Our most challenging sail - Reunion to South Africa to complete a circumnavigation!
4 November 2024 · 41 min · 14K views · Durban
What this video covers
A 12-day passage from Reunion Island to Durban, South Africa, marks the final leg of a three-year circumnavigation aboard the 40-foot catamaran Viento Del Mar.Watch The route requires navigating the southern tip of Madagascar, where the crew encounters a challenging current gyro and a shear line of thunderstorms.3:51 Sustained winds reach 40 knots with gusts up to 47 knots, forcing the crew to sail under a reefed jib with no mainsail to manage the heavy sea state.18:29 The vessel experiences significant structural stress, including a broken wheel handle during a fishing attempt.11:29 Upon approaching the South African coast, the crew must adjust their course to avoid overshooting the Durban harbor entrance due to strong coastal currents.30:46 The final arrival involves navigating breaking waves at the Vetchies harbor entrance.33:12 The skipper emphasizes that successful long-distance passages depend on a sound vessel and a carefully selected, trusted crew, noting that the physical and emotional demands of offshore sailing often test interpersonal relationships.26:09
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