Sailing SV Cordeliavideo

CRUISE SHIP NEAR MISS when SAILING to the BVI

4 April 2025 · 20 min · 1K views · Saint Martin

What this video covers

SV Cordelia departs Marigot Bay, St. Martin, for a 91-mile overnight passage to Road Town, Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands.5:32 Before departure, the crew performs masthead repairs on the lazy jacks and identifies a chafed snubber line.3:49 During the transit, the vessel encounters a large swell generated by a northern storm and experiences a close-quarters situation with a cruise ship, which initially maintains a direct collision course before increasing speed and passing at a distance of 1.2 miles.8:57 Light winds force the crew to motor for much of the passage, during which they reef the main and mizzen sails to prevent chafe against the topping lift in the heavy swell.13:01 Upon arrival in Road Town, the crew completes customs and immigration formalities using the SailClear platform.17:56 They successfully clear their dog, Gus, through the agricultural clinic, noting that arriving outside of ferry schedules significantly expedited the process.17:22

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