keeldraggervideo
Sailing to Bahia Santa Maria, BCS, Mexico and exploring cool mangroves (December 2024)
6 January 2025 · 28 min · 2K views
What this video covers
A 246-nautical-mile passage from Bahia Tortugas to Bahia Santa Maria, Mexico, tests the crew of the sailboat *Keeldragger* as they navigate 20-to-25-knot winds and heavy seas.19:09 The crew relies on a Hydrovane self-steering system, which requires adjustment after the vane is found 180 degrees out of phase.4:15 During the three-day transit, the boat maintains a double-reefed main and staysail, occasionally using a preventer to manage deep downwind angles.4:30 Technical issues arise when the radar fails to detect nearby vessels, forcing the crew to maintain a manual watch.10:49 Additionally, the VHF radio loses signal, prompting plans to re-terminate the antenna cable at the base of the mast to address potential connection failures.16:20 Upon arrival at the north end of Bahia Santa Maria, the crew anchors in a wind-protected area near a local fishing village.18:16 They explore the surrounding mangroves and sand dunes by dinghy, noting the presence of local panga fishing boats and a Canadian-flagged vessel grounded on the beach.26:28
Boats in this video
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