Distant Shores TV · video

What this video covers

Paul and Sheryl Shard depart Bermuda's St. George's Harbour aboard their Hank Sail Orion 49 for an 1,800-mile transatlantic passage to Horta in the Azores — their 11th transatlantic crossing — with crew members Doug and Maggie.0:06 The passage takes 14 days and covers over 2,000 miles.27:47 Lightning squalls on the first night produce near-constant sheet lightning with the storm center tracking eight miles astern on radar; winds run 10–12 knots apparent at that point.8:40 For most of the downwind run, the crew sails wing-and-wing with a downwind pole on the genoa and a boom preventer rigged forward to a turning block, with the autopilot steering 140 degrees relative to the wind to prevent an accidental jibe.10:18 Routing strategy, tracked via PredictWind, involves staying north of the Azores High to find pressure-gradient winds while avoiding the light-air center and the stronger lows sweeping off the United States.19:38 At the furthest north point, around 41°N, boat speed reaches seven to eight knots in 14–15 knots of breeze.18:06 The crew runs three-hour watches and converts the shower into a provisions locker for easy access during a multi-week passage.20:40 Bermuda coverage includes St. George's Marina facilities, local food (wahoo fish sandwiches on raisin bread, goombay seafood platters), and the ARC Europe fleet departure.2:28

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