Sailing Zephyr IVvideo

At 78, I'm Getting Better at Solo Sailing

10 October 2022 · 26 min · 11K views · Devon

What this video covers

Solo sailor Dave navigates the 38-ft Zephyr IV from Portland Harbour along the south coast of the UK toward Dartmouth.0:31 To clear the hazardous Portland Bill, he times his departure for the early morning tidal window, utilising the inside passage to avoid the turbulent race and the Shambles sandbank.0:31 With light winds, he relies on his Volvo Penta engine to maintain a 7-knot speed over ground.6:35 He uses PredictWind to monitor shifting conditions across Lyme Bay, where he identifies a sea breeze generated by thermal activity, allowing him to adjust his course toward Exmouth.10:17 Upon reaching the River Exe, he secures a mooring buoy during the ebb tide.12:34 Continuing west, he passes Torbay and Berry Head before entering the River Dart.18:55 He notes the importance of constant vigilance for submerged fishing buoys, which can foul a propeller in strong currents.7:16 The autopilot proves effective in light-air sailing, maintaining course during wind shifts.18:51

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Boats in this video

Westerly Yachts Ltd. Oceanquest 35Their boat

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