SailingAlonevideo
Birds, Crabs & Oil Pump in Distress. 3000 Kilometers from Australia to Christmas Island
14 August 2026 · 18 min · 14K views · Indian Ocean
What this video covers
The solo sailor of the yacht Raikia navigates from Darwin, Australia, to Ashmore Reef and Christmas Island, a 1,500-nautical-mile passage across the Indian Ocean.0:57 Mechanical failures plague the journey, beginning with a faulty autopilot compass and a broken Hydrovane bearing.Watch During the initial leg, a loose mainsheet shackle causes the boom to swing uncontrollably in light air.1:47 Near Ashmore Reef, the engine oil pressure alarm triggers; the sailor discovers a double-gasket failure on the oil filter, which caused a massive oil leak.4:28 After repairing the engine, the sailor explores the reef’s bird colonies and collects plastic debris from the beaches.6:16 While sailing toward Christmas Island, a squall snaps the aluminum spinnaker pole.10:55 The sailor successfully repairs the pole by welding an internal sleeve at a local shop on Christmas Island.14:16 The transit also involves navigating around unlit Indonesian fishing vessels and managing a sudden insurance cancellation by Pantaenius while at sea.12:04 The trip concludes with observations of the island’s endemic land crabs and coastal erosion.14:43 Proper maintenance and carrying spare parts are essential for remote solo passages.
More from SailingAlone
From SailingAlone — 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.