Sailing Balachandra · video

What this video covers

Balachandra sails the south coast of Cuba, transiting from Cayo Largo toward the Yucatan Channel.0:03 The crew maintains 6 to 7 knots on a downwind point of sail with the jib and main deployed, benefiting from consistent easterly trade winds.3:13 Navigation relies on OpenCPN charts, which identify the Isla de la Juventud.3:26 Approaching the western tip of Cuba, the crew prepares for potential cross-currents between the Yucatan Channel and the Gulf of Mexico, noting that conditions can mirror the hazards of Cape Hatteras.5:32 To mitigate risk, they plan to anchor near the channel to monitor weather updates via SSB and Chris Parker’s forecasts.6:12 They also prepare the boat by securing the dinghy on deck and readying a storm jib.6:19 ActiveCaptain reports warn of dangerous sea states in the channel caused by the convergence of the Gulf Stream and Caribbean currents.7:48 The crew maintains a 4 to 5 nautical mile offshore buffer to avoid rip currents and reversing waves before rounding the western tip toward Havana.8:25

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