Sailing La Vagabondevideo
What happened at 3:00AM nearly sank us.. (Emergency onboard)
15 September 2025 · 23 min · 539K views
What this video covers
A squall at 3:00 a.m. forces the crew of La Vagabonde to reposition their vessel within an atoll to avoid drifting onto a nearby reef.0:48 With visibility near zero and the bow thruster inoperable, the crew relies on wind direction data from their instruments to monitor their proximity to the reef edge.1:26 The captain decides to weigh anchor despite the fierce wind and wave conditions, maneuvering the boat away from the reef as the wind shifts.2:07 Later, the crew prepares for a two-day passage to Palau, transitioning from a gennaker to a Code Zero sail to manage speed and ensure arrival before the 4:00 p.m. customs cutoff.18:16 Upon arrival in Palau, the crew challenges instructions from local officials to enter through a shallow channel, opting instead to anchor outside and use their tender to reach the dock to avoid grounding.22:32 The crew emphasizes the importance of prioritizing vessel safety over external directions from port authorities.22:01
More from Sailing La Vagabonde
From Sailing La Vagabonde — 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.



