Sailing Catalpa · video

What this video covers

A family of four sailing the 40-ft Catalpa across the Pacific Ocean reports progress 1,000 nautical miles into a 4,000-mile passage toward the Marquesas.7:32 The crew manages sail trim and reefing to balance the boat and reduce autopilot load, noting that their furling mainsail system allows for safe, single-handed reefing from the cockpit.10:58 During the transit, the crew addresses a deck leak caused by a cleat bolt installed without epoxy, applying silicone as a temporary seal.4:37 They also perform emergency repairs on the mainsail after batten pockets rip.11:56 The crew maintains a steady speed of 7 to 11 knots with favorable currents.7:36 After 13 days without a catch, they land a large wahoo using a Lance's hand line with a bungee shock absorber.19:51 The crew processes the fish using a specific filleting technique learned in Indonesia, which involves cutting workable pieces rather than full fillets to maximize freezer space.20:33 They also observe boobies hunting flying fish near the boat and confirm a crossing of the equator.14:38

More from Sailing Catalpa

What's broken? Sailing across the Pacific Part 2Aug 2026Sailing 4000nm across the Pacific Ocean PART ONE Episode 500Jul 2026Safety Upgrades we made to SAIL across the PACIFIC OCEAN Episode 499Jul 2026Sailing away from Panama City Episode 498Jul 2026

From Sailing Catalpa — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.