Hand steering to Vanuatu - Sailing Nandji, Ep 52
19 October 2017 · 21 min · 33K views · Havana Passage
What this video covers
Nandji - Frothlyfe completes a 250-nautical-mile passage from Noumea, New Caledonia, to Tanna Island, Vanuatu, while relying entirely on hand steering.0:14 The crew navigates the Havana Passage on an outgoing tide to exit the lagoon, then maintains a motor-free crossing by relying on trade winds.5:20 During the transit, the crew encounters light air, forcing them to sail at speeds as low as 1.5 knots to avoid using the engine.11:55 They navigate between the islands of Lifou and Mare, remaining vigilant for charted pinnacles near Il Tigger.9:29 A radio handset failure prevents communication with other vessels during the crossing.13:05 Upon arrival at Tanna Island, the crew raises the yellow quarantine flag and coordinates with local customs officials via radio for clearance.18:13 The passage highlights the challenges of manual steering over multi-day offshore legs and the necessity of maintaining a strict watch schedule to manage fatigue. The crew plans to install a wind vane to automate steering for future passages.19:56
Boats in this video
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