Igor Stropnikvideo
Sailing Bahamas, Crossing the Gulf Stream, Leopard 50 Catamaran, 1/4
5 January 2024 · 1h 41m · 175K views · Fort Lauderdale
What this video covers
A Leopard 50 catamaran completes a 52-nautical-mile passage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Bimini, Bahamas, crossing the Gulf Stream in 10 to 15 knots of north-east wind.10:42 The crew monitors weather conditions using the Windy and NOAA apps, specifically checking for a north wind component that could create hazardous sea states in the Gulf Stream.6:25 The vessel maintains a speed of 6 to 7 knots over ground by motor-sailing with one or both engines to counteract wind-induced leeway and maintain a steady course.23:31 The boat features a 3-kilowatt solar array, a Code Zero headsail with an electric furler, and high bridge-deck clearance, which prevents slamming in the 1-metre chop.0:59 Navigation through the Intracoastal Waterway requires clearing five bridges, coordinated via VHF channel 9.13:58 The crew utilises an AIS system to track nearby commercial traffic during the crossing.30:16 The boat’s performance remains stable and comfortable throughout the transit, contradicting warnings about the difficulty of crossing with a north-east wind component.
Boats in this video
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