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"Defying The Doubters" Punching Our Cat Upwind!
22 June 2025 · 19 min · 29K views · Fiji
What this video covers
The 130-nautical-mile passage from Tavoni Island to Suva, Fiji, forces the crew of the catamaran Chequers to beat 60 degrees into 20 knots of wind and sloppy, post-low-pressure seas.▶ 9:43 Poor navigation planning leaves the crew struggling to maintain a course between two reefs, requiring the vessel to maintain a tight upwind angle for 60 miles.▶ 9:06 Despite bridge-deck slamming and heavy motion, the boat maintains an average speed of 5.7 knots, covering 136 miles in 24 hours.▶ 17:25 The crew manages a diesel leak and intermittent tracker issues while navigating through reef-heavy waters at night.▶ 3:58 Upon reaching the lee of the islands, the wind shifts to a beam reach, allowing for easier sailing for the final 50 miles into Suva Harbour.▶ 15:09 The passage confirms the vessel's ability to handle upwind conditions and heavy swell, exceeding the crew's initial expectations for the catamaran's performance.▶ 17:30
Boats in this video
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