Untide · video

What this video covers

The 37-foot Sparkman Stevens Swan *Elixir* cruises the Tuamotus archipelago in French Polynesia, navigating remote atolls like Tahanea and Fakarava.0:13 Accessing these lagoons requires timing entries and exits with slack water to avoid dangerous currents in narrow reef passes.6:17 While anchored in Fakarava, the crew performs routine maintenance, including cleaning corroded electrical contacts on the windlass switch and re-greasing winches to resolve sticking.9:49 Freediving in the passes offers access to abundant marine life, including blacktip reef sharks and grouper, though spearfishing requires caution to avoid ciguatera poisoning.7:08 Anchoring inside atolls presents specific challenges; fetch across the lagoon can create a steep, uncomfortable chop when winds shift, occasionally forcing a relocation to find shelter.14:09 During one departure from Fakarava, the crew encounters heavy surf that causes the bow to pitch significantly while retrieving the anchor.13:42 Proper timing of tidal windows and monitoring wind shifts are essential for safe navigation and comfortable anchoring within atoll lagoons.

Boats in this video

More from Untide

How We Get Paid to Sail the World (Full Time)Sept 2026The Perfect Affordable Cruising Boat? (Dufour 31)Aug 2026Sailing with Orcas and Humpbacks in the Pacific Northwest!Aug 2026How We Get Paid to Sail in Paradise (Full-Time Boat Life)Jul 2026

From Untide — 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.