Don McIntyre & Jane - "2000 miles under Bimini" - Papeete to FIJI! on a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 423
9 June 2025 · 1h 13m · 8K views · South Pacific Ocean
What this video covers
A 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 423 completes a 2,000-mile passage from Papeete to Fiji, maintaining a consistent pace despite equipment failures and variable weather.12:15 The crew utilizes a Hydrovane for self-steering in light to moderate conditions, switching to the autopilot when the boat becomes unbalanced under a two-reefed main.14:26 During the transit, the vessel encounters 30-knot gusts and three-meter seas, requiring careful sail management.14:08 The boat’s main furling gear malfunctions near the end of the trip, forcing the crew to rely on the genoa and engine power.47:43 Upon arrival at Vuda Marina in Fiji, the boat is hauled out for cyclone season, with the crew preparing for potential 100-knot winds by securing the hull and storing electronics in a Faraday cage.57:04 The owner praises the Beneteau’s light helm and cockpit ergonomics, noting that the design allows for easy single-handed operation.58:12 A technical demonstration of the Hydrovane’s gearbox and remote control line explains the mechanical linkage between the wind vane and the rudder.59:17
Boats in this video
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