–1500 to clear Customs and Immigration before closing.0:26 Wind has shifted east, eliminating the north component that would have created wind-against-current conditions in the Gulf Stream the following day — a key factor in timing the crossing.0:53 Running dead downwind at 6–7 knots, Vlad experiments with the inner staysail, which adds 0.7 knots, and sets a preventer on the mainsail to prevent an accidental gybe.3:12 He notes that departing from a more southerly position makes sense because the Gulf Stream's 3-knot northward set over a 7-hour crossing will carry the boat back north across the stream's 40-mile width.8:44 A late wind increase pushes boat speed to 8.5–9 knots, delivering him 30 minutes ahead of schedule.10:33 Docking at West End in 26-knot gusts requires help from bystanders.11:49 Marina rates are $3 per foot per night without electricity; resort fee is $185.12:31 Local water TDS reads 635, acceptable for washing and drinking.12:07 Checkout paperwork is complete; departure for the Gulf Stream crossing is set for 0700 the next morning.12:48

Boats in this video

More from Sailing Mirage

From New York, NY to Cape Cod, MA | Flying 200 NM downwind at 9–10 Knots.Aug 2026Sailing Through New York City | Manhattan, East River & Hell GateAug 2026Solo Sailing from Annapolis, Maryland to New York City | Chesapeake to ManhattanAug 2026Preparing Mirage: Boat Repairs, Upgrades & a Chesapeake Bay Test Sail to Hooper IslandAug 2026

From Sailing Mirage — 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.