keeldraggervideo
Sailing Solo to French Polynesia!! 3000+ miles across the Pacific (March-April 2025)
30 April 2025 · 1h 27m · 90K views
What this video covers
A solo sailor completes a 3,000-mile passage from La Cruz, Mexico, to Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, departing in late March 2025.Watch The route passes south of the Mexican archipelago, including Socorro and Clarion Islands, before crossing the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).1:17 Throughout the transit, the sailor manages battery levels by cycling Starlink usage and motor-sailing during light-wind periods.4:00 Technical challenges include an AIS failure, a stalled engine caused by an obstruction in the fuel pickup line, and frequent squalls requiring radar monitoring.43:44 To maintain a safe arrival time at Nuka Hiva, the sailor employs a conservative sail plan, often double-reefing the mainsail at night to prioritize rest and vessel stability over maximum speed.1:14:39 The passage involves navigating through 2- to 3-meter seas and managing weather helm while using a Hydrovane self-steering system.29:31 The voyage concludes after approximately three weeks, with the sailor maintaining a daily average of 120 to 140 nautical miles.1:13:30
Boats in this video
More from keeldragger
From keeldragger — 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.



