WEsailvideo

The Last Sail in the Tuamotus | Episode 254

21 May 2024 · 33 min · 32K views · French Polynesia

What this video covers

Warren and Erica sail from Tahinehan to the Fakarava South Pass in French Polynesia, a 50-mile overnight passage.10:37 They time their arrival for daylight to navigate the pass, which experiences strong currents and turbulent conditions resembling rapids.10:43 Before departing, Warren repairs a dive compressor by fabricating a replacement gasket from rubber material after the original split.4:58 During the transit, they fly a spinnaker in light winds but eventually switch to a headsail to manage their speed for a morning arrival.19:52 Upon reaching Fakarava, the crew dives the South Pass, a site they have visited over 70 times.24:45 They observe widespread, severe coral bleaching, which they attribute to rising water temperatures reaching 86 degrees Fahrenheit.29:30 Local reports indicate this damage occurred rapidly within the two weeks prior to their arrival.29:35 The crew notes the stark contrast between the current barren state of the reef and its previous vibrancy.

Watch on YouTube

More from WEsail

13 Knots, Big Seas & Dolphins at Sunset | Sailing Back to Fiji's MainlandAug 2026We Don't Know Where We're Going Next | Leaving Fulaga, Fiji & Sailing SomewhereAug 2026We Ran Out of Gas Saying Goodbye | Our Last Days in Fulaga, FijiJul 2026Nobody Mentioned the Cave of Bones | Three Weeks in Fulaga, FijiJul 2026

From WEsail — 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.

Report an issue