Sailing Catalpavideo

one of the most remote islands on the planet

6 September 2026 · 23 min · 18K views · Fatuhiva

What this video covers

After a 4,000-nautical-mile, 29-day Pacific crossing from Panama, the crew of the ferro-cement boat Catalpa arrives in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia.Watch They anchor at Fatuhiva, a remote island accessible only by sea, before sailing 40 nautical miles to Hiva Oa.0:38 During the passage, the crew manages a mainsail failure by sailing with a jib and mizzen, maintaining seven knots.15:12 Upon arrival, they install a new Mantis bridle to improve ground tackle security, emphasizing the importance of chafe protection and quick-release mechanisms to prevent anchor loss in heavy weather.1:22 While provisioning in Hiva Oa, the crew navigates language barriers with local residents, including a miscommunication that leads to an unplanned night fishing trip.19:23 The crew also manages long-term waste storage by compacting non-organic trash into plastic bottles to minimize onboard clutter during extended passages.17:27

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