Sailing Magic Carpet · video

What this video covers

The 28-foot sailboat Magic Carpet navigates the Grand Canal d'Alsace, a man-made section of the upper Rhine River, while traveling north from Switzerland.4:03 The crew, consisting of two owners and two guests, manages the vessel through three large-scale commercial locks, including Ottmarsheim and Vogelgrund.3:12 Navigating these locks requires coordinating with large commercial traffic, such as the vessel Nevada, and managing significant propeller wash that can buffet a small boat against concrete lock walls.8:35 The crew discovers that floating bollards are not present in every wall recess, necessitating quick adjustments to line handling and fender placement.11:43 Waiting for lock cycles often involves hovering in the river, though the canal sections lack current, simplifying the wait.7:44 The crew finds that entering the lock too soon behind commercial ships exposes the boat to dangerous turbulence, while waiting for the wash to subside provides a more stable entry.12:13 Having extra crew on deck significantly improves safety and efficiency during these maneuvers.12:35

More from Sailing Magic Carpet

The Hermit of the Goose GroupOct 2026We're Starting to Lose Our MindsOct 2026We Found An Old Map Leading Us To Hotsprings...Oct 2026A Mysterious Presence on this Northern IslandSept 2026

From Sailing Magic Carpet — 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.