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Goodbye French Polynesia; Sailing to Suwarrow, Cook Islands | Episode 264

31 July 2024 · 22 min · 26K views · French Polynesia

What this video covers

Warren and Erica depart French Polynesia on a 44-foot Fp 44 catamaran, setting a course for Suwarrow in the Cook Islands.1:02 During the initial departure, Warren discovers the main halyard has chafed through its outer sheath at the masthead, likely due to rough sheaves.10:55 To prevent further damage, the crew keeps the mainsail reefed for the duration of the passage.12:03 The vessel maintains an average speed of 6 to 7 knots in 12 to 16 knots of wind, utilising a wing-on-wing configuration for downwind sailing.16:32 Despite encountering squalls and variable winds, the crew reports favourable sea states and consistent progress, covering 150 nautical miles in the first 24 hours.15:07 The passage highlights the transition from challenging upwind conditions common in the South Pacific to more relaxed downwind sailing. The crew plans to address the halyard wear once they reach a calm anchorage.12:11

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Boats in this video

Fp 44Their boat

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