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Sailing to the FURTHEST Possible Nation from Home (4 years from UK to New Zealand)

5 April 2025 · 22 min · 35K views · Minerva Reef

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Elixir completes a 800-mile passage from Minerva Reef to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, marking the halfway point of a four-year circumnavigation from the UK.0:28 The transit requires navigating the horse latitudes, where the crew manages shifting wind conditions ranging from 25-knot southerly gusts requiring three reefs in the main to periods of total calm.1:57 During the final 100 miles, a routine engine check reveals an oil leak caused by a chafed rubber hose used for oil changes, which the crew repairs before completing the journey.15:42 The passage involves frequent sail changes, including the use of a symmetrical spinnaker in light air, and concludes with a landfall in the Bay of Islands.9:15 The owner cites burnout from eight months of continuous sailing and the need for a major boat refit as primary reasons for stopping in New Zealand.20:08

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Boats in this video

Swan 37Their boat

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