Garrett’s Adventurevideo
Sailing to Fiji with No Engine
16 July 2024 · 16 min · 62K views · Fiji
What this video covers
A solo sailor completes a passage from Tonga to Fiji with a failing Yanmar engine, a broken generator, and dead batteries.0:33 The engine, which only reaches 800 to 1,000 rpm, forces the vessel to rely on light, inconsistent winds for the final 150-mile approach.1:32 Navigation through the Fijian islands at night requires constant vigilance due to chart inaccuracies regarding island positions.4:21 PredictWind forecasts prove unreliable, leaving the boat drifting at half a knot for extended periods.6:42 Upon reaching the vicinity of the marina, the sailor coordinates a tow from another sailboat after confirming with customs officials that receiving assistance during the check-in process is permissible.15:16 The vessel arrives at the Nawi Island Marina with a non-functional engine and a failed freshwater pump.16:21 The total repair costs for the fuel injection pump and generator are estimated at several thousand dollars.6:26 Mechanical failure and light wind conditions necessitate careful route planning and external towing assistance for marina entry.
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