Leading the Escapade · video

What this video covers

A passage from the United States to Cartagena, Colombia aboard the boat Escapade turns into a multi-day ordeal when sustained winds of 25–45 knots, with gusts to 47, overwhelm the crew of Jace, Janae, and new crew member Tom.Watch The headsail shreds twice — the first time forcing a return to port for overnight repairs, the second time mid-passage in heavy weather.0:20 Strong current near Cuba forces 24 hours of motoring into the wind, burning through fuel reserves the crew admits were under-provisioned for that scenario.0:53 The autopilot cannot hold course in the large swell, requiring hand steering; the boat broaches several times, and Jace briefly suspects rudder or steering failure.2:17 The crew heaves to for several hours to rest and stabilize.2:50 With no fuel remaining, they must sail the entire approach into Cartagena, with friends Bri and Pat standing by in a dinghy to deliver fuel if needed.5:32 Starlink keeps communication open with friends Vic and Brent already in Colombia, who provide routing and sail-trim advice.3:44 The crew identifies the high-wind zone near Barranquilla — caused by a coastal mountain range — as a key hazard on this route.4:49 Under-fueling for upwind motoring against strong Caribbean current is the passage's clearest practical lesson.

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