Em & Nick · video

What this video covers

A novice sailor with ten days of experience joins a crew of five for the Regatta del Sol Alsol, a 500-mile race from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.3:22 The crew faces light winds at the start, followed by a front on the second day that brings 20-to-25-knot winds and five-foot swells.11:09 Throughout the six-day passage, the crew manages sail changes, including a switch to a spinnaker in light air, and navigates through periods of calm and adverse currents. The participant struggles with seasickness for the first three days before gaining confidence in sail trimming and watch-keeping duties.25:10 The boat relies on Starlink for limited daily communication with family.37:51 The experience highlights the necessity of redundant charging systems, adequate spare parts, and high-quality foul-weather gear for offshore passages.34:56 The crew arrives in Mexico after six days at sea, concluding that successful offshore sailing depends more on thorough preparation and decision-making than on technical sailing skills alone.45:47

More from Em & Nick

Building the Bilge system of our DREAMS (...again lol)Sept 2026We tore out the heart of our boat (electrical refit pt. 1)Aug 2026How much does it ACTUALLY cost to own a sailboat? (our finances for the first 9 months)Aug 2026We ruined HOURS of work in seconds....Jul 2026

From Em & Nick — 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.