Sailing Triteiavideo
Sailing Alone Across the Somali Sea on a 30ft Sailboat Rough Seas from The Seychelles
16 August 2026 · 36K views · Somali Sea
What this video covers
Triteia, a 30-ft sailboat, transits the Indian Ocean from the Seychelles toward Mayotte, navigating the compression zone north of Madagascar.2:46 The passage involves managing heavy, close-interval seas and shifting trade winds that frequently deviate from the expected southeast direction.3:30 To maintain stability and avoid violent slamming in 12-foot waves, the crew employs a sail plan of two reefs in the main and partial headsail, often limiting speed to five knots.16:49 A Hydrovane handles steering during the most challenging conditions.17:17 The route requires careful timing to bypass the northern tip of Madagascar, where trade winds accelerate against the landmass, creating dangerous sea states.5:57 The crew uses an InReach device to receive weather plots and ship traffic updates from a shore team.31:40 After enduring several days of rowdy, wet conditions, the wind eventually dies, necessitating the use of the engine for the final 97 miles to Mayotte.59:29 Proper sail reduction and speed control are essential for minimizing structural stress and crew fatigue during heavy-weather passages.
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