Sinking or Sailing on the notorious Columbia River. Learning new skills to sail around the world.
13 December 2024 · 14 min · 9K views · Columbia River
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigates the Columbia River in Oregon, practicing single-handed sailing techniques and emergency response scenarios while preparing for a circumnavigation.4:38 The sailor, who lives aboard, performs regular maintenance on running rigging and hoses to ensure vessel reliability.1:54 During a passage on the river, wind conditions shift rapidly from light headwind to 25-knot gusts, requiring constant adjustments to the jib and main sail.11:16 The sailor manages the boat in cold, rainy, and foggy conditions, relying on GPS for navigation when visibility drops.9:13 Engine operation is a point of experimentation, with the sailor preferring 2100 RPM over the manual’s recommended 2400–2500 RPM to reduce vibration and engine noise.8:00 The sailor emphasizes a minimalist approach to gear and spare parts due to limited storage space and budget constraints.3:55 The experience highlights the challenges of single-handed sailing in narrow, current-heavy river environments and the importance of incremental skill-building for long-distance voyaging.4:44
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