Sailing Mirage · video

What this video covers

Vlad, sailing the 50-foot Amel Mirage, completed a 90-mile downwind passage from Saint Martin to Virgin Gorda in 11.5 hours.21:58 The solo transit required managing a large gennaker, which the boat’s electric furling system allows one person to deploy and retract from the cockpit.5:50 During the passage, wind speeds fluctuated between 17 and 25 knots, causing the autopilot to struggle twice in confused seas, leading to 90-degree broaches.11:21 To recover from these situations without dousing the sail, the skipper engaged the engine at 2,000 RPM to regain steerage and return to the intended course.11:47 The route passed through waters where island chains create complex wave interference, resulting in unpredictable sea states compared to open-ocean conditions.12:04 Upon reaching Virgin Gorda, the skipper cleared customs at Spanish Town.20:49 The passage confirmed that maintaining a consistent wind angle and monitoring wind speed are essential for safe solo gennaker operation, while engine power provides a reliable recovery method for autopilot failures in following seas.

Boats in this video

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